The College View Issue 10

Wednesday April 4th, 2018

www.thecollegeview.com

DCU calls for regulation of student accommodation sector . Est. 1999 .

Shauna Bowers Editor-in-Chief @shaunabowerss

DCU are calling on policy makers to regulate “the escalating and uncontrolled pricing” of the student housing sector.

Two weeks ago, this newspaper revealed that purpose-built student accommodation complexes around the Glasnevin area increased the rent for the upcoming academic year by over 20 per cent each.

Shanowen Square announced an increase of 27 per cent and the nearby complex Shanowen Hall announced increases of just over 23.5 per cent. Both complexes also require a €400 non-refundable deposit.

These increases means students will be paying between €235 and €225 a week for accommodation for the academic year - meaning their eight and a half month lease will come in at around €9,000.

In a statement, President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, highlighted the need for action to stop the rental hikes in student accommodation complexes.

“In some cases, students are being exploited by constraints in the rental market in Dublin and elsewhere around the country. Recent increases of up to 27 per cent on student accommodation by private providers are simply unacceptable,” he said.

“The primary driver of the escalating costs for student accommodation is that demand is now far outstripping supply.

“If regulation and supply are not addressed student accommodation costs will invariably continue to increase.

“The burdens being placed on students and their families by such increases is unacceptable and

#ShanowenShakedown: DCU students protested the increases in rent in Shanowen Square and Shanowen Hall on Thursday the 29th of March. They brought sleeping bags to demonstrate that if they can’t afford student accommodation they will effectively be homeless. They said: “If we can’t afford to stay in Shanowen, we will sleep out here instead.” Credit: Mark Carroll

will inevitably create a family-income-based barrier for entry into Higher and Further Education. This is completely contrary to current government policies in this regard.”

This statement came following DCU Students’ Union organised a protest outside the Shanowen accommodation complexes on Thursday the 29th of March. Their campaign is under the name #ShanowenShakedown and they are asking for a complete reversal of these increases and are seeking regulation to prevent increases such as these in the future.

DCU Students’ Union VP for Welfare and Equality, Podge Henry, fears that these increases will prevent students from furthering their education.

“This will 100 per cent stop people from going to college. It’s ridiculous.

Students don’t have the money to pay €9,000 on top of tuition,” he said.

“If you’re from a family that only has one income, like one parent is working and the other isn’t, then you simply can’t afford €9,000. We need this to change. Four years ago,

Shanowen was just under €5,000 and now it’s €9,000? That’s just not acceptable.”

An online petition was started last week and had over 15,000 signatures at the time of writing.

Shanowen Square and Hall did not respond to requests for comment by The College View.

Trinity Students’ Union has also shown their support for DCUSU in their campaign for a complete reversal of these increases.

In an open letter published on Friday, they said: “Accommodation

is a basic right. Safe, comfortable, affordable housing is an absolute necessity for all. Students across this country have been taken advantage of for too long.

“Enough is enough... The students of this country stand united in rejection of all unjust charges, all regressive fees, and all policies that are detrimental to students. We stand with you. We support you. We share your struggle.”

year due to delays in construction.

There will be a soft opening of the ground floor of the new four storey Hub before the end of the semester, according to Behan.

The opening will serve to “mark the fact that there’s people here

who have seen three years now of building, to commemorate them and say let’s have a quick look around,” Behan said.

The Summer Ball, which was originally planned to be held in the new Hub will be hosted in an

external venue. The Summer Ball was traditionally held in the old DCU Venue, and was moved to the Wright Venue in Swords last year.

THE launch of the new DCU student centre has been delayed until

September, according to DCUSU President Niall Behan.

Commencement on the €14 million project began in late June 2016 and originally aimed to be finished in February, but will not be ready by the end of the 2017/18 academic

Features

Sports

Opinion

Gaeilg

News

3v3 tournament success for basketball club

Is the pro-choice campaign too reliant on the young vote?

Opening of student hub delayed until September

Fionnuala Walsh News Editor

@fionnuala_walsh

Light sabers light up the children’s ward Page 15

Page 18

Page 10

An Foclóir Aiteach

Page 11

Continued on page 3

DCU to move semester 1 exams to before Christmas

Page 3

2

Editorial

INSIDE The Hype

Editor-in-Chief

Books

Shauna Bowers

Ready Player One Read more on page 6

Editor’s piece

Lifestyle Nailing the business Read more on page 9

Facebook: TheCollegeView Twitter: @thecollegeview Read more on our website; thecollegeview.com

Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief: Shauna Bowers Deputy Editor: Kyle Ewald Production & Layout Editor: Daniel Troy Deputy Production Editor: Amanda Ward Production Assistants: Kyle Ewald, Elsa McEvoy, Fionnuala Walsh, Méabh Riordan & Sam Roberts News Editors: Kyle Ewald & Fionnuala Walsh Deputy News Editors: Elsa McEvoy, Shauna Coen & Callum Lavery Opinion Editor: Megan Conway Deputy opinions Editor: Gabija Gataveckaite

Video Editor: Leanne Hanafin Illustrations Editor: Laura Duffy Social Media Editors: Michelle Townsend & Colleen Brady Chief Sub Editor: Niall O’Donoghue Sub Editors: Leigh McGowran, Edina Zejnilovic, Emily Sheahan, John Morley, Orla Dwyer, Aoibhin Bryant, Brendan Kelly, Emily Donnelly, Róisin Cullen, Courtney Fitzmaurice, Daniel Phelan, Bridget Fitzhenry, Niamh Dunne, Colin Gannon, Katie Caden, Gabija Gataveckaite

Contacts Lifestyle Editor: Katie Gallagher Deputy Lifestyle Editors: Adam Daly & editor@thecollegeview.com Rachel Farrell news@thecollegeview.com Features Editor: Orla O”Driscoll Deputy Features Editor: Arthur Velker features@thecollegeview.com Irish Editor: Ali Spillane

opinion@thecollegeview.com

Sports Editor: Alex Dunne Deputy Sports Editors: Gavin Quinn & Christy Dunne

gaeilge@thecollegeview.com

Arts Editor: Emer Handly Deputy Arts Editors: Ian Mangan & Ally Daly Images Editor: Mark Carroll Deputy Images Editor: Daria Jonkisz Photographers: Grainne Jones & Eoin Cooke

sports@thecollegeview.com Printed by Datascope, with the DCU Journalism Society Thanks to Sportsfile, SLC, Office of Student Life Logo design by Lauren McConway

Furthering your education is expensive. €3,000 a year for tuition is a strain on so many families. But for students who don’t have the luxury of living at home during the academic year, that strain is even worse.

The recent increases in student accommodation complexes around the DCU Glasnevin campus is making education an insurmountable goal for so many families. Having to fork out €9,000 for a ninemonth lease, on top of the €3,000 required for tuition means that people will begin to re-evaluate their hopes of attending university.

A question that has been on the lips of many DCU students this week is why does the four per cent cap not apply to students? The four per cent cap that applies to long-term leases doesn’t apply and as a result, we have witnessed increases of up to 27 per cent in student accommodation complexes around DCU. Something needs to be done to regulate these increases. Change needs to occur in order to protect students.

This year, The College View has revealed some serious student issues such as these rental increases, students dealing drugs to fund education and so much more.

It has been a privilege and an honour

to lead a fantastic team of student journalists. Each member on the team will go on to have fantastic careers in whatever field they may choose. Their commitment, perseverance and diligence when following stories this year stands testament to them.

I would also like to thank my deputy editor Kyle Ewald who has worked so tirelessly throughout this year. If it wasn’t for you Kyle, this paper wouldn’t of the fantastic quality it is today.

To everybody who took part in production this year, I can’t express my gratitude for all the weekends you gave up in order to put the paper together. Your hard work paid great dividends all year. I was proud to work alongside you all.

I now hand over The College View to Callum Lavery and Gabija Gataveckaite who I strongly believe will take the paper to even greater heights. They have excellent ideas that will advance the paper.

Callum and Gaby have shown great passion for journalism and have impressed so many of our readers with their reportage, insights and ability to dig out a story.

Their capabilities as journalists and editors will ensure that The College View will become a student paper of record. It’s exciting to see what they will do throughout the upcoming academic year.

News

3

DCU to consider holding first semester exams in December

The new student hub will not open until next September Continued from Page 1

Fionnuala Walsh News Editor

@fionnuala_walsh

A working group has been set up in DCU to consider moving semester one exams to December, rather than late January.

The working group will discuss the possibility of changing the exam timetables following feedback from staff and students.

The group was established

by Professor Eithne Guilfoyle, Vice-President of Academic Affairs in DCU, and William Kelly, the Deputy Registrar.

“It would be a huge change to the way DCU operates now,” said Niall Behan, President of DCU Students’ Union.

UCD, NUI Galway and UCC all have their exams before Christmas, and Trinity holds exams for both semesters at the end of April.

“Other colleges do it differently, should we be doing it differently, what are the implications and would students agree to it,” said Behan.

DCU would be joining UCD, NUI Galway and UCC if their exams are moved to before Christmas.

“It would affect exams and results, and I think that with the new strategic plan it’s just a complete overview of how our policies work.

Not just sitting down waiting for things to happen, but actively doing something.”

The working group will not make a definitive decision on the issue, and their feedback will then go to the executive and governing authority for approval.

“I think some people with placements and stuff would think differently, some people missing out

on placements because they have to start later, people on international and Erasmus miss exams and there is a lot of hassle with that. International students have to leave early and have to do a project that actually adds to an academics workload over Christmas,” he said.

“I ask is it right that 17,000 students don’t have their Christmas when 15,000 academics do, so that would be the point I’d make,” he said.

Chynna Lewis, an international student from America in the

Credit: PA

Global Business program said that the current academic calendar was inconvenient.

“I’d prefer to have exams before Christmas because I was very stressed the whole christmas break.

When I should have been enjoying my holidays I was busy studying for exams,” Lewis said.

“The group’s membership is drawn from across the university, and includes student representation. The current President of the Students’ Union, Niall Behan, is a member,” she said.

LIDL to fund construction of 364 student beds in Ballymun

Elsa McEvoy Deputy News Editor @thecollegeview

APPROXIMATELY 364 new bed spaces designed for students will be developed in Ballymun and funded by supermarket giant, Lidl.

The development will not only consist of accommodation but also a supermarket, office space, retail space and two cafes.

Called the North Quarter Student Accommodation, the two blocks of student housing will be situated just off the main street of Balcurris in Ballymun, just over a kilometre from DCU’s campus.

This is also just 200 metres away from a proposed metro stop in Ballymun and will also have access to campuses in Trinity and DIT.

The scheme is located off the M50 and M1 motorways, near Dublin airport.

The proposed development, which is to be funded by the German supermarket, Lidl, comes at a time when student accommodation is scarce, with only one in seven students reportedly having access to purpose-built accommodation.

This comes just as the accommodation around DCU, mainly Shanowen Housing, has seen an increase in rent prices of up to 27 per cent for the next academic year.

The development will cost Lidl approximately €46 million according to the commercial real estate agency CBRE. However, prospective buyers are currently being invited to forward purchase North Quarter Student Accommodation.

Upon completion of the development, Lidl will sell the two blocks of student housing, including ancillary retail space and two cafes, to a purchaser.

“North Quarter provides investors with an opportunity to secure a newly developed scheme in a location where student numbers are high and projected to increase over

The development will cost €46 million. Credit: Mark Carroll

the coming years,” Emma Courtney, CBRE’s associate director within their residential capital markets division, told independent.ie.

President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, told The College View in January that they are in talks with multiple locations regarding increasing the number of purpose-built student accommodation blocks.

He said: “Our first priority is on-campus accommodation but the

next best thing is proximity.”

In a statement released last week, he said: “Additional further investment in student accommodation is urgently required to address future regional demographic growth and accommodate growing international students if the key third level objectives of the Government’s International Education Strategy are to be realised.”

Behan did not say where the Summer Ball would be held following the unexpected delay but he did insist that it would be going ahead.

“If someone comes in with a delay you can’t really plan for it,” said Behan. “It’s a natural occurrence, nothing we can do about it, but it definitely puts us on the back foot.

