The College View Issue 4

Wednesday November 15th 2017

www.thecollegeview.com

First Class Rep Council held eight weeks into semester Fionnuala Walsh News Editor @fionnuala_walsh DCU classes went nine weeks without representation in the class rep council due to delays and technical disruption to the voting process.

Problems arose when the online voting system for class reps, hosted on the website Loop, failed and students were unable to vote for the nominated candidates. Voting was also delayed by additional technical disruption and postponed due to the college being closed for Storm Ophelia.

Siobhán McTague, VP for Engagement and Development, addressed the first meeting of the council last Wednesday to apologise on behalf of the Students’ Union for the long delay.

This is the first year that DCU has attempted to host class rep voting online, instead of a physical ballot.

The Students’ Union decided not to run a pilot vote to test the system which was suggested by ISS when they were first approached with the idea.

“We kinda said no, lets just go ahead and try undergraduate students this year and won’t try postgraduates and by next year we will hopefully get all students online,” said McTague.

Features

Wheelchair spoke designer hits big Page 14

ISS worker Mark Glynn, who was initially contacted by the SU to set up the online voting, went on leave during the process and was replaced by a colleague who did not understand the task he was supposed to undertake to make the voting available on Loop.

The replacement ISS worker, John Doyle, who was put in charge of the voting system confused the class rep voting system with the executive vote which took place in March of last year.

“John proved very difficult to get in contact with and when I did he did not seem to understand what needed to be done,” said McTague.

“I realised he thought I was talking about the executive online elections even though I stated to him, but you know when you’re not in the SU you As a kick off to Mental Health Week, 129 schoolbags were laid out on the green outside the Henry Grattan at DCU Glasnevin, representing the kind of don’t understand it.” average number of Irish students who take their own life each year, on Tuesday 13 November. Image Credit: Mark Carroll A deadline of 2pm on Tuesday the 14th of November was set for under the Freedom of Information to capture entry and exit statistics. all class reps to be elected, which (FOI) Act. Following the incorporation is week nine and three quarters into DCU library applied to the DCU back in September 2016, the DCU semester one of the college year.

Incorporation budget to secure library is operating under a “One The late deadline is partly due funding to streamline the security Library” system. This means that classes having no nominees, and the systems and architecture between the both libraries are to be managed as a positions needing to be filled.

O’Reilly library on the Glasnevin single entity in terms of their service McTague was criticised by memcampus and the Cregan library on the offering. bers of the council, saying there was St. Patrick’s campus.

“The overall objective of this a severe lack of communication from The Cregan library has had this project is to streamline the efficient the SU in regards to the issue. security system in place since its access to both libraries providing The Vice President said that due to opening in 2014. full equivalence of library service to the difficulties in the voting, she took Previously, Glasnevin library only users in both libraries. charge of the first year elections, and had electronic turnstiles to enter the “To achieve this objective, the then enlisted the help of the faculty library, however with this new secu- infrastructure on both sites had to Shauna Bowers reps to oversee the other classes’ rity system in place, you now need to be identical and interoperable,” said Editor-in-Chief elections. use your student card on electronic Chris Pressler, Director of Library @shaunabowerss “Over two weeks we elected over turnstiles to get both in and out of Services at DCU, in response to the 300 class reps, we have about 326 the library.

FOI request.

SOME €77,461 was spent on the at the moment and together though The new turnstiles are Radio-FreThe implementation of a “One installation of the new turnstiles in work and perseverance we came the library on the Glasnevin campus, quency Identification (RFID) enabled Library” system is viewed as ‘sucthrough and came up with a remedy gates. This means they will be able cessful’ by DCU library, according to according to information obtained to a very unfortunate situation.”

Pressler.

New library gates cost DCU over €77,000

Sports

Opinion

DCU progress to Fitzgibbon League Semi Final Page 20

RTÉ makes progressive step towards gender equality Page 10

Gaeilge

News

Oireachtas na Samhna 2017

Page 11

Dublin councillor warns of taxi shortage

Page 3

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Editorial

INSIDE The Hype

Editor-in-Chief

Video Games

Shauna Bowers

Super Mario Odyssey Review Read more on page 6

Editor’s piece

Lifestyle Stranger Threads Read more on page 14

Facebook: TheCollegeView Twitter: @thecollegeview Read more on our website; thecollegeview.com Corrections: Stigma towards HIV was written by Amy Murphy.

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

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, News Editors: Kyle Ewald & Fionnuala Orla Dwyer, Aoibhin Bryant, Brendan Walsh Kelly, Emily Donnelly, Róisin Cullen, Deputy News Editors: Elsa McEvoy, Courtney Fitzmaurice, Daniel Phelan, Shauna Coen & Callum Lavery Bridget Fitzhenry, Niamh Dunne, Colin Gannon, Katie Caden, Gabija Opinion Editor: Megan Conway Gataveckaite Deputy opinions Editor: Gabija Gataveckaite Contacts Lifestyle Editor: Katie Gallagher editor@thecollegeview.com Deputy Lifestyle Editors: Adam Daly & Rachel Farrell news@thecollegeview.com Features Editor: Orla O’Driscoll Deputy Features Editor: Arthur Velker Irish Editor: Ali Spillane Sports Editor: Alex Dunne Deputy Sports Editors: Gavin Quinn & Christy Dunne Arts Editor: Emer Handly Deputy Arts Editors: Ian Mangan & Ally Daly Images Editor: Mark Carroll Deputy Images Editor: Daria Jonkisz Photographers: Sarah O’Neill and Tara Shiels

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

“The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”

This is a quote from Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the American suffragist and leading figure of the early women’s rights movement. These words were relevant in the 1800s and they are just as relevant today.

These are the words that every person who has ever been sexually assaulted, abused, bullied or victimised should hear.

You were not at fault. You did nothing wrong.

You should not let the opinions of others, nor the fear that your abusers struck into your hearts hold you back from living your best lives. To every person who has come forward about the sexual abuse they were forced to endure, you are brave.

We need those who are abused to stand up to the people who are taking advantage of their positions. The people who have come forth and revealed the alleged actions from the people in power like Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Michael Colgan, you are not only helping yourself. You are also opening the eyes of the world to the injustices and inequalities that are continually perpetrated on more vulnerable individuals.

Being abused is devastating but being abused by someone who is your boss, or someone you hold with high regard is even more devastating as described by Grace Dyas.

You should not fear the repercussions or opinions you may face once your claims are made public.

Fear should not hold you back. Once you break through the constraints that fear places on you, you

are able to feel free.

The people in your life should know you well enough to know that what you’re saying is the irrefutable truth. The people who do not believe you, well they probably don’t know you at all and if that’s the case then their opinion really shouldn’t matter to you all that much.

This world is full of cynics and bullies but you shouldn’t let that stop you from revealing the truth within you. You have the power, not your abuser and you should utilise that power so that nobody else has to go through the same experience that you did.

While the incident of abuse might have only lasted mere minutes, the effects of that abuse can last a lifetime. The duration, frequency or any other word used to describe the assault is inconsequential. The trauma, however, doesn’t ever stop or expire.

You have suffered but you have persevered. You could have let this event stop you from achieving your potential and reaching goals that you were destined to reach but you didn’t. You should be proud of yourself. There is no shame in being assaulted, not on the victim. The only shame falls on the abuser because they are an abomination.

And to anybody in DCU who has experienced abuse and is currently reading this, know that there are people out there who are willing to listen to you, those who can help and those who will support you.

Don’t be afraid, change begins with one person.

So, to everybody who has made their abuse public knowledge, and to those who don’t feel ready to do so, I applaud you all. In the words of The Help; “You is kind. You is Smart. You is important.” Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise because your bravery inspires so many young men and women. Your bravery is awe-invoking and so are you.

News

Dublin councillor warns of possible taxi shortage in the city

Kyle Ewald Deputy Editor @kyle_ewald DUBLIN is at risk of entering another taxi shortage due to dramatic increases in insurance premiums over the last three years according to a Dublin City Councillor.

Fianna Fáil Cllr., Paul McAuliffe, said while raised insurance costs are affecting all drivers, taxi drivers are being “impacted very severely” due to limited competition in the insurance sector and new drivers being unable to afford to enter the market.

Drivers trying to enter the industry have found it “nearly impossible to even get a quote”, said

Mick Gaynor, a representative of the Dublin-based taxi service Lyft.

Gaynor said drivers who are in the industry already have seen increases on average from 80 per cent to 110 per cent in their insurance premiums.

“We have an issue at the moment with a shortage of taxis and the rising price of car insurance just makes it more difficult for newbies to enter the industry.

“This has a knock on effect for us as new drivers looking to join Lynk [a taxi app] are hit with this barrier. I’ve heard some drivers be quoted over €10,000,” said Gaynor McAuliffe said he has been contacted by five or six taxi drivers in the last month in relation to insurance premiums being unaffordable as well as two complaints in the last week from drivers who cannot get an insurance quote at all.

He added that evidence from other cities that have difficulties with people getting home at night suggests a taxi shortage in Dublin could lead to more crime exposure.

Students would be one of the groups affected by a taxi shortage because they often rely on taxis to

Over 340 student beds approved for Phibsborough

Shauna Coen Deputy News Editor @thecollegeview

A shortage of taxis could negatively impact the safety of students on nights out

bring them in and out of town on a night out.

“The possibility that if we do drive taxi drivers out of the business, it’s going to result in students being more vulnerable on the streets at night,” said McAuliffe.

McAuliffe said at the moment, “the government is not taking this issue seriously and we need the

Credit: The Irish Times

government as a whole to be dealing with the issue around insurance.”

Gaynor said action should be taken by the insurance companies themselves, mentioning that the 3.2 per cent meter increase in February should slightly help with covering the costs, but insurers should be taking more action to keep taxis on the road.

DCU tops the table in female academia ing a great job of promoting female academia.

“We pride ourselves on our equal community in DCU. We have @callum_lavery recognised females further afield who have proven that greatness does DCU is the leading university in Ire- not come with your gender but rather land for female academia, according your talent, determination, and abilito figures released in a report by the ty as a person,” said Henry.

Higher Education Authority (HEA).

“I would hope that the same Currently 56 per cent of academ- attitude is adopted internally as it ic staff in DCU are female, two per rightly should be. I myself, have had cent higher than the national average. some amazing lectures in my time as DCU are also leading the tables in a communications student and two of the number of female lecturers in the my best modules were presented by country with 54 per cent of lecturers women and one could only hope that at the college being women as the these lectures are recognised by the national average remains at 50 per University,” he added. cent.

This news comes a week after Despite a relatively close ratio NUI Galway published a report on of female to male academics and Equality and Diversity which found lecturers in the country, roles such as that 58 per cent of the 33 academics professors, associate professors, and promoted to senior lecturer positions senior lecturers in all seven univerwere women, making 40 per cent of sities were all currently occupied by its senior lecturers female, four per more men than women. cent above the national average.