At the same time, it’s going to be a superb building that’s going to make a difference to students.”

“There’s going to be a new hub next year, there’s going to be a big event there in September. We’re going to have a Summer Ball just to celebrate the final years here, to focus on them, rather than do something massive now. There’s going to be something massive in four months, it would be a bit of a waste,” he said.

The construction work has disrupted society life and engagement, according to final year Media and Law student Emma Begley.

“I don’t think they planned it very well,” said Begley. “They took a full year or two out of students lives and engagement. I’d love to be here when it’s done but its just such a shame.”

“I haven’t gone to the external venues because I thought it was a bad idea. I have no interest in it at all. If I wanted to go out in a different venue I would just go out myself. The whole point of a DCU event is that it’s on campus. If it’s off campus I’d just go to a club in town or something,” said Begley.

While other DCU students do understand the frustration of the ongoing construction, they also recognise the need for the new student hub.

“This is going to be a building which services all DCU students across all DCU campuses,” Fiona a final year science student, said.

“This is a big project. I think it’s unfair to be angry at the time it’s taking when it’s going to benefit so many different people, clubs and societies.

“I think we should just be patient because when it’s finished it is going to be a fantastic asset to college life,” she said.

This is the second time that the construction end-date has been pushed forward.

Office of Student Life Manager Una Redmond stressed the importance of looking at the long term positive effects the new Hub will have on student life as opposed to focusing on the negatives of the construction.

“It will be great when it’s done and I suppose that’s what we have been saying to students. “ I know it’s an inconvenience and we were very well aware of that before we started, we’ve tried to minimise that as much as possible, but you can’t knock half a building and rebuild an entirely splendid new building without there being some bit of inconvenience”.

The College View contacted DCU for comment but they did not respond before publication.

News

4 News in Brief Campaign launched for warning labels on takeaways: Chinese takeaways and ready meals should carry health warning labels on their packaging and menus to highlight their detrimental salt levels for people to understand the dangers of eating a high salt diet, according to health campaign group Action on salt.

A survey published last week

by Action on Salt found Chinese takeaway dishes contain just as much salt as five McDonalds’s Big Macs, with many more having more than half an adult’s entire daily allowance.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland states the average daily salt intake in Ireland is approximately 10g in adults. However, the recommended limit of adult salt intake is 6g a day – around one teaspoon.

Students, in particular, are notorious for ordering takeaways on a regular basis, with many students aware of the high levels of sodium but choosing to ignore the dangers of a high salt diet.

One DCU student runs for USI position

Kyle Ewald Deputy Editor @thecollegeview FINAL year Education and Training student Kayla Gaffney is the only DCU student running for a position in the USI elections taking place today.

Gaffney is running for the posi-

tion of VP for the Dublin region, a position that has only been around for a year.

“A VP for Dublin is vital for relaying updates, campaigns and events back to the SU’s and students and vice versa. As the largest group of students we also need to be represented by the national student union,” said Gaffney. “With all of the major issues happening in Dublin recently such as Take back Trinity, the merger between ITT, ITB and DIT, and the accommodation crisis the VP is there to support students and fight for their rights.”

The only candidate running for the position against her is Trinity student Colm O’Halloran.

In relation to DCU, Gaffney hopes to work with the incoming

DCU executive and the USI VP for campaigns to lobby for fair accommodation prices for students living near the college.

“Especially now with Shanowen Square increasing prices by 27 per cent, students are not cash cows and it is time to fight back,” said Gaffney.

Nationally, Gaffney said her most important goal if elected is “growing the Access cohort of students by working with the Higher Education Authority and each member organisation’s access office to make their access route more accessible as some of the ITs offer other routes that are a bit more restrictive.”

“This would allow more students to attend third level education and it would be a great way to show the government that publicly funded

education is needed more than ever,” said Gaffney.

DCUSU President Niall Behan said while only one DCU student is running for a USI position, this is not a reflection of the relationship between the college and national students group.

“The jump from DCU work to USI work for a year is stark and is not for everyone. We have engaged heavily with USI this year and fully support Kayla, however it would not be for everybody to run.

“DCU unanimously voted to support her in her campaign,” said Behan.

Students say studies suffer while working in college: One in five students aged 15 and over have a part time job while in school, according to reports form the Irish Examiner.

The College View spoke to students about their experiences balancing education both in secondary school and third-level education.

“I got my first job doing gardens part time at 16. I needed cash. At 18 I worked 3 months to save for college. The job was exploiting other young people with no contracts. By the end of the first week everyone had been fired and a new crowd of folks were in.” said Vincent O’Reilly, who studies game design in Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.

The report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said students who work for pay score lower in science and are more likely to report feeling like an outsider at school, the Irish Examiner reported.

Number of girls getting HPV vaccine rises There was an increase in the uptake of girls getting the HPV vaccine this year, according to the latest figures released by the Health Service Executive (HSE) last Thursday.

The figures show that there has been an 11% increase. Uptake so far currently stands at 62% in comparison to 51% last year.

The HPV vaccine prevents the most common strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. There was a pattern of decline in previous years. Discussion on anti-vaccination social media websites claimed the vaccine has damaging effects, including chronic fatigue.

Minister for Health Simon Harris spoke on Thursday at the launch of the Phase Two of the HPV Vaccine Information Campaign.

DCU only has one student running for a position in the Union of Students in Ireland for the next academic year.

Credit: USI

Significant increase in illegal online purchasing of cannabis Ellen Fitzpatrick Editor-in-Chief @thecollegeview THERE has been a significant increase in the illegal purchase of cannabis online, especially among third level students internationally, a researcher has found.

The purchase of the drug has become increasingly easier to buy online and between January 2005 and June 2017 it saw the increase in online searches go from 1.4 million to 2.4 million.

It was also found that 41 per cent of this online purchasing is linked to retailers advertising home delivered cannabis through the U.S. Postal Service, commercial parcel companies or private couriers.

“Online retailers often do not have age restrictions to view their websites or even to purchase addictive products, and their products may not meet important safety standards,” the lead researcher of this study, Theodore Caputi of the

School of Public Health in UCC said.

“In our study, we found that millions of Americans are searching the internet to purchase marijuana, and many of the links they find are advertising mail-order weed. Specifically, we find that between 1.4 and 2.4 million searches to purchase marijuana were executed in June 2017, and as many as half of the resulting links advertised mail-order marijuana,” Caputi continued.

“Online interest in purchasing marijuana is increasing rapidly: while marijuana searches have grown 98 per cent since 2005, searches for purchasing marijuana has increased 199 per cent.”

The DCU Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) are taking necessary precautions to prevent the illegal purchase of drugs online.

“In terms of actions to take, SSDP never condemn nor condone drug use. We envisage a sitgma-free society where the citizens are well-educated, and are fully equipped

with the tools and knowledge which will allow them to make an unbiased, well-informed decision for themselves”, Eleanor Hulm, DCU SSDP representative, told The College View.

“Substance use is risky and will never be 100 per cent safe while an illicit, unregulated market still thrives. This means we cannot eliminate the potential risks of drug use entirely but we strive to empower people as much as possible to engage with harm reduction”, she continued.

The purchase of cannabis online is not as big a problem among university students in Ireland as it where cannabis is legal and more readily available, like in some US states and parts of Canada.

Ordering weed online is becoming more popular Credit: Pinterest

6

News

Only one reported bullying complaint in Trinity has been sanctioned in last three years During the current academic year there was three complaints of bullying and one report of sexual harassment. The complaint of sexual harassment is currently being investiOF seven complaints of bullying in gated, while only one of the comTrinity in the past three years, only plaints filed for bullying was upheld one has been upheld and formally and formally sanctioned. sanctioned, a recent FOI revealed.

“Companies who put a real preDuring the academic year of mium on civil, respectful behaviour 2015/16, there were three com(…) benefit from the sense people plaints of bullying, one between two get that they must up their game and members of staff and the other two cannot just throw the toys out of the between academics. However, none pram every time things don’t go their of the complaints filed that year were way at work,” said Patricia Murray, upheld and sanctioned. organisational psychologist with the The following year there was only Health and Safety Authority (HAS) one report of bullying and one report on how to prevent bullying in the of harassment, all which involved workplace. members of staff. Again, these com“As there is increasing clarity, plaints were not upheld or formally both from agencies such as oursanctioned.

Elsa McEvoy Deputy News Editor @thecollgeview

selves and the Workplace relations Commission, on what is and what is not bullying, some issues previously reported as bullying are being reported differently, rightly,” she said.

The most recent European Working Conditions Survey (2014) on workplace bullying in Ireland saw that we ranked seventh place in Europe for incidents of workplace bullying.

Six per cent of Irish employees say they have experienced bullying at work according to the same survey.

“Any complaint should be given some time and space to be aired and that means sitting down and listening to it. Giving the person complaining headspace to better understand their own issue and to better understand

Credit: Alison Clair

???

what is happening,” said Murray.

“Often people don’t know what is happening and feel threatened and afraid. Then assessing what is being complained of, if true, would be bullying. If it’s not, if it’s a grievance

or a conflict, then don’t process it as bullying,” she said.

Trinity did not respond to a request for comment by The College View.

New metro poses risk to local GAA club First English-Irish LGBTQ dictionary launched

The initiative was welcomed

by DCU’s LGBTA society and the Students’ Union.

Dean O’Reilly, Chairperson of DCU’s LGBTA society said, “It A NEW LGBTQ dictionary for the has always been important for the Irish language has been launched in LGBTQ+ community to have the DCU. language to express themselves.

The Queer Dictionary, translated “We can’t emphasise enough the as ‘An Foclóir Aiteach’ is the first importance of language in conveyof its kind in Ireland with over 100 ing an individual’s experience. Our words and terms translated. hearts go out in solidarity to all those It is part of a collaboration that have been waiting for the right between the Union of Students in words to articulate themselves.”

Ireland (USI), BeLonG To Youth O’Reilly said the society is Services and the Transgender Equalipleased with the development and ty Network of Ireland (TENI). acknowledges the initiative as a It also received the support of step towards equality and a practical Minister of State at the Department achievement towards understanding. of Culture with responsibility for Podge Henry, VP for Welfare and Gaeilge, Joe McHugh.

Equality, added: “It’s a fantastic step Speaking about the launch on for both the Irish language and the March 21st, Minister McHugh said, “This kind of initiative keeps the lan- LGBTQ+ community.

“It shows the language is guage alive, and close to the heart.” changing with the world that we “It is important to keep the language alive and I think it’s a very live in which is brilliant and for The loss of the pitches was explained to be for a minimum of three years, but potentially six years or more Credit: Chris Cannon clever, an cliste, way of doing it,” the the LGBTQ+ community, it shows recognition amongst different lanminister added. nchú slammed the decision and said that their grounds may be affectColin Gannon guages.”

The new dictionary is a resource that the potential implications are ed by the project on Friday 16th Contributor Henry noted that equality for all for members of the LGBTQA comfar-reaching and do not represent just March, less than 48 hours prior to @thecollegeview also means equality within languagmunity by translating terminology a physical loss. the formal Government announcees. into the Irish language.

“This pales in comparison to the GLASNEVIN GAA club Na Fianna ment.

“There was a lack of representaIt includes terms like gay (aerpotential irreparable damage to a TII officials advised Na Fianna are set to lose some of their facilities tive terminology in Irish but now we ach), intersex (idirghnéas), closeted generation of young Na Fianna memthat the club would be severely after the National Transport Auhave words which allow students to (faoi choim which translates as bers through having the heart and impacted.

During the construction thority (NTA) recently announced express who they are,” he said. soul of our Club ripped out,” he said ‘under a cloak’) and drag queen phase their pitches would hypothetthe preferred route for the new The dictionary can be download(banríon draig). in a statement. “Not to mention the ically be used as a Tunnel Boring Metrolink project. ed for free from the USI.ie. inevitable fall-off in playing numbers Depot.

Upon completion, a station The NTA and Transport Infraamong all age groups, through being would be situated under Mobhi structure Ireland (TII) published a deprived of suitable training and Road. detailed proposal document for the playing facilities.