University College Limerick NUIG had been criticised in are ahead in the number of female the past for gender inequality after professors and senior lecturers at 31 several female staff went to court and 41 per cent respectively. Trinity against the college for gender disCollege Dublin tops the tables for crimination. female associate professors at 42 per Chairperson of DCU Feminism cent.

Society Isha McDonnell praised Students’ Union Vice President DCU for their efforts. for Welfare and Equality Podge “I think DCU are doing as good Henry said that he felt DCU are doa job at addressing gender inequal-

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Callum Lavery Deputy News Editor

Mary Mitchell O’Connor proposed to have incentives to increase female representation in third level

ity for the staff with things like the Athena SWAN initiative and Women in Leadership programmes, especially considering they’ve never had a

Credit: NUIG

serious claim of discrimination put against them in the way NUIG have, to my knowledge,” said McDonnell.

THE construction of apartments for over 340 students has been confirmed in Phibsborough as part of the €50 million redevelopment of the 1960s shopping centre.

Dublin City Council approved the scheme earlier this month which involves a threefold increase in the amount of retail space and the creation of 341 beds for students.

The announcement was welcomed by DCU’s Students’ Union as the demand for third-level places continues to rise in the capital.

The student accommodation will be in two blocks and range in height from four to six storeys, partly overhanging the existing centre facing onto Phibsborough Road.

Plans to rejuvenate the heart of the area on Dublin’s northside will not include the demolition of the eight-story tower, often named as one of the ugliest buildings in Dublin.

The developers proposed an upgrading of the tower rather than its demolition as they do not own two of the businesses underneath it, a Tesco and Eddie Rockets restaurant.

Phizzfest, the local community and arts festival, broadly welcome the development of the shopping centre but aim to appeal the developer’s plans to clad the tower with expanded metal mesh.

Founding member of Phizzfest, Marian Fitzpatrick said they do not have an issue with the student accommodation in the shopping centre but they do have a “major issue” with the amount of student accommodation in Dublin 7.

Speaking to The College View about the developments, Green Party councillor Ciarán Cuffe said more student accommodation is needed in the city but is working to ensure that there isn’t an “over-concentration of transient residents in any one area.”

“Several residents have expressed concern about too many students being placed into existing residential areas,” said Cuffe.

Around 7,500 new beds are set to be delivered in the coming years in what is a mini-building boom for purpose-built student accommodation in Dublin.

News

4 News in Brief Non-smokers should get six days extra paid holiday according to Dublin clinic psychologist: A psychologist from the clinic has claimed that non-smokers should be given up to six paid days off work to compensate for the time smokers are given smoke breaks.

In Japan, some companies have started to give non-smokers extra, paid time off to allow for them to have the same breaks as smokers.

Psychologist Jason O’Callaghan from The D4 Clinic Blackrock proposed bringing this system to Ireland, in hopes to make up for the work that non-smokers do while smokers are on their breaks.

US student racially victimises college roommate A white American university student who smeared her bodily fluids on her black flatmate’s belongings has been arrested and may be facing additional charges.

Brianna Brochu posted about her actions against Chennel Rowe on Instagram for the first time on October 17.

“After 1½ months of spitting in her coconut oil, putting moldy clam dip in her lotions, rubbing used tampons [on] her backpack, putting her toothbrush where the sun doesn’t shine and so much more I can finally say goodbye to Jamaican Barbie,” Brochu wrote in her post.

Rail strikes stops students getting to college Students who rely on Irish rail and DART to get to University will find themselves struggling to get to college, throughout this November and December due to the Irish Rail strikes.

The strike has already affected two days within November and is set to happen on three more occasions throughout the next two months. The next strike dates are on November 14th, 23rd and December 8th, although more dates may still be added after these.

The USI has already come out on the rail workers side, However DCU students and students in general who use Irish Rail as their primary or only form of transportation to college will be heavily affected by this strike.

Student rental crises highlighted in RTE Documentary Most advertising for substandard accommodation is found on social media groups, found RTÉ Investigates programme “Nightmare to Let”, which aired Thursday November 2nd this year.

“However some of the worst accommodation is not even registered with the authorities, and is therefore unlikely to ever be inspected,” says Barry O’Kelly, a reporter from the RTÉ investigates unit.

Though the documentary focused less on student accommodation, common problems with lack of running water, plenty of dampness and mould, as well as other plumbing and electrical issues were not problems that are unfamiliar to DCU students.

Almost 100 students dropped out of DCU Aine Conaty Contributor @thecollegeview

SOME 96 students have dropped out of DCU so far this year and 40 people have also deferred their course for the year.

This is consistent with last year’s figures, which saw a total of 95 students dropping out of DCU during the same time period. So far this year, 114 people have changed their course internally within DCU. In DCU, when you drop out of a course before the 31st of October you “are liable to pay 50 per cent student contribution and no tuition fees will be claimed from the HEA for that student” as stated in their fees protocol information booklet.

However, if you drop out between this date and the 31st of January you are expected to pay half of your Student contribution and half of your tuition fees. If you drop out at any stage after this date you have to pay the full student contribution and full tuition fees.

UCD and NUIG have a similar protocol as that of DCU. DIT, however, says in their student fee protocol that “tuition fees will not

Many universities don’t refund money if you drop out of college after a certain point

be refunded if a student decides to withdraw after the course has commenced; fees will only be refunded where a course does not commence.”