In a statement, the club said project which includes an “EmergThe preferred route will run every they were “very concerned” and ing Preferred Route” for the new two minutes from Swords to Sandy“alarmed” by the announcement.

Metrolink service. ford and has been made available for Particularly, due to the short notice The requisition of the club’s main public consultation from now until given, which chairman Cormac Ó pitch on Mobhi Road, along with May 11th, ahead of an application to Donnchú described as a “lack of two all-weather pitches, is planned An Bord Pleanála next year. to facilitate the building of the €3bn respect”.

Na Fianna have said they are curThe loss of the pitches was project. Home Farm FC will also rently exploring a range of possible explained to be for a minimum of see their pitches affected under the actions. The GAA have pledged their three years, potentially for six years proposed plans. full support.

Na Fianna were first made aware or more, depending on the progress of the construction phase. Ó DonShauna Coen Deputy News Editor @thecollegeview

The dictionary gives accurate Irish translations of LGBTQ words

Credit: ???

7

News

45,000 waiting for driving test date Students say studies suffer while working in college

Leigh McGowran Contributor @thecollegeview

Gabija Gataveckaite

Deputy Opinions Editor @thecollegeview

The waiting time for driving tests can be off-putting for some people

Credit: Sarah O’Neill

examiners need to be appointed. For the amount you pay to book a test, you shouldn’t have to wait for that length,” said Ailish Finan, a language studies student at the University of Limerick.

“One of my close friends was waiting for a date and was under pressure to get the test passed as quick as possible because he was starting placement and he needed to be able to drive on a motorway.

He eventually had to ring RSA and got a date as someone cancelled their test,” she added.

The RSA website states that long waiting times are due to “the boom in car sales in recent years and the surge in the number of drivers on Irish roads.”

STUDIES are negatively impacted by working a part-time job, students told The College View This followed reports that one in five students aged 15 and over have a part time job while in school, according to the Irish Examiner.

“I got my first job doing gardens part time at 16. I needed cash. At 18 I worked three months to save for college. The job was exploiting other young people with no contracts. By the end of the first week everyone had been fired and a new crowd of folks were in.” said Vincent O’Reilly, who studies game design in Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.

The report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said students who work for pay score lower in science and are more likely to report feeling like an outsider at school.

However, students speaking to The College View said their studies were affected more when they had to work while in college rather than in secondary school.

“I worked in a cafeteria at 16. I

was the second eldest sibling in my house and it was expected of me to start earning money.

It tired me out while I was in secondary school, but it didn’t really affect my studies until I was in college.” said Cathal Reynolds, a social care worker.

“It’s kinda an expectation that students work themselves to the bone, it’s kinda in our culture I suppose.”

Reynolds said.

Eoin Ryan, who studied culinary arts in Dublin Institute of Technology, took a job as a charity worker while in college.

“I was with PAWS for six months.

I did not enjoy that at all, it was soul destroying going door to door.

I needed the money to keep myself afloat during college basically. I missed a few classes, but I pulled through.” he said.

Vincent worked as a kitchen porter in temple bar while in college.

“That paid six euro an hour. The chefs would drink during work and be hung over and made the waitresses cry. They bullied the other younger KPs. There was no contract so I got terrible hours.” he said.

THERE are currently 45,000 people waiting for a driving test date in Ireland.

Although the RSA waiting time target is 10 weeks maximum, Buncrana and Gorey see average waiting times of 19.3 weeks and 18.4 weeks respectively.

Out of 48 test centres in Ireland, only eight meet the 10-week target.

“The driver testing service has seen increased waiting times nationally over the past year,” an RSA representative told The Journal.

“This is due to a sustained level of applications being received, alongside a reduction in driver tester numbers due to retirements,” they added.

The spokesperson also said that 19,000 driving test candidates failed to attend their allocated time slot. The

spokesperson also admitted that recent extreme weather has also caused a disruption.

“I booked my test in February and I’m still waiting for a date. They say booking can be up to 10 weeks but realistically its about 14-16.

Even waiting for a cancellation is just as bad,” said Niamh Dunne, driving test candidate and a DCU student.

“A friend of mine had her test booked and date allocated, but then it was cancelled because it was mildly raining,” she added.

The longest waiting times in Ireland are Cork, Cavan and Killarneywith the longest waiting time being 23 weeks.

“The waiting times are way too long- driving test examiners have to cover too much ground. I think more

Orla Dwyer Contributor @thecollegeview

have taken place in Ireland with the Gender Recognition legislation and recent announcement of increased health service provisions for trans people. What is striking in our work with third-level students is how gender binaries (man/woman, male/female) continue to be embedded into Ireland’s culture,” Ó Súilleabháin said on behalf of himself and Leane.

The Irish Government approved the Gender Recognition Act in July 2015. This allows all adults to legally self-declare their own gender identity.

“Based on our research with trans and non-binary youth, we are of the opinion that gender (and sexualities) studies should be included in the curricula of academic programmes for professions. This would ensure that students get trans-awareness training during their third-level education and training,” he added.

In March, UCC became the first Irish college to fly the Transgender Pride Flag.

Dean O’Reilly, DCU LGBTA society chairperson, thinks there is a definite need for more professional training on this issue.

Credit: ‘National Centre for Transgender Equality’ They want the trans community to feel comfortable in the workplace “There are still many individuals that are not aware, are not informed coming out process to more basic ne- issues is imperative in contemporary they should know anything about and do not understand what transcessities such as healthcare… greater Ireland,” said O’Reilly. them.

From things such as aiding the gender issues are nor do they feel education on trans and non-binary

Researchers call for Transgender awareness training for workplaces

TRANSGENDER awareness training is needed for many professionals in Ireland, according to a study from researchers in Cork.

Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Máire Leane, who lecture future social, youth and community workers in University College Cork, held the study with a group of young transgender people. Their work revealed a frustration from participants at the lack of trans awareness and recognition from education and health workers.

“It shouldn’t be up to minority groups to explain or justify their existence, it’s up to the majority to welcome and cherish them,” Ó Súilleabháin told the Irish Examiner on March 12th.

The study showed that the young trans people felt more uncomfortable than unsafe about things such as being careful holding hands with their partner in public.

One participant in the study said that every trans person they knew had to explain being trans to counsellors.

“It is important to recognise the significant socio-legal changes which

8

News

Applications for apprenticeships by school leavers rises by almost 25 per cent

Niall O’Donoghue Chief Subeditor @thecollegeview THE number of school-leavers going on to apprenticeships in Ireland rose by 24 per cent last year.

Solas figures revealed that Irish apprenticeships increased from 10,445 in 2016 to 12,849 last year.

The expansion of apprenticeship options in recent years, combined with increased government investment into the sector and increased communications with guidance councilors and parents, have contributed to this increase, according to a Solas spokesperson.

However, only 2-3 per cent of Irish school

A total of 31,000 new apprenticeship registrations are predicted by 2020 in Solas’ Apprenticeship expansion plan 2016-20: a 74 per cent majority in craft based apprenticeships (22,908) and 26 per cent in ‘new apprenticeships’ (8,092).

Newer apprenticeship programmes will vary from level five to level ten, combining work experience with online training, according to Walshe.

Programme types were broken down into construction, electrical, engineering, financial, hospitality, motor and print.

Of all Irish apprentices recorded in 2017, just over 1 per cent were female (151). HowevA total of 31,000 new apprenticeship registrations are predicted by 2020 Credit:Pinterest er, this proportion has near-doubled since last year (0.6 per cent). leavers are reportedly pursuing apprenticewider range of employment fields, such as sysOver 40 per cent of apprenticeship proships, with almost 60 per cent progressing on tems engineering, cybersecurity and animation. grammes had no female participants in 2017. to higher education.

Industry bodies have worked with education However, almost 29 per cent of apprentices €122 million was allocated to apprenticeship providers for two national ‘calls’ to develop in newer consortia-led programmes, such as training in Budget 2018, an increase of 24 per new apprenticeships, according to Solas comfinancial services and cheffing, were women. cent from 2016, and 26 new programmes are munications manager Maria Walshe.

An increased focus on communication and forecasted to be announced on March 30th “That continuous relationship between the role-models is key to address barriers for according to the Irish Times. education system and employers is hugely women going into apprenticeships according Projected to be developed by June 2019, important to make sure that the apprenticeships to Walshe. these new apprenticeships will incorporate a being developed are relevant” Walshe said.

Nubar won’t be stocking new cider released by Heineken

DCU to host cultural festival ‘Anam’

Michelle Townsend Social Media Editor @thecollegeview

DCU’s Nubar won’t be including the new drink on their menu

Emily Sheahan Contributor @thecollegeview NUBAR will not be stocking the new Heineken cider that is to be released in the coming weeks.

The bar will not be selling the cider as they do not stock Heineken products. “We won’t be stocking it... We don’t stock Bulmers. It’s too expensive and we wouldn’t be able to sell at a reasonable price for the college student.”

The new cider is to be a niche offering, said Heineken Ireland’s managing director Maggie Timoney. “I would say it’s a very balanced cider, so not too sweet, not too dry.”

“Jack Slatts is personally too sweet for me so most of the time I end up drinking beer in NuBar,” said student Emily Donnelly. “It would be nice to have something more balanced and it would be really nice to have more choice.”

“I think NuBar is very limited in the drinks they sell. Another brand of cider that would have been a middle ground would have been a welcome addition. Jack Slatts isn’t for everyone, a lot of people don’t like beer and the

Credit: ciderculture

spirits there aren’t really up to scratch due to the limited choice and the fact that you get a tiny cup,” said Donnelly.

Heineken aims to innovate in the cider market and offer a wider choice, said Timoney.

“We think that there’s still not a lot of choice in cider in Ireland and we want to ensure that we can offer more choice to the Irish consumer.”

“I’m always up for trying a new cider because I have yet to find one I genuinely enjoy,” said DCU student Rebecca McDonnell. “I hate the aftertaste of Jack Slatts and Bulmers is never in NuBar.” “I really wanted to try a new regular drink in NuBar rather than having to go straight for a vodka and coke.”

In less than three years Heineken’s Orchard Thieves has taken 12 per cent of the cider market according to Hospitality Ireland.

This puts market pressure on Bulmers, who experienced a decrease in volume sales of 6 per cent in the year leading up to Febrauary 2018 according to Bulmers owner C&C. Heineken have yet to announce the name of the new cider. It will be released in two to three weeks.

DCU is collaborating with RTÉ radio programme South Wind Blows to host Anam, a two-day festival dedicated to music, poetry, film and drama.

The event, which takes place on the 11th and 12th of April across all three DCU campuses, is the university’s first artistic showcase and aims to bring North Dublin’s communities together through culture, song, poetry and social gatherings.

Anam is the first in a series of events which will help DCU create a North Dublin Cultural Quarter, which is placing a greater emphasis on culture and creativity in the university campuses and community as part of its five year strategic development plan.

Speaking about the festival, DCU President Brian MacCraith said it is an “exciting” time for DCU and North Dublin.

“Anam represents an exciting new chapter

for Dublin City University as we warmly embrace the rich creative and cultural talents within the university campuses and the surrounding North Dublin neighbourhoods,” he said in a press release as DCU announced the event on March 26th.

The festival will see leading Irish artists and musicians such as Liam O’Connor, Lisa O’Neill, Wyvern Lingo and Jafaris perform alongside staff and students from DCU in a series of events such as concerts, recitals and masterclasses across all three campuses.

Presenter of South Wind Blows Philip King is happy with RTÉ’s decision to collaborate with DCU, and described it as “the most forward looking university in Ireland”.

“The championing of creativity, the inclusion of a STEAM agenda at the heart of its strategic plan and its designation as a University of Sanctuary differentiate DCU as a University committed to providing its students and graduates not just with a qualification, but with a skill set fit for purpose for the challenges and opportunities in an Ireland about to celebrate 100 years of independence,” he said.

“To be invited to work with faculty, students and the communities for North Dublin in establishing the area as a cultural quarter is a great privilege.”

The highlight of Anam will be a flagship concert in The Helix on the Glasnevin campus hosted by RTÉ 2 television series Other Voices, for which tickets are on sale now.