Seán Óg Cairns who wanted to transfer said that “DCU was very

informative and supportive.” He said that when transferring internally you did not pay full fees but when transferring to a different college you have to pay the EU fees.

Courtney Conaty who dropped out

Credit: Tara Shiels

of GMIT said that “I didn’t pay any fees,” and that she went to talk to their Students’ Union and different councillors, saying “they were all so helpful and made it really easy.”

DCU students with disabilities have trebled in the last decade

Michelle Townsend Social Media Editor @michelle_t95 THE number of students registered with DCU’s Disability & Learning Support Service has more than trebled in the last decade.

A recent review from the Higher Education Authority reported that the number of students with disabilities attending colleges in Ireland has increased significantly and is continuing to do so.

“I’m here eleven years and when I started there were 150 students registered with us, and today we’ve about 800,” explains Anne O’Connor, Head of Disability & Learning Support

Service in DCU. “The number of students with mental disabilities and learning difficulties has changed and increased compared to then.”

O’Connor believes that an improved knowledge of mental disabilities and learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, in Ireland has led to this increase in students.

“There are better diagnoses for young people in school than there was 10 years ago,” she says. “It means then there are students coming into us knowing what conditions they have and what support they might need.”

Another reason the number of students with disabilities in DCU are up is because of the Disability Access Route to Education, more commonly known as the DARE scheme. This scheme is for school leavers whose disability has had a negative impact on their second level education, and allows them to gain entry into third level institutions on reduced CAO points.

“DCU have actually been operating this route for ten years,” says O’Connor. “No question about it, that has definitely increased our numbers.”

Although O’Connor has not no-

Disability is no longer a preventative factor in attending third level

ticed a significant increase in students with physical disabilities attending DCU, she insists the support for them over the years has remained consistent. “Someone with a physical disability can have a personal assistant with them nine-to-six, or whatever their academic hours are, Monday to Friday,” she says.

Aoife McNicholl, a postgraduate student who has regularly availed of the Disability & Learning Support Service, believes that they have gone from “strength to strength” over the years and are more than helpful to those who need it.

Credit: Daria Jonkisz

“They’ve been very helpful in terms of organising height adjustable desks for my classes, arranging exam accommodations for me such as rest breaks and extra time and organising wheelchair accessible transport to and from DCU each week on a Friday and Sunday. They really made the transition to college a very smooth one for me,” she says.

DCU’s Disability & Learning Support Service operate a drop-in clinic on both Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s campuses for students who have physical or mental disabilities.

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News

DIT academics lodge complaint over amalgamation process James Nolan Contributor @thecollgeview

The changes are causing some controversy on DIT

Credit: RTE

EIGHTEEN academics at Dublin Institute of Technology have written to the chairman of the institute’s governing body to express their discontent with the amalgamation process with Tallaght and Blanchardstown ITs. The academics took the “unprecedented step” of writing the letter to the college’s chairman, Professor Tom Collins, as they felt they had been given an inferior status and were aggrieved with the process of setting up the new technical university.

They claim to have been excluded in the process while heads of schools from the other two partaking colleges were being made “ex-officio members of the senior team discuss-

DCU’s energy consumption increases

the All Hallows campus with more energy-efficient gas ones. This has resulted in a 20 per cent decrease in bills there so far.

They also installed motion and CERTIFICATION Europe accredited daylight sensor lights in the GlasDCU as being fully compliant with nevin campus multi-storey carpark. the International Energy ManageThese lights operate at 20 per cent of ment Standard last Thursday. their capacity and go up to 100 per DCU was certified following a cent when the sensors are activatweek-long audit of its energy management system across all campuses. ed. They also detect the amount of daylight in the car park to prevent DCU Estates Manager, Richard unnecessary use of the lights.

Kelly, called the certification “a DCU’s energy bills exceed €4 massive achievement for DCU” and million every year, according to thanked staff and “well-engaged” Sustainability DCU. Kelly said that students for their cooperation in investment in energy-saving initiareducing energy consumption. tives will help to reduce these bills.

The Estates Office undertook two The Estates Office is committed to major projects during the summer further improving energy manageusing €300,000 they secured from the Sustainable Energy Authority of ment and plan to fit the Campus Ireland. They replaced oil burners in Residences with LED lights folBridget Fitzhenry Contributor @thecollegeview

DCU said they wanted to be a carbon neutral campus by 2020

ing the future of the technological university”.

The DIT academics have been told that their positions are as merely “operational managers”, and have responded by calling the situation a travesty considering that the staff of the college had created a “de facto” university in everything but name.

The project has been given the title TU4Dublin and it will involve DIT, along with Tallaght and Blanchardstown Institutes of Technologies, amalgamating to create a new technological university which will be headquartered in DIT’s Grangegorman campus on Dublin’s northside.

DIT Construction student, Shane Gill, believes the process would prove too overwhelming for DIT staff.

“From my two years in the college, the heads of schools have proved unable to deal with student

numbers efficiently. There have been many times when lectures have been canceled due to venues or lecturers being unable to take large quantities of students” “I think they would be too overwhelmed and unable to cope with the even larger quantities of students in a university setting,” added Gill.

IT Tallaght student, Sean Brown, complained that there is little to no communication between the colleges and students regarding the amalgamation process.