The showcase will feature musicians and talks from prominent Irish citizens

Credit: South wind blows

9

Opinion

Is the media tainting perceptions of Russian society?

Arthur Velker looks at the media storm surrounding Russia at the moment and whether it is impacting the general attitude towards the Russian people.

Arthur Velker Deputy Features Editor @thecollegeview

D

ehumanization is a subtle beast.

It weaves itself into the fabric of society by way of cunning remarks and sinister associations repeated over a period of time to eventually form a version of truth.

At the height of the Salisbury spy attack last month Theresa May announced that her onslaught of allegations were aimed not at the Russian people but the state government. The British media, however, saw little regard in the public’s representation as they carelessly toted Cold War stereotypes that have become an almost better alternative to fact.

And why wouldn’t they – they’ve done it for a long time.

Last summer I spent ten weeks travelling around Southeast Asia. When searching around travel forums or scanning hotel reviews, it’s not uncommon to come across a wily remark aimed at warding off visitors due to the level of ‘Russians’ exceeding the comfortability threshold of some European travelers.

One day me and my partner were enquiring about a certain location from a group of west European backpackers when a young woman told me there were “too many Russians” there.

After waiting a moment for her to elaborate, it appeared that she would make no effort to explain her point—expecting the comment alone to be self-sufficient.

I returned with a quip about “us” not being that bad – a startling revelation that made the woman instantly embarrassed.

Having lived most of my life in Ireland, I have inherent characteristics that make my heritage unidentifiable to most people, which often makes me an entrusted (but not a willing) listener of anti-Russian sentiments among the more ‘European’ populations.

However, the enjoyment of watching people get redfaced over senseless comments gets overshadowed by a loss of tolerance for this fabricated prejudice (fabricated considering most people I talked to with such views had almost zero interaction with Russian people).

To find the source of these prejudices we need not look further than our own news media.

Indeed, the kind of coverage seen in most western publications usually takes one of two narratives. The first is the view of ultra-conservative Russia that rejects any notion of liberal values; where nationalism reigns supreme and is fed by state-sponsored propaganda and widespread jingoism.

The second is a view of the staunch authoritarianist state; where the population is depicted as hapless victims of dire economic circumstances that ensure people remain underinformed

The media perception of Russia can impact the people

and continue voting against their interests (or not voting at all).

More importantly, labels like ‘brutal’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘backward’ have become almost exclusively associated with Russian society in western media reports, stripping away human elements to depict an image of a menace feeding on European fears.

When I interviewed a group of students in UCD’s Russian Society two years ago, the majority cited the inherent bias of western media in the reporting of Russian affairs. Reluctant to make any strong political statements, they somewhat agreed that the majority of

“

Image Credit: kievvlast.com.ua

English-speaking media tend to create false depictions of the general Russian population.

A wide litany of news events have now made Russia the chief villain among the western world. But behind every political chessplay there are real people, who often bear the brunt of political prejudices.

As a child born into the dawn of a newly-capitalist Russian state, I’d had a first-hand experience of seeing a vast cultural transition and the widespread attitudes that accompanied this change.

Though I was much too young to grasp its magnitude, I had often seen and experienced the public frustration that was associated with political failings of that era. Before long, me and my parents left and sought to pursue better

Our media carries a strong political bias.

Let’s not indulge in it.

economic opportunities elsewhere.

Though it forced a bitter departure from their home, my parents always held a sense of pride for their country. They were grateful to have been born into a culture of vast idiosyncrasies and a community filled with cordiality and values.

After gallivanting around the world many years later, I saw this trait present in people of many different nations—from western Europe to America, Asia and the Middle East. It is what bonds people through a strong sense of community; what makes them wave their flag or cheer for their national football squad.

Through the years, my parents were forced to conceal their pride due to social prejudices that have exhibited themselves passively but effectively. Since then, I have come to know many more people like them.

We are told that pride relating to Russian—indeed, all East European—origin is associated with toxicity and nationalism. We are told that pride relating to Russia belongs to that of the enemy.

Our media carries a strong political bias. Let’s not indulge in it. We can’t allow for redundant stereotypes to become entrenched in our contemporary world view. In this highly globalised age we must attempt to understand diverse political thought. Our society demands it.

10

Living in Dublin: a luxurious cost

Opinion

Opinion editor Megan Conway fears that accommodation will deter students from going to college

Megan Conway Opinions Editor @thecollegeview

I

t’s no secret that students live their college lives on a budget. Transport, fees and the inevitable student social life can take its toll on a part-time wage and even a parent’s wages.

Attending college in Dublin comes with the burden of paying the price of living in the capital.

However, the recent price hike in student accommodation is blatant extortion of both students and their parents. The significant price increase will force many students to opt out of attending college in Dublin because the people running the student accommodations decide to increase the price for their own benefit.

It’s understandable that student accommodations are expensive to run and with the increase in rent prices across all across Dublin, student

accommodations have the option to raise their annual fees. However, people renting inner city accommodation tend to be earning a full-time wage, they aren’t usually students depending on their parents and weekend jobs. A USI survey on student accommodation in 2017 said that 75 per cent of students pay for their own accommodation during term time; the price hikes will make this nearly impossible. And the managements in student accommodations need to be aware of this. By raising their prices, they are denying students the opportunity to pay for their own college life and limiting the access to education.

Raising the prices for student living is extortion and it’s taking advantage of students who are desperate to find somewhere to live.

Some students currently studying in Dublin are boycotting the student accommodations but what about the incoming first years who know no different? They will end up paying between €8,000 and €9,000 for less than average accommodation on top of their fees, transport and additional living expenses. And what about parents with more than one child in college in Dublin? How can managements justify taking huge sums of money from one family?

And if they’re going to take such extortionate amounts of money from families at least justify the price increase. Staying silent on the issue doesn’t improve their reputation.

The sad reality is, student accommodations have the power to do this. They take advantage of vulnerable families and students who are

“

it’s taking advantage of students who are desperate Students are often forced to opt out of college because of high living costs Image Credit: Aoibhin Bryant

forced to pay this money so they have a roof over their heads for the year. Unfortunately, as well as the families and students suffering, the colleges are beginning to suffer as well.

Students often spend the first few weeks of college homeless, moving from couch to couch until they can find some form of accommodations that’s within their budget. The USI, together with universities, should be pushing for student rent caps. Even though student accommodations are privately run, students

and parents still need to be protected from the continuing increase.

Incoming students should only have to worry about getting the points to get into their chosen course. They shouldn’t have to worry about loans and price hikes and whether or not they will be homeless or even able to afford to go to college. The continued price hikes are setting students up on a rocky road. If we continue to let this happen students will be leaving college with their degrees and a whole lot of unnecessary student debt.

The repeal movement’s biggest challenge The upcoming referendum could possibly cause a divide between generations

“

Ellen Fitzpatrick Contributor @thecollegeview

T

he abortion campaign is always going to have its complications and no matter which side you support or have no opinion in the slightest, there are still going to be major challenges that come with either side. For the pro-choice movement, what looks to be their biggest challenge to date is swaying the older generation to vote repeal.

It is not news when I tell you that people over the age of 65 are more than likely going to vote to keep the eighth amendment. It’s a generational thing. In the 2016 census, 637,567 people in Ireland were over 65. My grandmother is an 88-year-old inner city Dublin lady whose favourite pastime is to cause fights with people over topics such as abortion. She won’t listen to a single word said to her that supports it and this is all down to the age she is and the strict Catholic Ireland she grew up in. I think that my grandmother is a shining example of the older vote and is an ideal representation of most of these voters.

Now, I do understand that most people living in Ireland are not the elderly. There are almost 3 million voters in Ireland between the ages of 19 and 64, with the average age of the population being 37.4. And yes, many of these voters are predicted to vote repeal. In a poll carried out by the Irish Times last year, 62 per cent of people said they would like to see

what looks to be their biggest challenge to date is swaying the older generation to vote repeal The referendum will be held on May 25th

the constitution amended. Broken down, 42 per cent of 18-24-year olds, 47 per cent of 25-34-year olds and 42 per cent of 35-49-year olds wanted to see the constitution changed to give greater access to abortion. Meanwhile, 26 per cent of 18-24 and 25-34-year olds voted to give the Dáil access to rewrite legislation, with 28 per cent of 35-49-year olds supporting this.

This begs the question; is the pro-choice side depending too much on young people to secure the vote? It is in no way hidden that

Image Credit: Mark Carroll

their target audience is young people, a large sector of the population and those who grew up without the strict influence of the church.

The repeal campaign thinks these voters are definite but have they considered what the older generation will do to fight it? Looking back to my grandmother, there are thousands of people just like her that will want to keep Ireland from evolving, maintain the country they were raised in. People like this should be feared by the repeal campaign.

Also, the rural community is on a different

scale than Dublin. We see protests all over urban areas and assume the amendment will be repealed. But what about rural voters? They aren’t being focused on and according to a recent Ipsos MRBI poll conducted by the Irish Times, the majority here will vote no.

It is too late in the race to change this, you can’t change people’s opinions, but you can educate and hope they make their best decision in the end.

Gaeilge

11

‘An Foclóir Aiteach’ seolta ag an Aire Joe McHugh i DCU Seoladh foclóir nua LADTA le níos mó ná céad téarma aistrithe ann

Ali Spillane Eagarthóir Gaeilge @thecollegeview

S

eoladh an chéad fhoclóir Ghaeilge LADTA (LGBTQ) an Céadaoin seo caite anseo i DCU. Foclóir téarmaíochta bainteach leis an phobal LADTA atá i gceist leis. Is chomhoibriú idir Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), BeLonG To Youth Services, agus an Transgender Equality Network of Ireland (TENI) le tacaíocht ó Joe McHugh é an tionscadal seo.

Ba é an tAire don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin a sheol an foclóir le níos mó céad téarmaí aistrithe ann go hoifigiúil an tseachtain seo caite. Ag caint ar an ábhar, luaigh sé an dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh ag an nGaeilge. “Tá tú ag cur leis an teanga, tá tú á láidriú.

Coinníonn fiontar mar seo an teanga beo, agus gar don chroí.”

Bhí Cearbhall Turraoin, ball de bhord TENI ag caint ag an ocáid chomh maith. “Cuirimid fáilte roimh fhoilsiú ‘An Foclóir Aiteach’ mar éacht sainitheach maidir le haitheantas inscne, léiriú inscne, agus claonadh gnéis in Éirinn.”

Mhínigh sé freisin an aidhm agus an sprioc a bhí thaobh thiar den tionscadal seo, ”béim ar an bheocht agus ar an uileghabhálacht a bhaineann leis an teanga maidir lenár n-aitheantas agus ár bhféinléiriú.”

Luaigh sé go bhfuil Éirinn mar tír chun tosaigh maidir le cearta LADTA ach nach raibh baint le sin lenár náisiúnachas nó teanga na tíre agus go raibh deighilt idir an dá.

Dúirt Moninne Griffith, Stiúirthóir Feidhmiúcháin in BeLonG To Youth Services, “Mar phríomh-eagraíocht óige agus LADTA in Éirinn, oibrímid le daoine óga, tuismitheoirí agus oidí ar fud na tíre. Le forbairt an fhoclóra, tá acmhainn eile againn ar féidir linn thabhairt do scoileanna, ionas go mbeidh múinteoirí in ann obair lena mic léinn LADTA, agus níos tábhachtaí, ionas go mbeidh

Seoladh Oifigiúil an Foclóir Aiteach

na mic léinn in ann féinléiriú agus féin-aithint ar bhealach fiúntach agus cruinn – bealach ar bith ar mhian leo.” Tá siad ag súil leis an foclóir a roinnt anois mar chuid den Standup Awareness Pack i mbliana chun an téarmaíocht ón “leathanach go dtí an saol beo.”

Is gné lárnach de teanga ar bith ná an féinléiriú. Úsáidtear teangacha chun tuairimí a léiriú ach gan an téarmaíocht oiriúnach ní féidir é sin a dhéanamh agus is fadhb í sin a bhí agus a mbíonn ag daoine LADTA go dtí seo.