“IT Tallaght is giving us no information on it. I can guarantee if you went around campus asking students about it, they wouldn’t be able to give you much information. Some students probably don’t even know it is happening at all,” said Brown.

A member of the TU4 committee was unable to comment on the matter when approached.

Student enrolments rise as cuts are made to state and staff funding

lowing their success in the car park, according to Kelly.

The Estates Office plans to imple- Colin Gannon ment an efficient control strategy for Contributor each of the buildings in All Hallows. @thecollegeview They also hope to insulate the roof STUDENT enrolments to DCU rose spaces and install internal secondby 25 per cent between 2013 and ary glazing in all windows on the 2016, during the same time there 175-year-old campus. have been cuts in both state funding The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy set a target for public and staff levels.

A demographic tsunami is sweepbodies to improve their energy effiing through third level institutions ciency by 33 per cent before 2020. between students and lecturers DCU’s energy efficiency rate currently stands at 32 per cent and Kelly amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding higher education’s funding said it “compares favourably” with model, according to the Higher other universities.

Education Authority (HEA).

“We’re fully committed to con“Where the lack of funding is tinual improvement, so we want to try and better the 33 per cent target” most clearly measured is the ratio of lecturers to students. The ratio Kelly said. has also been rising due to increased student levels and staff shortages and this creates many challenges for third level institutions. On current projections over the next decade, we’re anticipating a further 30 per cent increase in student numbers nationwide,” HEA’s Malcolm Byrne told The College View.

The Oireachtas Education Committee tasked to compile recommendations for a new higher education funding model is still considering the Cassells Report which was published last year.

The report found that Ireland’s higher education system’s weakening resources and a deteriorating student-to-lecturer ratio were distinct symptoms of the sector’s current state.

Byrne, HEA’s Head of Communications, does not feel that university standards are dropping as many institutions have adapted and found funding elsewhere.

“Many institutions such as DCU have made their operations as lean as they possibly can without directly impacting on student services.

“They have had to go and source Credit: Paul David Pope more private funding in order to con-

tinue to do the work they’re doing,” he said.

DCU President Brian McCraith admits that “growing student numbers and class sizes put obvious pressure on existing resources and facilities.”

MacCraith told The College View that although funding is a significant issue for the third level sector, considered measures have been taken

by DCU to deal with the dearth of public investment.

“DCU has taken significant steps in recent years to ‘future-proof’ the university and the facilities it offers to our students. Last year we announced a major Campus Development Plan.

“This was based primarily on a long-term, low-interest loan from the European Investment Bank and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund,” he said.

Budget 2018 revealed a €47.5 million increase in funding for higher education. The Government will also make €310 million available by 2021 to address the infrastructural needs of the sector through increases in the National Training Fund levy, imposed on employers nationwide.

These plans were met by a lukewarm reception from higher education lobby groups such as the HEA as they fail to directly address the extent of the “crisis in higher education funding.”

Credit: STA.ie

Third level is an increasingly popular option for young people

News DCU unites with colleges to regenerate Clinton Centre

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Increase in students receiving flu vaccine Brendan Kelly Palenque Contributor @thecollegeview

Shauna Bowers Editor-in-Chief @shaunabowerss DCU, University of Ulster and University of Massachusetts have united to regenerate the Clinton Centre in Enniskillen, Bill Clinton announced in Belfast last week.

The three universities are developing a new operational model to maintain the centre and keep in line with Clinton’s commitment to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.

The Clinton Centre was built in 2002 on the site of the 1987 Remembrance Day bombing which killed 12 people.

“Good citizenship in the 21st century requires us all to find ways to expand the definition of ‘us’ and shrink the definition of ‘them.’

“So, I’m grateful that the Centre will continue to be a place that supports and empowers students from all over the world with the tools they need to create better tomorrows,” said President Clinton when announcing the news.

The Clinton centre was set up to encourage peace and ease conflict on the island of Ireland

The new plan is set to incorporate both academic and cultural activities over the next three years, focusing on conflict resolution.

From Summer 2018, the Centre will host academic programmes such as years abroad, semesters abroad and summer school programmes.

Bill Clinton was presented with an honorary doctorate in DCU in October due to his efforts in maintaining peace in Ireland, one of the key reasons DCU joined the project.

“Emblematic of the trauma suffered throughout the Troubles, this Centre will have a significant role to play in the ongoing drive towards healing, peace and reconciliation amongst divided communities.

Credit: CAIN

“We look forward to harnessing the considerable expertise of DCU academics alongside colleagues in Ulster University and UMass in helping to create a secure and stable future for all those who live on the island of Ireland,” said Brian MacCraith, DCU President.

Modifications are required to enable the Centre to handle the increased visitors and activities. This will be paid for through fundraising in Ireland, Northern Ireland and America, as well as Government support.

The Centre are also hoping to build a memorial for the 12 people who died during the Remembrance Day bombing with this new funding.

MORE DCU students received the influenza vaccine in 2017 than in previous years, according to the campus pharmacy.

Flu vaccinations are “higher than usual” and there is “much more awareness” according to the pharmacist.

However, exact figures are unavailable due to data protection.

The pharmacy offers free flu vaccines for at-risk medical card holders.

For at-risk people without a medical card it’s €15, while it’s €27.50 for everyone else. The vaccine will be available until April 2018.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the virus, flu vaccines are seasonal. Every couple of years a new vaccine is developed to protect against the latest strain of the influenza virus.

This year, 17 people have been hospitalised due to influenza in Ireland, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The HPSC also reported no deaths yet due to the flu. However, Irish influenza rates doubled in January of this year.