Dar leí ní bheidh “baill den phobal LADTA fágtha gan focal níos mó inár dteanga dúchais.” Ach níl gach aon duine ag failtiú an foclóir nua forbartha. Gearán amháin déanta air, mar bharúil faoin scéal nuachta foilsithe ar Tuairisc.ie ná “Thóg sé fada go leor orm dul i dtaithí ar an bhfocal ait sin, aerach, le cur síos orm féin, gan an focal ‘ait’ féin a bheith in úsáid le cur síos orm. Má tá aiteachas ag baint liom níl aon bhaint aige le mo chlaonadh gnéis.” Dúirt an fear céanna nach bhfuil “rian ar bith den Ghaeltacht air.”

Tá go leor oibre déanta ag AMLÉ ar cearta LADTA go dtí seo le

tionscnamh cosúil le Pink Training.

Bunaíodh an tionscadal sin i 1992 agus inniu is é an ocáid is mó den sórt sin sa tír do mhic léinn Triú Leibhéal é.

Ba é an mana léirithe leis an foclóir aiteach nua ná ionadaíocht i dteanga na Gaeilge agus is é sin atá mar chroílár an feachtasaíocht agus obair go léir a bhíonn á dhéanamh ag AMLÉ.

Is iad an saghas téarmaíocht atá ar fáil san fhoclóir nua ná téarmaí cosúil le Trasinscneach

‘‘

(Transgender) agus Neamhdhénártha (Non-binary), Gan Inscne (Agender), Dá-inscneach (Bigender), Leath-inscneach (Demigenger) agus Inscne-aiteach (Genderqueer) Dar le Laoiseach Ní Choistealbha ó AMLÉ, “Mar a athraíonn teanga agus a athraíonn daoine, áfach, athróidh an Foclóir seo sa todhchaí.

Is doiciméad oibre atá ann.” Dar leí, “Thosaigh muid ar an tionscanamh seo mar chreid muid gur cheart go mbeadh achan duine in ann iad féin a aithint i dteanga ar bith, agus go mbeidh siad in ann cur síos a dhéanamh orthu féin i dteanga ar

Béim ar an bheocht agus ar an uileghabhálacht a

bhaineann leis an teanga maidir lenár n-aitheantas agus ár bhféinléiriú

Image Credit: gcn.ie

bith.”

Mar ollscoil a chuireann uileghabhálacht agus comhionannas chun cinn is oiriúnach gurb i DCU a seoladh an foclóir úr seo. Tá cumann LADTA beo bríomhar mar chuid den ollscoil a chuireann ocáidí iontacha cosúil leis an comórtas banríon draig ar siúl do phobal na hollscoile.

Tá an foclóir aiteach ar fáil saor in aisce ar líne ar suíomh AMLÉ http://usi.ie/focloir-aiteach/ agus tá breis eolais faoin tionscadal ar fáil ann comh maith. Níl an foclóir seo bainteach leis an gCoiste Téarmaíochta nó le Focal.ie.

Ba mhaith liom an deis seo a thógáil mo bhuíochas a gabháil libh uilig.

Is é seo an t-eagrán deirneach faoi mo chúram. Bhí bliain iontach agam mar eagarthóir Gaeilge. Tá go leor foghlamtha agam agus neart deiseanna iontacha faighte agam le linn mo thréimhse mar eagarthóir.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh na léitheoirí ach na scríbhneoirí ach go háirithe. Gan na scríbhneoirí iontacha ní bheadh an roinn Gaeilge álainn atá againn sa College View.

Go n-éirí go geal leis an chéad foireann eile. Don uair dheirneach, Slán agus Beannacht.

12

Gaeilge

Kneecap

Tugann Hannah cur síos ar an gceol úr Gaeilge atá go mór i mbéal an phobail Hannah Sullivan Scríobhneoir @thecollegeview Banna rapcheol é seo de thriúr ceoltóirí Feirsteacha atá ag briseadh íomhánna traidisiúnta na Gaeilge is ag dul I gcoimhlint le RTÉ. Buaiteoirí iad chomh maith de dhuaiseanna ‘Físeán na Bliana’ agus ‘Núíosach na Bliana’ ag Gradam Cheoil Nós 2018.

Cinnte, ‘sé an rud is fearr fúthu ná an Ghaeilge snasta a chuireadh ar ‘moll marijuana’.

Cinnte go gcuireann Kneecap an Ghaeilge in oiriúint don dream nach tharlaíodh roimhe seo. Déantar tagairtí d’úsáid drugaí, saol na séishe agus na steiréitíopaí a shamhlú leo mar lucht labhartha na Gaeilge.

Tugann na leaids, a théann faoi na hainmneacha Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap agus DJ Próvaí, guth do dhream atá ar imeall na sochaí tríd greann gáirsiúil atá acu.

‘Tá dream na Gaeil ann a thaitníonn saol cóisireachta, drugaí agus rámhaille leo. Roinnt mhaith chairde liom nach mbíonn ag vótáil do Shinn Féin agus nach poblachtaigh iad.

Táimid bródúil as an tSean-nós agus an cultúr Gaelach, táimid ag iarraidh steiréitíopaí a bhriseadh’ a mhínigh Kneecap don Sunday Times.

Aoir iontach atá I gceist acu agus iad ag magadh faoina bheith ‘ag déanamh snaois bhán le réaltaí TG4’.

Cé go bhfuil an greann fite fuaite leis an obair a dhéanann Mo Chara agus Móglaí Bap, tá teachtaireacht thábhachtach acu. Déanann siad beirt thagairt don RUC, téarma eile PSNI, an fhórsa póilíneachta ó thuaidh agus an drochíde a thugtar do chainteoirí Gaeilge atá idir dhá chultúr. ‘Úsáideann muid an greann chun daoine a tharraingt isteach chun a bheith ag éisteacht agus ansin, tá sé ag brath orthu chun an teachtaireacht a díchriptáil. Is cinnte go bhfuil teachtaireacht ansin, dár ndóigh’ a dúirt Móglaí Bap agus é ag labhairt le hiriseoir Siún Ní Dhuinn.

Bhí na rapairí go mór I mbéal an phobail nuair a chuaigh siad I gcoimhlint RTÉ an bhliain seo chugainn.

Bhí ‘C.E.A.R.T.A’ an chéad amhráin ag an mbanna ceaptha a bheith ar Raidió na Gaeltachta, ach chuir RTÉ cosc ar an amhráin casa-

Kneecap ag ceol C.E.A.R.T.A

dh. Bhur gcuid eascainí, tagairtí do dhrugaí agus an PSNI ba chúis leis an cinsireacht seo a rinneadh orthu.

Ach d’fhreagair an threesome go mbíonn na téamaí chéanna pléite ag ceol atá ar RTÉ chéanna féin.

Eisítear amhráin úr nua ‘Amach Anocht’ agus d’éirigh é a éisiúint mar gheall ar an fheachtas bailiúcháin airgid ar gofundme.ie.

Tá sé geallta acu ‘go mbeadh gach amhrán chomh conspóideach lena chéile agus nach mbeadh cead ag aon

amhrán a bheith ar RTÉ 2FM GO DEO!’.

Cinnte, tá borradh faoin rapcheol faoi láthair in Éirinn. Feictear an fhianaise sa sceideal Longitude I mbliana ina bhfuil seánra an hip-hop ag I mbun na féile ar fad. Ar feadh na mblianta, bhí rud éigin cringy faoi rap na hÉireann agus níor éirigh leis an hip-hop Éirennaigh taobh amuigh den Éirinn. Ach le ceoltóirí mar Rejjie Snow, Versatile, Godknows Jonas agus Kneecap, bíonn cluas na

Image Credit:· Tuairisc.ie

ndaoine thar sáile in airde do thalún na nGaeil.

Beidh an threesome seo ag Féile na Gealaí óna 15-17ú de Mheitheamh. Má thaitníonn ceol Kneecap leat, tabhair cúpla pingin dóibh ar https://www.gofundme.com/ kneecap. Geallann siad canna Carlsberg do gach duine a chabhraíonn leo, ní féidir é sin a shéanadh.

Tá DCU mar an chéad ollscoil sa tír feachtas a dhéanamh do mhic léinn le huathachas Thug Uachtarán na hÉireann cuairt ar DCU chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an éacht nua bainte amach ann Méabh Riordan Scríobhneoir @thecollegeview

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áiltíodh roimh an t-Uachtarán Michael D. Higgins chuig DCU, ar champas Coláiste Phádraig, Deardaoin seo caite. Bhailigh slua sa leabharlann agus Uachtarán na hollscoile Brian MacCraith ann chun é agus a bhean chéile Sabina a fhailtiú agus buaic agus iad ann chun aithint a tugadh ar DCU mar an chéad ollscoile uathachais dearfach ar domhan.

D’fhreastail an t-Uachtarán Higgins lena bhean-chéile mar is ambasadóir é don charthanas tacaíochta AsIAm. Bunaíodh an feachtas le Adam Harris. Fear atá fiche bliain d’aois agus ag maireachtáil le aspergers syndrome. An aidhm atá aige don charthanas agus don phobal Éireannach ná gur féidir le gach uile duine le huathachais ‘[to] live and succeed as they are’.

Céard é an t-uathachais? De réir an feidhmiúcháin tuarascála déanta ag DCU, le Dr. Mary Rose Sweeney agus an tOllamh Teresa Burke ón Scoil Altranais agus Eolaíochta Dhaonna, is é míchumas forbartha cé

a cuireann i bhfeidhm ar chumarsáid agus idirghníomhaíocht le daoine éagsúil. Tá ceithre thréithe bainteach leis an míchumas: deacrachtaí le cumarsáid, cúrsaí sóisialta, iompraíocht athráiteach agus aireachtáil eischéadfach.

An bhliain seo caite d’fhógair DCU go raibh sé ar intinn acu athruithe a dhéanamh chun feabhas a chur ar an ollscoil mar ollscoil insroichte do dhaoine le huathachais.

Lean an tionscadal ar aghaidh ar feadh ocht déag míosa. Ligeadh an feachtas mic léinn le huathachais a bheith níos mó páirteach i saol na hollscoile agus níos mó deiseanna a chur ar fail dóibh maidir le cúrsaí fostaíochta i ndiaidh a gcuid staidéar i DCU. Rinneadh ceithre grinnscrúdú chun fiosrú agus ainmniú na seirbhísí atá ar fail i DCU faoi láthair, cé chomh feidhmiúil is atá said agus conas is féidir leo iad a fheabhsú.

Buaic an tionscadail seo dar le Uachtarán na hOllscoile Brian MacCraith ná deiseanna oideachais.

‘Access to education should be about your ability alone.’ Labhair sé faoi bhród DCU, daoine a chur san áireamh. Aontaíonn an t-Uachtarán leis an dearcadh seo agus bhí a chuid bród féin brea soléir bainteach leis an

Uachtarán na hÉireann i DCU ag seoladh an feachtas nua

bhfeachtas seo déanta le DCU, ‘the achievement of this has implications for the whole of society.’

Labhair an t-Uachtarán faoin tábhacht don tsochaí agus cinnte is ea an chothroime a bheith lárnach san oideachas tríú leibhéal. Creideann an t-Uachtarán Higgins go bhfuil orainn ár meon agus dearcadh ar an oideachas a athrú. An rud is tábhachtaí ba chóir dúinn a athrú

agus a bhaint amach ná na constaicí atá sa tslí ar dhaoine faoi mhíchumas. Bhí an pointe seo fréamhacha agus ag díriú ar na daichead trí pointe leagtha amach ar DCU chun teacht i dtír lena constaicí ar stopadh rannpháirtíocht san oideachas. Ceann de na gníomhaíochtaí bainteach leis an bhfeachtas sin ná eolas sa leabharlann bainteach le cúrsa an mhic léinn a bheith socraithe chun a bheith níos

Image Credit: dcu.ie

soléire a aimsiú agus gan mic léinn a chur sa mhuileann orthu. Mar a dúirt an t-Uachtarán is féidir linn na constaicí a sheacaint, leiríonn sé sin cé chomh tábhachtach is atá na hathruaithe seo agus is féidir linn a bheith dóchasach go mbeadh DCU mar eisimleár don chuid eile de na hinstitiúidí tríú leibhéal – ‘my greatest wish is that this becomes a model for other universities.’

13

FEATURES

Pope Francis to visit a changed Ireland How much has Ireland changed since the last Pope called his congregation the children of Ireland

The Pope is coming - who will be waiting to see him?

Rachael Martin Contributor @thecollegeview

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ope Francis is scheduled to come to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in August 2018.

However, he is coming to a country that is very different to the ‘catholic Ireland’ that the last Pope visited.

Secularism has swept across the country in the past decade, making it questionable if the Pope will receive a warm welcome from the millennial generation.

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin said the visit will cost around €20 million.

Credit: Deirdre Kelly

This will be the first visit from a Pope since 1979, when John Paul II drew a crowd of one million faithful followers to the Phoenix Park.

However, the uncovering of scandals in the Catholic Church has cast a dark shadow on Catholic Ireland.

In October 2005 ‘The Ferns Report’ revealed more than 100 allegations of sexual abuse on young boys and girls over 40 years in the Wexford diocese of Ferns. The Ryan Report published in May 2009 catalogued four decades of child abuse cover-ups by the Catholic Church and the Government. The Murphy report published in November 2009 revealed a catalogue of paedophilia and subsequent cover-ups as the Gardaí failed to press charges against

the ‘untouchable’ clergy.

During the twentieth century, Irish church and state went hand in hand.

Ireland was known as the ‘land of saints and scholars’ when in reality, a regime of oppression was often enforced.

Women were dropped at gates of Magdalene laundries, ashamed, abandoned and left to wash away their ‘sins’. Babies were bought, sold and secretly buried. Recently it was revealed that the remains of babies ranging from approximately 35 foetal weeks to 2-3 year were discovered in sewage containment system at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

Symphysiotomies, now considered torture by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, were carried out on women. These operations were

sanctioned by the church so that they could bear as many children as possible, often leaving them incontinent and with chronic pain for the rest of their lives.

Due to the marriage bar, women had to give up their job if they worked in the public sector, and contraception only became freely available to over-18s without a prescription in 1985. On the eve of the vote to legalise this, the Dublin Archbishop claimed the legislation would send Ireland down a “slippery slope of moral degradation.”

The horrific history of catholic Ireland has only recently come to light, and has left a lasting impression on those who were affected, and those who know about what happened .

Although the visit may trigger

reminders of church scandals, it is important to remember that the church is changing, and to note that Pope Francis is unlike other popes who have gone before.

Pope Francis refuses to ride in a bullet-proof Mercedes, and rides the bus instead. He refers to himself as “Bishop of Rome” rather than as “Supreme Pontiff’. He is the first pope to use the word “gay” rather than “homosexuals” or “those suffering from same-sex attraction”. He also refused to live in the Apostolic Palace, instead living in a guest home and dining in the cafeteria.

What has happened cannot be forgotten, but perhaps Ireland can learn from its past.

50 years after Martin Luther King’s death, we are still fighting for his dream ‘Racism in Ireland is unfortunately an everyday occurrence’ Aoibhín Bryant Contributor @thecollegeview

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n the 4th of April 1968, Martin Luther King Junior was fatally shot in his motel room in the depths of

Tennessee.

His death marked a significant turning point in the history of the United States of America as the African American civil rights movement lost its key figure. As a Baptist minister, King saw the racism entrenched in the foundations of American society – and he decided to do something about it.

It was 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama when Rosa Parks, a black woman, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white male, electrifying the southern states of America. African Americans began speaking out against the injustices

placed upon them.

As racial tensions and resentment increased while the movement progressed, King was always there to nurture the non-violent resistance, organising walk-outs, sit-ins and marches. Pacifism was built into the bedding of his entire philosophy and he proved how progress can be achieved without resorting to the gun or the bomb.

While the United States started dismantling racial segregation and unfair voting laws, King’s inspiring words and hunger for change travelled across borders and oceans until they landed on our own soil.

John Hume, the face of the Northern Irish peaceful civil rights campaign for Catholics has always mentioned King as a source of inspiration. This impact is still seen today, evident in the #BlackLivesMatter movement in 2015 and this year’s #MarchForOurLives.

However, these recent demonstrations show that injustice is still

prevalent in our society. According to the 2017 European Network Against Racism iReport, reported racist incidents in Ireland are up 33 per cent compared to the year before. The report has also noticed a consistent annual rise in reports since its launch back in 2013.

“Racism in Ireland, whether it’s against black people, Muslims, travellers or migrants, is unfortunately an everyday occurrence” says Shane O’Curry, director of ENAR Ireland and one of the co-authors of the iReport.

“Just this morning, an incident was reported where a black man cycling received harassment from the gardaí, who pushed him around and accused him of traffic violations while simultaneously ignoring his two, accompanying, white friends.”

A poll taken at the time of King’s death showed that over two-thirds of Americans viewed the Baptist minister in an unfavourable light. Memet Uludag of United Against Racism

He had a dream, but what did it achieve?

mentioned how King was “hated by the political establishment, the FBI persecuted and defamed him while liberal leaders like Kennedy and Johnson were extremely lukewarm in their support”.

This is a contrast to 2018, where there is a day dedicated to celebrating his name. Standing up against the status quo can lead to adverse reac-

Credit: Ohiowomen.com

tions, but Martin Luther King’s life and legacy is a lesson to us all that we must fight for what we believe in, no matter the cost.

In his own words, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. In a political climate rife with challenges and controversies, let your voice be heard.

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FEATURES

15 years, nine months, and 25 days Pregnancy concealment has not gone away, in a progressive country, when will change come?

Buried here. Ann Lovett with her baby and her family.

The priest noted that a it was a doctor that was needed. However, he didn’t contact anyone, instead taking his relics and preparing to offer the last rites to the young girl on the ground.

Eventually, at the intervention of a doctor, the young girl was taken in an ambulance to the nearest hospital.

The small town was buzzing with the news; the boys have become a source of scandalous information.

Within days the media were to descend upon the town, and eventually Orla O’Driscoll the story spread across the whole Features Editor country. @thecollegeview The baby was declared dead, presumed still-born. The young girl 15-year-old girl gives was declared dead the following birth, alone, beside a holy morning. statue in a church yard.

She could not tell anyone she was pregnant out of fear.

She could not tell anyone she was A couple of hours later three teen- pregnant out of shame. age boys, using the church grounds She could not save herself, she as a shortcut home, noticed a body could not save her son. curled in a ball on the ground, beside She went to the church, perhaps a statue. to a place where she felt the religion On closer investigation, the boys she had grown up in might comfort discover the body of a girl, presumed her, or care for her. to be younger than themselves, with This happened in 1984, with a tiny new-born baby cradled in a details gathered primarily from the coat.

Limerick Leader and various media The rain has been lashing down reports. Ann Lovett had been alive and the baby appeared to be dead. for 15 years, nine months, and 25 The young girl was not. She was days before she took her last breath. still breathing, though very cold. The Ann Lovett would be 50 years of boys knew her name. age on April 6th, her son, born six They ran for help, and encountered and a half pounds, would now be 35 a local man who knocked at the if he had survived birth. church entrance to alert the priest.

Her cause of death was noted as

A

“Ann Lovett was a

victim of an Ireland of secrets and lies

acute shock and haemorrhage.

Her son’s death at full term, is listed as still-born.

Changes As Simon Harris announced the date for a referendum which will deal with crisis pregnancy for May 25th, and as both sides set out their pitches in pro-choice and pro-life campaigns, the reality of concealed pregnancy, for whatever reason has not gone away.

A study conducted by Sylvia Murphy Tighe and Professor Joan Lalor of Trinity college Dublin indicates that concealment pregnancies are not a thing of the past.

The report finds that concealed pregnancy is a significant public health issue and can be antecedent to adoption, abandonment and neo-naticide.

Concealment pregnancies have made news in recent years. In May

2015 a baby girl was found at the gate of a field on the Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole.

The baby, found by passers-by, was wrapped in a black plastic bag and a baby blanket, when discovered.

Tighe noted in an Irish Health magazine interview that the media’s treatment around stories of concealed pregnancy or baby abandonment do nothing to help alleviate the fear for the mother who leaves her baby: “Media reports surrounding cases of concealment can be sensationalist and emotive in tone. There were repeated calls for reunification of the mother and infant in the case of Baby Maria and yet no helpline numbers were offered in media reports”.

“This demonstrates a serious lack of understanding in relation to concealed pregnancies and the difficulties involved. Indeed, little to no consideration was given to the fact that another individual may have been

Credit: Longford Leader

responsible for leaving Baby Maria in Rathcoole,” she commented.

The case of Baby Alannah in 2016, where a deceased baby was found as a worker was sorting waste at a Greenstar plant in Bray, was greeted by the media with the same salacious zeal.

The Tighe–Lalor report notes, that psychological and sociological descriptions of concealment exist.

Noting that “individuals sometimes withhold sensitive information about themselves and this behaviour may lead to poor health outcomes e.g. isolation and depression”.

A concealment of pregnancy does not mean that the pregnancy is concealed for the entire term. It alludes to the woman keeping her pregnancy secret for a significant amount of time, enough that it could be warranted as being dangerous for both mother and baby.

A change in how we treat women in this country may be on the horizon, and incidents where a woman or a girl must hide in fear and shame of pregnancy may be consigned to history, pending a constitutional change.

Colm O’Gorman of Amnesty said in a Twitter post in March: “Ann Lovett was a victim of an Ireland of secrets and lies and layer upon layer of toxic shame. And this was not some other Ireland. It still resonates today. We still punish women and girls like Anne. At least 12 a day.”

15

FEATURES

Light sabers light up the children’s ward A young man having battled brain cancer, finds a novel way to give back to the hospital ward he received his treatment.

Fionnuala Walsh News Editor @thecollegeview

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he capacity to show kindness is perhaps what defines goodness: for one young man who battled brain cancer, this capacity allows him to give back to the hospital ward that treated him in a novel way.

Dylan Smith Bresnahan was a brain cancer patient at St. John’s children’s ward in Crumlin hospital and he uses his Jedi costume and his love of Star Wars to bring a little cheer to patients in the ward.

“When I was in the ward myself I just got very bored, I always wanted someone to come in and do something,” said Dylan. “Occasionally someone would come in and do something and I thought it was very good. I just thought it would be nice to do something like that.”

Dylan was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain tumour, in 2012. He finished treatment a year later and is still under the supervision of Crumlin.

The Emerald Garrison is a Star Wars costuming club who began visiting Crumlin hospital in 2014.

“It was kind of my idea,” he says of the project. “I went to the conventions that the Emerald Garrison ran since I was a little kid, so we were friends with a couple of them and they said they’d do it and that I could go in as well.”

Dylan’s mum Gillian explains how it totally changes the atmosphere on the ward - she too dresses up.

“Adults as well, when the storm-troopers come in it’s amazing, the doctors, the parents everybody stops and does a double take and

take photos and selfies,” she said.

“The adults are as bad as the kids sometimes you know.”

According to Gillian the visits make a huge difference in the life of a child in a ward.

“The last visit, there was a little girl who was about two and a half.

She came right in and was looking up at Batman, who’s over six foot in his costume,” she said.

“She was a tiny little thing hooked up to her chemo, but she came right into the playroom looking right up at Batman no fear. She was just totally mesmerised looking up at him and then had a little chat with him, she was just so excited to see these people in the ward.”

Gillian says its great to see kids come out of their rooms when the garrison arrives. “They all have

“She came right in and was looking up at Batman

Storm troopers and batman bringing a smile to sick kids in Crumlin hospital

individual rooms now which is great for infection but it can be quite isolated. Being in treatment for cancer for kids can be quite isolating because they can’t go to school, there’s lots of things they cant do.”

“When these guys come in they come out of their rooms and down to the play room. They try and engage with them, they might hold their light-sabers hold the guns, and mess around,” Gillian says.

“It totally takes them away from the hospital vibe and the hospital sickness and all that for the couple of hours that we’re there.”

She recalls a little boy from Donegal, who was making a one day trip for an anaesthetic.

“He was miserable and his mam brought him over to see the lads in costume and it totally brightened him up,” Gillian reflects.