The World Health Organisation recommends the vaccine for the

elderly, pregnant people, children under five and those suffering from a chronic illness. In 2010, Ireland had less than 40 per cent of at-risk groups vaccinated.

The WHO aimed for 75 per cent of the elderly population to be vaccinated in 2010.

Ireland failed to reach this target, instead having a little over 50 per cent covered.

Pregnant people suffer more extreme symptoms due to the effect of pregnancy on the body. These symptoms include: breathing issues, nausea, vomiting and even decreased or no baby movement.

The flu vaccine is safe to receive throughout pregnancy according to the WHO. The WHO also stresses the importance of vaccination for herd protection.

Vaccines protect not only those vaccinated, but also the unvaccinated. Herd protection is when enough people are vaccinated that the chance of contracting the disease becomes negligible.

Influenza has a quick recovery rate, and the WHO recommends those suffering from usual symptoms to rest at home.

Others suffering from more severe symptoms should seek the advice of their doctor and see if antiviral treatment is necessary.

DCU remains second highest university for Sugar Babies

Cait Caden Contributor @thecollegeview DCU remains the second highest university in the country for sign-ups to SeekingArrangement in 2017, with 568 students registered to the Sugar Babies service, according to the website’s recent figures.

Trinity remains the university with the most sign-ups in Ireland.

Although there is no rise in the DCU Sugar Baby community, there is little evidence to suggest a decline is expected, especially as student fees have risen to over €3,000 per annum.

There are currently 39,387 Sugar Babies working in Ireland alone.

31,298 of which are female and 8,089 are male Sugar Babies. Almost 10,000 out of the entire number are students.

SeekingArrangement, the most popular website of its kind, was originally set up as a mutually beneficial agreement, so students could pay off college debt while supplying companionship. However, almost 30,000 Irish people using the service are not students.

“You are never too old to be a Sugar Baby. We have Sugar babies on the site of all ages,” said Josette

D’Espyne, a Public Relations Coordinator with SeekingArrangement.

“If the Irish government’s proposed student loan scheme is approved, students coming from families who cannot afford to pay €20,000 per year in fees will be faced with crippling debt post graduation and nobody’s doing anything about it,” says Brandon Wade, Founder and CEO of SeekingArrangement.com.

It is evident the ‘Sugar Baby’ lifestyle has become increasingly normalised since SeekingArrangement’s inception in 2006. This could be caused by the renting crisis or the fact Ireland has the second highest third level fees in Europe.

Some see it as an empowering employment, like popular Snapchatter and former Sugar Baby Riona Little.

“I guess the reason I loved it is that it’s like being self-employed.

You choose your hours, your payment and the activities. Sex isn’t really required,” said Little.

Sugar Babies get a monthly allowance of €2,150 from SeekingArrangement. This does not include gifts and other money they receive from their ‘Sugar Daddies’. The site does offer a 3rd party background check. Additionally, there are safety tips available on the website as well as SeekingArrangement’s sister site

Many Sugar Daddies offer to help pay for tuition fees

LetsTalkSugar.com.

Prostitution, the act of soliciting sexual favours for money, is

illegal in Ireland. Although sex is not required when you become a ‘Sugar Baby’ the consensus is that

Credit: Bustle

it is expected, making the lifestyle controversial.

8

Making an Impact winner to be announced today Colin Gannon Contributor @thecollegeview AN annual contest will be held in the Helix today to celebrate some of Ireland’s elite postgraduate research communicators as five finalists vie for two top prizes.

The Making an Impact competition, in its ninth year, is held in partnership through the Higher Education Authority and the Irish Independent.

The finalists are tasked with explaining to an expert panel and a lay audience, comprised only of second-level students, why their research is significant to Irish society or even impactful on a global scale.

The HEA told the College View that this is an exercise in communicating research and emphasised that it is not an academic presentation.

Two winners will receive a prize of €2,500 each, both sponsored by the Irish Independent.

The panel will decide on one award and the students will vote to determine the second winner.

This year’s finalists are Greg Tierney (Trinity College Dublin), Eoin Murphy (NUIG), Joanne Duffy (NUIG), Edwin Alblas (UCD) and Hala Jabar (UL).

UL student Jabar will present her ‘Music

Deputy News Editor @elsamcevoy

The finalists from the “Making an Impact” campaign

and Migrants’ research which “examines the use of community music workshop and ethos as a tool to create musical interventions for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland.”

Jabar grew up in Palestine surrounded by conflict and her research is inspired by her own interactions with music as she saw first-hand the positive effects music-making can have on those displaced through war.

“I wanted to gain more knowledge and experience of the extent the benefits of music making can have for refugees coming to Ireland,” she said.

The Government is looking at other ways to fund third level universities

IRISH students are paying the second highest fees in Europe behind the UK. However, only 60 per cent of Irish students are actually paying full fees as almost half were aided by the grant system in 2015/16, according to a report recently published by the European Commission.

The report compares the cost of fees and the level of financial aid available to students across 42 different education systems and concentrates mainly on undergraduate or ‘first cycle’ courses.

USI President Michael Kerrigan said

USI launch ‘Get RegD’ Campaign

Elsa McEvoy

Credit:HEA

The independent adjudication panel, who whittled down all 130 entries to five finalists, will remain as the expert panel on the day.

Katherine Donnelly, Education Editor of the Irish Independent, chairs the panel.

One of last year’s winners, Paul O’Dwyer, told the College View that the competition was a “great learning experience” and that it was worthwhile in gaining exposure for his research.

“One critical skill I learned was the ability to present everything I need to in a concise but detailed manner.”

Irish students pay second highest fees in Europe

Elsa McEvoy Deputy News Editor @elsamcevoy

News

that “although this is a new report, this is something we have known for over six years.

Ireland has, for some time, had the second highest fees in Europe and will soon have the highest third level fees in the EU.” The report found that students in the UK have to contribute the most to third level institutions at €10,000 a year with Ireland following at €3,000 a year.

However, there is no grant system in the UK with students depending entirely on loan schemes to complete their studies.

Over 11 education systems in the EU don’t require their students to pay any fees at all. These include institutions in Germany, Greece, Croatia, Denmark and Finland.

A total of 17 European countries also have

Credit: Broadsheet

tax relief or social benefits to help students and their families with the cost of college.

This includes continuing to pay child or family benefits until the age of 24 or 25 for children in full time education.

The countries that allow tax relief and child benefits for all include France, Switzerland, Portugal and the Czech Republic.

Despite a student loan scheme being ruled out in the Budget 2018, the Cassell’s report stated that the funding model for third level education in Ireland is unsustainable.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has left the idea of an Australian or Dutch style loan scheme open after completely ruling out a UK or US style scheme which leaves graduates with large debts after obtaining their degrees.

THE USI launched their ‘Get RegD’ campaign to encourage students to register to vote.

Back in 2014, over 120,000 people under the age of 25 were not registered to vote according to a survey published by the National Youth Council of Ireland.

The USI promised to register thousands of students across Ireland to vote on Wednesday, November 8th.

“Registering to vote is now part of coming to college. First years now get a student card, and a voter registration form,” USI President Michael Kerrigan said.

“It’s important for students to be registered to vote to have the chance to elect people who have young people’s interests at heart, and have a say in the numerous referendums coming up,” he said.

Global business student in DCU Maria Murphy is not yet registered to vote.

“I only knew it was National Voter Registration day because I saw it on James Kavanagh’s Instagram story. I wasn’t old enough to vote in the last referendum so I still haven’t thought to register,” she said.

DCU communications student Carmel Kenny hasn’t registered yet either. “I’m not registered but I did look at the register of electors to see if I already was. I definitely plan on registering before the deadline,” she said.

The USI teamed up with the National Youth Council of Ireland and Spunout.ie for the campaign.

Ian Power, Executive Director of SpunOut.ie said, “The National Voter Registration Day has had huge success in the past, and with a number of referendums coming up in the next two years, it’s important young people in Ireland get registered to vote so that they can have a say in their future. This is a great initiative to get students engaged and to empower them to use their vote.”

Students are urged to check if they must add their name or change their details in the draft register as the deadline for this is November 25th.

Boots

Credit: Boots

Opinion

9

The debacle of power

Following recent allegations made against leading stars in Hollywood, Megan Conway looks at whether or not power is responsible for this.

Megan Conway Opinions Editor @thecollegeview

O

ver the last number of weeks, Hollywood has been turned upside down as victims of sexual assault and harassment have come forward to accuse some of the best-known names of these treacherous acts and publicly adding their voice to the movement.

These allegations are the result of people of power taking advantage of people they think they have control over. They are the result of the existence of hierarchies of untouchables who create fear and manipulate victims into situations where they are heedless to the fact that they are indeed victims.

Harvey Weinstein’s manipulative ploys against a number of well-known actresses serve as proof that power has the ability to blind the perpetrator into thinking they can commit such acts. He placed vulnerable woman into moral transgressions where he promised them an advanced career in return for sexual favours.

More than a dozen women came forward and accused Weinstein of harassment, assault and rape, but this was not about sex for Weinstein, it was simply about power.

Weinstein’s power driven sexual advances on women were not the only vicious acts that shook the movie industry over the last month.

Kevin Spacey’s little house of lies was burnt to a cinder following allegations made by actor Anthony Rapp who accused Spacey of making a sexual advance on him when he was just 14 years old. Spacey, who is a decorated theatre and Broadway star as well as two-time Oscar winner, holds a powerful position in Hollywood. Following Rapp’s allegations, eight more men came forward and made specific claims against Spacey. He, like Weinstein, used his power to lure some of his alleged victims into succumbing to the promise of success and opportunity in Hollywood. Kevin Spacey used his power to prey on young men.

However, this problem doesn’t only just lie with the rich and famous. They are only shedding the spotlight on the much bigger predicament that has engulfed the world for years but most have failed to address. Power is capable of creating lunacy. Our own history echoes this. Ireland’s rocky relationship with the church is a vocal point of people of power taking advantage of those they believe they have control over. The similarities are eerie.

Victims suffering at the hands of the powerful under false pretence. The perpetrators continue to bask in the glory of their successful careers despite the dirty secrets they hide. And then

Kevin Spacey was accused of making sexual advances on a 14 year old boy.

finally, after years of suffering, the victims come forward and make these allegations much to the shock of the bewildered public. This battle has gone on for far too long and it’s time for those who have abused their power and positions to be brought to justice.

If anything good has come from any of these allegations, it is that victims are finding the courage to speak up and call out these people

Image Credit: Megan Hannan

for who they really are. However, in truth, the situation is much deeper than anyone can anticipate. People in positions of power need to realise that they do not have free reign to do as they wish at the expense of others. Power is not a license to rape, harass or assault. They need to be condemned by all so victims who remain silent through fear and shame can finally see their justice.