“His attitude for the day was changed, he was able to go home and tell his brothers and sisters that he saw storm-troopers in the hospital and that he saw batman.

He could have a good story to tell rather than an injection or he had treatment or whatever. It changes the atmosphere completely.”

The Emerald Garrison are the official charity partners of the Childhood Cancer foundation, of which Gillian is a founding member.

“It was started by parents, and it helps people dealing with cancer in children because we saw there was a need for it, there was no such charity for like-minded parents. There were a couple of us involved in it, we went through treatments together so we set this up,” said Gillian.

Jessica Murphy, another member says that they’re “just like big kids dressing up for Halloween”.

“I like going in and seeing the kids and seeing how courageous and happy some of them are even though they’re going through what they are going through,” said Murphy. “You see some amazing children and you meet amazing characters and they just stay with you.”

“They come over to you, giving you big hugs and tugging at whatever props you have with you. It’s just something different for them, especially if they’re in the hospital and they’re waiting for treatment.

I’d say it can be very, very boring for them and it’s nice to make a little difference to their whole view of the hospital and about being there sick,” she said.

She notes how it helps her appreciate her own children: “I see they’re not sick and I feel lucky,” she says “Hopefully if they were sick someone could come in and make an hour or two for them to feel a bit better.”

Credit: Fionnuala Walsh

16

FEATURES

DCU paves way for autism inclusion ‘DCU is the first autism-empowered university in the world’

Dublin City University designated as world’s first Autism-Friendly University

Meabh Riordan Contributor @thecollegeview

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he crowds obligatory rise to feet, accompanied by enthusiastic applause bore reverence and respect for President Higgins, as he exited the Seamus Heaney Theatre on March 22nd.

As patron of the autism charity AsIAm, it was appropriate that President Higgins attend the formal designation of DCU as an Autism-Friendly University, while contributing to the discussion of inclusion within third level education. In the words of an t-Uachtarán: “we have to get to a new kind of mind about what education is”.

To understand the significance of the Autism-Friendly University project, it is important to understand what autism is. As defined by the executive summary report of the project, autism is “a developmental disability that affects how one relates to and communicates with other people”.

Autism Ireland has highlighted autism as being a ‘hidden disability’ given that it is not physically demonstrative but rooted in behavioural differences amongst peers, with 1 per cent of the Irish population being affected by the disability. People who are recognised as being on the autistic spectrum have challenges with communicating and socialising

with others, repetitive behaviours and having heightened sensory perception.

As part of the designation and the establishing of an Autism-Friendly University at DCU, attendees were invited to take a copy of the project’s executive summary report laid out by its four primary contributors: Dr. Mary Rose Sweeney from the School of Nursing, Prof. Teresa Burke of the School Human Sciences, and Katie Quinn and Adam Harris of AsIAm. The report gives background as to what autism is, the aims and methods used by DCU in their attempt to create both more accessible and supportive services for students with autism, an outline of each of the four studies carried out to establish the most adequate facilities for said students, and the proposed actions necessary to implement change; a change that ensures “access to education should be about your ability

Credit: DCU

alone”.

These changes are essential to establishing that new mind on education. It is essential to the growth of the university, according to DCU president Brian MacCraith, who said that inclusion is at the heart of DCU and “why we are proud of whom we include; and not who we exclude”.

This affirms that educational opportunity is a core value of DCU and one that has inspired the university’s commitment to widening participation with third level education. In adapting an environment where disability can be to the detriment of a student, we can break down the daily barriers faced by those struggling with autism and to allow them flourish.

As part of the Autism-Friendly movement, 43 separate actions are to be implemented over the next three years, based on the eight new principles of an Autism-Friendly

University. These principles were founded through the research carried out by Dr. Mary Rose Sweeney in collaboration with AsIAm and Specialisterne Ireland.

A sample of some of the actions include: filtering the volume of information required by students for course work, provision of quiet spaces and quiet times for students during busy university-run events such as clubs and socs week, creating awareness of autism and providing autism training to DCU staff, student body and class representatives.

One of the most monumental of the 43 actions was DCU’s INTRA programme, which provides internships to students in the hope of securing long-term employment for the future.

It has been seen that there are obstacles to full participation with third level education for autistic students.

In addressing the ground-breaking work of DCU, President Higgins

“It has been seen that there are obstacles to full participation with third level education for autistic students

noted that these obstacles can be removed; hence the importance of the 43 steps.

It was clear to see why Adam Harris, founder of the social enterprise AsIAm, requested President Michael D. Higgins to act as ambassador of the autism support organisation.

The President’s humanity and shared understanding of the importance of inclusion was evident when speaking about the gravity of living as community.

More simply, “to be able to live properly” and treat others with dignity, according to President Higgins.

In jest, and not for the first time during his address, President Higgins evoked a laugh from the entire room in calling out the ‘notion’ of efficiency taking priority, and in turn resulting in “never again for the rest of your life expressing warmth”.

DCU is the first Autism empowered university in the world. Now, with 86 per cent of autistic children attending mainstream primary and post-primary schools it is time to tackle third level education’s methods of integration.

The development of an Autism-Friendly University creates a voice for autistics students, while modifying education to be more inclusive and accessible to all who show ability. The president expressed profound sentiment in announcing that one of his greatest wishes “is that this becomes a model for other universities”.

SPORT

17

Phenomenal Fallon and European win in Sevens cap top year for DCU Rugby The men brought their campaign to a close with victory in the European Rugby Sevens Cup hopefully attract girls to the team,” Corri said.

“We definitely have some unfinished business next year.”

As with previous years, the men he 2017-18 season was found more success in the ‘sevens’ one of mixed fortunes for circuit than in the fifteen-a-side DCU’s men’s and womformat. en’s rugby teams.

Two players, JJ O’Dea and Patrick The men brought their Thornton, won caps with the Irish campaign to a close with victory in student’s side, but victory in the Euthe European Rugby Sevens Cup, ropean Rugby Sevens Cup in France while the women slipped to a narrow was the clear highlight of the season, defeat against the University of Lim- and a testament to how far DCU erick in their Division 1 cup final.

Force has progressed.

“It was a season of ups and “We tried our best to turn it from downs,” outside centre for the ladies’ ‘social club’ to a ‘serious and a bit of side Eimear Corri told The College fun’ club,” DCU’s Elliot Stone told View.

The College View.

Their season began in the worst “We went over [to France] confipossible manner as they lost coach dent we had put in the work. But to and Irish women’s international Sowin it we were just shocked.” phie Spence, and the squad were left However, the challenge for the to their own devices to hunt down a men’s side will be translating this replacement. success to the 15-a-side format, The search ended with Eddie where they dropped out of the cup Fallon, and Corri said the squad competition at the quarter-final stage, couldn’t be happier with his appoint- after a narrow defeat to IT Carlow. ment.

Stone saw the match as a missed “He’s been phenomenal,” Corri opportunity: “We just didn’t exesaid. “Any problems we have he cute.” makes it his first interest to help After that match, coach Eoin as much as he can. He’s shown he can develop players of any athletic background.”

Under Fallon’s guidance the side made it to the Cup final after losing only once in their league campaign and finishing top of the table.

They met a strong and experienced University of Limerick side in the final and fell just short, but Corri said the season was a positive one overall.

“Success this year is a huge promotion tool for us, that success will

Sam Roberts Contributor @thecollegeview

T

“

The DCU Force Men’s Sevens side looking a little worse for wear after their European success in Lille

Success this year is a huge promotion tool for us, that success will hopefully attract girls to the team

Sheriff noted the difference in resources and training time between DCU and the IT Carlow side, who had a number of players on dedicated scholarships. Stone agrees.

“We didn’t have enough training as a team,” Stone said.

“Physically we were well up against them, but simple errors let us down.

“I’d put that down to amount of practice we had together.”

Building on this year’s success,

Credit: DCU Student Sport

and translating that to the 15-a-side format, will be the biggest challenge for the side next season.

“This is now a great stepping stone for putting DCU on the right standard,” Stone said.

“We just need 15s to catch up to Sevens success as it were.

“Next year’s team is definitely on the right track from this year’s hard work.”

DCU run elite UCD close in swimming intervarsities DCU came as close to beating UCD as anyone has this year, and coaches are hopeful of more success next year Gold medal winner Brendan Hyland was confident in the teams ability and felt DCU could progress further and win the intervarsities next year.

CU’s Swimming Society The competition was a great learnhad an amazing run in ing experience for all of the DCU the Irish Intervarsity competitors, according to assistant Swimming Championcoach Ben Griffin. ships, placing second in He said he was “really impressed overall, male and female categories by how our swimmers performed.” with the male team just nine points He also hopes to lead DCU to first behind UCD. place next year claiming “all the This is not only the best result for guys are super motivated for next DCU swimming ever, but the closest year.” any university has come to beating While he found it disappointing UCD since they launched their elite coming second to UCD, he also swimming programme and facility. says he knows that DCU have the The DCU Swimming Society sent swimmers and the talent to improve their biggest ever team of 35 athletes on their results. with gold medals for four of the male David Prendergast, another competitors and one of the female gold medalist from the event, felt competitors. especially proud to have come away Brendan Hyland, Ben Griffin, Cil- from it successfully having done his lian Colvin and David Prendergast undergrad in UCD. won golds for the men with Clodagh “[The] Varsities this year showed Flood winning gold for the women. true talent across the DCU swim Many more DCU Swimming Soci- team with people swimming personal ety Members won medals and made best times and placing higher in their it to the finals. races than they would have antici-

Hugh Farrell Contributor @thecollegeview

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David Prendergast, gold medalist, swimming for DCU

pated.

“Returning to UCD where I did my undergrad and coming away with wins in both my individual events as well as both the men’s relays was brilliant to do for DCU.” The other assistant coach, Cillian

Colvin, is also hopeful for next year with the current talent in the club, while also adding that the relays were a major highlight of the competition with the men’s team getting gold in both events.

“There were a lot of great per-

Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

formances both from the swimmers competing for the first time and the ones who have competed in previous competitions,” Colvin noted.

“There’s always a great laugh and party afterwards.”

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Mosney residents, rookies and DCU Basketball ‘let off steam’ in 3v3 battle

Second annual festival of basketball a massive success for club looking to cement legacy at upcoming Intervarsities

Alex Dunne Sports Editor @alexdunnesf

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CU Basketball’s mixed 3v3 tournament brought a little March Madness to the Glasnevin campus, and a welcome trip for residents of the Mosney Accommodation Centre.

Last year’s tournament was a success all around, attracting students of all experience levels to let off a little steam and play some basketball, but this year the competition took on a different significance.

As part of the MELLIE project, asylum seekers from Mosney Direct Provision Centre in Meath were invited up to take part, and some played their way into the late stages of the competition.

But the main goal of the evening was to have fun. Conor Gilligan, DCU Men’s Basketball team member and the chief organiser on the night, was proud of the evening.

“It was unreal,” Gilligan told The College View.

“I didn’t think there’d be that many, so it was really good.

“The Mosney lads coming from the other side of the world, I was talking to one of them and he said every day they do nothing in Mosney, they’re not in school and they’re not working, so events like this is way better than doing nothing all day.

“Some of them didn’t play but they were here and had a good time, had some pizza, had some fun, so

Credit: Mark Carroll

Makwan Ali

I’m happy for them.”

“It was a good day,” Ali said.

Makwan Ali, from the accommo“We have the MELLIE project in dation centre, played in the tourna- 2018, and when Conor told us about ment, and was thankful for the chance the basketball we were so happy to participate and socialise away from about it. what is the norm.

“We came and we had the chance to play, it was so good, and we enjoyed it. We came here to help us learn English and to learn about different cultures, Irish culture, Irish studying, and we have good friends and good staff here in DCU.” The standard of basketball was of little importance on a night like this, but it was refreshing to see many competitive games across the 20team first round, with rookies and seasoned veterans alike blending seamlessly and producing some entertaining, high-scoring displays.

In the semi-finals, Hesco’s Finest overcame Murse Mines in a closerun affair, while Ruthie’s Angels put away the Looney Tunes.

The Angels would come out on top in the final, thanks to an MVP-worthy display from Andrew McGeever, but with the opposition side made up primarily of GAA players - who rarely play basketball - the evening can be considered a real success.

“Winning it, it’s just a bit of fun, especially in the final when everyone is watching,” McGeever said, speaking after the final.

“But the most important reason why we do this is to get people to play basketball.

“The success of one

Tuesday evening, embracing diversity and flinging open the doors to create DCU’s most enthralling and diverse sporting spectacle of the year

“Obviously [DCU Soccer] do the astro leagues throughout the year, but I think it’s good to have one big blowout. We’re getting near the end of semester now, people need releases with exam stresses going all over the place, just to come off and spend the evening off together with your mates and having the craic, it’s good to blow off some steam.

“We’re really a minority sport in DCU, we don’t get a lot of funding and that kind of stuff compared to, say, GAA and athletics, so we’re trying to recruit as many to basketball as we can, get its popularity up and then hopefully get it some notice.”

Gilligan said the tournament is a fantastic advertisement for both the club and for the sport, especially when seeing so much variety in the latter stages.

“It was really good, you saw there, lads that play GAA got to the final, and they’re all wearing their GAA jerseys and the other team are all playing at the highest level of basketball in Ireland, and they ran them in close enough in the final.

“Even in the semi-finals it was the same, there were players that haven’t played basketball before, so that’s really good to see.

“Some people here probably haven’t played basketball since school, but now they might say ‘next year I might try out for the team, that was pretty good’. Just giving people a

taste for a day can give them the lust to go on.”

The club have their own intervarsity championships coming up on April 4th in UL, capping off a very successful year that brought domination in the league for the ladies side and national success for the men’s Freshers.

“We’re feeling good,” Gilligan said.

“We’re reigning champs, the men’s team in the B division and the women’s team in the A division, the girls should probably win, they only won the All-Ireland recently so we’ll definitely be down supporting them.

“And for the lads we won the B last year, but in the A league we got relegated so were back to B for the varsities.

“We’re gonna go for it again, it’s my last year in college so I’m going all out for it.”

McGeever said the side “feel confident”, saying, “It’s a big event for us, it’s our biggest event of the year, so we have to perform in it.

“We have to do well to come back and show what we’re worth to the college.”

They proved that and a whole lot more with the success of one Tuesday evening, embracing diversity and flinging open the doors to create DCU’s most enthralling and diverse sporting spectacle of the year.

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SPORT

DCU retain Freshers hurling title In a repeat of last year’s final, DCU once again triumphed with a 1-20 to 2-15 win over UL

DCU Force captain Peter Wright with the European Universities Sevens trophy

Micheál Ó Scannáil Contributor @thecollegeview

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CU retained their All-Ireland Fresher 1 hurling title last weekend, spelling a bright future for the college’s hurling ambitions.

The college defeated the University of Limerick on a scoreline of 1-20 to 2-15 in a repeat of last year’s final where the Glasnevin university also triumphed.

The game was played at an immensely high level with a plethora of inter-county stars on both sides. Wexford trio Damien Reck, Rory O’Connor and Murtha Doyle notched up a goal and eight points from play between them, in what was a dominant performance.

DCU led from start to finish and looked like the better side after the first ten minutes struck up a 0-6 to 0-2 lead for the Dublin university.

The scoreline flattered UL, who kept DCU from pulling away on two occasions when goals reduced the lead. DCU was under brief pressure in the closing stages however after a fortuitous Jake Morris goal left a minimal deficit between the sides with five minutes remaining.

DCU remained composed and a James Burke point in the dying moments sealed the back-to-back fresher’s triumph for the university, which even got the university’s President, Brian MacCraith, excited.

“Major congrats to DCU Dóchas Éireann Freshers A Hurling players & management,” he said on Twitter.

“All Ireland champions! Hurling is alive and well in DCU.” Speaking after the game Rory O’Connor, a member of the Wexford Senior hurling panel, agreed with the President’s sentiment. He attributed much of the victory to the facilities afforded to the team in preparation for the cup.

“It’s brilliant,” he said.

“The facilities here are top class and the managers and the selectors that are over all the teams are top stuff.

“That’s mainly down to Paul O’Brien. He’s serious at having everything perfect for the players and really facilitating all their needs while being in college at the same time.”

The triumph in Stradbally came as yet another boost to hurling in DCU after the senior team competed in their first ever Fitzgibbon cup final this year.

The St. Martin’s club man said that hurling is on the up in DCU and that to even get a place on next year’s Fitzgibbon Cup panel would be an impressive feat.

“Hurling is going in DCU at the moment,” he said.

“Three years ago they got to their first fresher’s final and then last year they won their first one and now we’re after winning the second one back-to-back.

“There are a lot of rumours going

“

Credit: Peter Wright

It stands the hurling club in a great state ahead of Fitzgibbon next year. There’s a lot of good lads to come into that panel now around about what players are coming for masters and certainly there’s not many leaving the Fitz team from this year so even to get on the panel will be an achievement.”

While O’Connor recognised the talent of the current crop of Fitzgibbon Cup hurlers, Paul O’Brien, Gaelic Games Development Officer in DCU, said that this fresher’s hurling team are too good to be kept off the pitch next year.

“It’s a very strong fresher’s team

and I would be expecting certainly close to double figures to go into the Fitzgibbon panel next year,” he said.

“It stands the hurling club in a great state ahead of Fitzgibbon next year. There’s a lot of good lads to come into that panel now.”

O’Brien was confident that with the calibre of players joining an already impressive squad, DCU will be in strong contention to win the Fitzgibbon cup in coming years. He added that they could even cement

themselves as the best hurling institution in Ireland.

“If you look at the two panels that were in the Fitzgibbon final this year, I would consider our panel to be getting stronger and UL’s panel to be losing a few,” he said.

“There’s several other teams but I suppose we’re continuing to add to our panel and that’s what you want.

We set our stall out to be the best hurling college in Leinster first of all.

“Ourselves and IT Carlow have been at the forefront for the last two or three years and going forward I do think it will be a case where we’re top in Leinster, top in Ireland.

“Certainly it will be the case where were mixing with the top.”

DCU: Dara De Poire, Jack McVeigh, Paddy Smith, Shane O’Kennedy (Ballygunner, Waterford), Evan Shefflin (Ballyhale Shamrocks, Kilkenny), Peter Feeney (Na Fianna, Dublin), Conor Firman (St Martin’s, Wexford), Damien Reck (Oylegate Glenbrien, Wexford), Liam Pender (Duffry Rovers, Wexford), James Burke (Naas, Kildare), Brian Ryan (South Liberties, Limerick), Murtha Doyle (Oulart-the-Ballagh, Wexford), James Bergin (Conahy Shamrocks, Kilkenny), Colum Prendiville (Graigue-Ballycallan, Kilkenny), Rory O’Connor (St Martin’s, Wexford).

Scorers for DCU: James Bergin 0-5 (0-3f), Murtha Doyle 1-2, Damien Reck 0-4, James Burke 0-3, Rory O’Connor 0-2, Brian Ryan 0-2.

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INSIDE

3v3 tournament success for basketball club and MELLIE Project

Three-in-a-row for DCU Freshers as UL defeated in All-Ireland Final Monaghan forward David Garland landed seven points in a 0-10 to 0-08 victory

Conor Breslin Contributor @thecollegeview

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CU Freshers had to work every minute for their victory in Wednesday night’s Freshers football final in Portarlington as they captured their third All-Ireland title in a row after a hard-fought 0-10 to 0-08 win over University of Limerick.

DCU entered the match favourites with five of the starting fifteen having played in All-Ireland finals before for club and county. However, before the match DCU captain Kieran Dwyer said that the odds didn’t matter to him or the team.

“Finals take on lives of their own, there is no point getting this far and falling at the last hurdle,” Dwyer said.

“You see players in finals that let their nerves get the better of them.”

With the absence of the team manager Brendan Gillen, the duty of care fell into the hands of his trustworthy backroom team.

DCU quickly got to work, with Frank O’Reilly landing on the scoreboard after just 60 seconds of play from a neat one-two play with half-forward Sean Bugler.

Five minutes in, DCU doubled the lead. A nine man move that started from Dwyer ended with full forward Luke Gilmartin swinging the ball over the crossbar.

UL eventually got their first score after nine minutes of play through a 40 metre free from full forward Brian Friel. DCU responded quickly how-

“

after 17 minutes. With dry conditions, David Garland put three points between the teams from a placed ball.

However, UL refused to lie down and scored two late points from Joe Dawson and Chris Óg Jones before halftime to put one point between the teams.

The teams went to the dressing rooms 0-05 to 0-04 with both DCU and UL tallying 5 wides apiece.

Monaghan man Garland opened the second half with a free after two minutes - but this would be DCU’s final score for fifteen minutes.

The Munster men eventually hit form by knocking over three unanswered points from Brian Friel, corner back Michael Reidy and substitute Tom Hoare.

With a combination of wides, turnovers and poorly contested kick-outs, UL saw a sign of hope in DCU’s frustration.

Man-of-the-match Garland was able to equal the score from a free, yet UL had no desire of giving in as Corkery tried to score his second point. However, this was denied from a wonderful save by goalkeeper Sam Burton.

With seven minutes remaining and UL leading by one-point, Portarlington witnessed the emphatic teamwork from Garland and Jordan Morrissey who fired over one point apiece to give DCU the lead.

With five minutes of injury time to play, UL went on an all out attack but was denied any entry into DCU’s 45 due to the intense presence of Peadar Mogan and Darragh Ryan.

With one last attack from UL, DCU hearts were nearly broken by a shot at

We all played for one another, which is something we didn’t do at the start of the year, we knew we had the potential to go all the way DCU captain Jordan Morrissey, holding the All-Ireland Freshers trophy, and man-of-the-match David Garland

ever with the ‘dinky’ corner forward David Garland landing his first of seven points.

UL tried their best to cut through DCU’s line of defence but to no avail due to the physicality and intensity led by Mark Curran and Dwyer.

UL took their time but eventually got rewarded with an energetic late run from left-half back Tadgh Corkery, who popped over a superb point.

DCU kept their distance with scores from the man of the match David Garland, who fired over a free

goal from Niall Collins. Sam Burton got his fingertips to the ball and denied the shot.

In DCU’s final attack, a score from substitute Barry Gorman was the cure they needed which sent them on their way to their third All Ireland in a row.

Reflecting on the winning performance, the victorious captain Dwyer praised his side’s teamwork and spirit.

“We all played for one another,” he said, “which is something we didn’t do at the start of the year, but once we

got that connection we knew we had the potential to go all the way, and that’s what we did today.”

UL Freshers boss John O’Grady admitted he was “gutted” but was proud of his players after the game.

“Gutted, but such is sport,” O’Grady said on Twitter.

“Congrats to DCU GAA. It was a fair battle right up to the end, yere [sic] fitting champions. Enjoy the celebrations.

“Massively proud of every UL player and management, they left

everything out there. An incredible group to be involved with, nothing but an honour for me.”

DCU Team: Sam Burton, PJ Daly, Kieran Dwyer, Keith Murphy, Darragh Ryan, Mark Curran, Peadar Mogan, Billy Courtney, Jordan Morrissey (0-1), Frank O’Reilly (0-1), Sean Bugler, Eoin Smith, Luke Towey, Luke Gilmartin (0-1), David Garland (0-7).

SUBS: Daniel Brennan for Courtney, PT Cunningham for O’Reilly, Adrian Cummins for Towey (Black card), Barry Gorman for Gilmartin, Billy

Credit: Conor Breslin

Mannion for Brennan.

UL Team: Dylan O’Leary, Peter Paul Sauderland, Niall O’Mahony, Michael Reidy (0-1), Patrick Warren, Niall Collins, Tadgh Corkery (0-2), Joe Dawson (0-1), Brian O’Malley, Adam O’Donoughue, Ryan O’Donoughue, MacDarra Geraghty, Chris Óg Jones (0-1), Brian Friel (02), Brendan McKeown. SUBS: Tom Hoare (0-1) for McKeown, Daniel Enright for O’Malley, Aaron O’Brien for Geraghty.