Should SU membership stay mandatory?

Following the Katie Ascough scandal that gripped students all across the country, should we have a choice in whether or not we are a member of our Students’ Unions?

Gabija Gataveckaite Deputy Opinions Editor @thecollegeview

T

he very moment that each and every third level student in Ireland is enrolled in a university, they automatically become a part of the Students’ Union. This means that students can avail of any of the services the SU have to offer for example, take part in events and initiatives, mental health services and help on offer for students during their time in the university. The SU is funded largely by contribution fees that every student must pay when they enrol, but should membership of the union stay mandatory? I believe so.

The Katie Ascough fiasco in UCD has seen a students’ union president to be impeached by popular vote for the very first time in Ireland.

One way or another, the referendum was mostly just another debate of whether abortion is morally acceptable or not and in this case, the pro-choice side won.

A UCD society have now launched a petition campaigning for the SU constitution to be changed so that a way to opt out of the union is more clearly defined. This campaign is led by the ISFA, Irish Students for Freedom of Association. Speaking to The University Observer, group member Charles Crowley noted that “quite clearly this year [UCDSU] has

“

We never know when an issue may arise and when we may need help, so why leave a union that is always ready to offer guidance in any way they can?

been a farce…In terms of what it’s achieved.

Granted the Union has done some good things, but recently it hasn’t achieved any of its real goals,” is motivation for the campaign.

Leaving your SU can be a very foolish decision. Truth be told, some unions spend most of their time organising parties and giving out free passes into clubs, but most do very valuable work, for example Mental Health Week and SHIFT Week. Giving out free condoms, encouraging students with mental health issues to get counselling and just being there for students is a very important job and not one that should be taken for granted just because you don’t utilise it.

We never know when an issue may arise and

UCD students looking for way to opt out of Students’ Union

when we may need help, so why leave a union that is always ready to offer guidance in any way they can? And even if you never use any of their services, why not support a union that helps so many other students?

Leaving a students’ union is like setting out into a violent ocean with only a makeshift raft for support. There is only one union in the university, so once you leave you’re on your own.

Stances on social issues are something that unions are very passionate about. DCU, for example, is pro-choice. An anti-choice advocate may decide to leave the union on

Image credit: University Observer

this motion alone. But does the union’s stance on a political issue affect their delegation? It absolutely shouldn’t. Ascough let her personal beliefs get in the way, decided to support motions that UCDSU didn’t and so lost the support of her fellow sabbaticals.

Is it ever justified to leave your SU? Perhaps.

Ultimately, the SU is there to help students. If it’s not doing its job correctly, then its officers need to reconsidered. A student leaving a students’ union that fights for their rights and wellbeing defeats the entire point of a union being in place.

10

Opinion

The unpopular side of popular opinion Cathal McCahey explores the negative side of unpopular opinion

Cathal McCahey Contributor @thecollegeview

P

opular opinion is a strong force and something which is becoming a lot more prevalent in today’s society. Nowadays we see groups of hundreds and thousands voice their shared opinion to make a change, more than often constructively.

But does that mean that popular opinion is a good thing? Many would argue so, however, there are aspects of this popular opinion ‘movement’ which are far from constructive and need to be checked.

Time after time we can see that popular opinion rules. The power and strength it gives to an argument or cause is undeniable- it influences people and governments, leads to amendments in law and even prompts drastic changes to the way we live our lives. This movement is only gaining more strength and muscle as time goes on. But what happens when you fall on the wrong side of popular opinion?

What happens when you look at a particular argument and think ‘no, I do not agree with that’, do you become a legitimate target?

In 2015, Ireland undoubtedly took a step forward by voting yes to legalising same-sex

marriage and the support and backing behind that campaign was evident everywhere. There were ‘vote yes’ badges, banners and stickers everywhere. At the time I was in a school where the overall consensus was an overwhelming ‘yes’. However, there was one student who disagreed. While his peers proudly wore ‘vote yes’ badges he wore a ‘vote no’ badge. He was confronted and ridiculed for his belief but is it a backward belief to have? Maybe, but why shouldn’t we listen to his opinion, what would we lose?

That in itself is only one example of how those who disagreed during that particular campaign were put down and not allowed

“

Just because somebody holds a different belief to you doesn’t mean that their opinion should not be considered and listened to.

to speak their opinion. That is what is wrong with this new popular opinion movement that needs to change. Just because somebody holds a different belief to you doesn’t mean that their opinion should not be considered and listened to.

In a democracy, it is important to give all citizens an equal opportunity to discuss their opinion even if you believe it to be completely wrong. Is it crazy to think that he wanted to deny people who love each other the right to marry? Was it a backward belief that needed to change? Yes. Was he going to offer a valid argument instead of just a belief? We don’t

Differing opinions is cause for great contrversy

know because nobody gave him the chance to argue his opinion. Today we can see similar instances within the ‘Repeal the 8th’ campaign.

This tendency from the popular opinion ‘movement’ to shut down any ‘unreasonable’ opposition might be seen as a form of social policing. Instead of tolerating opinions which don’t belong in a modern society people are beginning to take a stand against them. This is clearly a good thing, however, at some stages this social policing becomes more and more like social vigilantism with the dismissal of the opposition’s opinions becoming more frequent, even though it is important we listen to them.

Image Credit: Clip Art Library

RTE makes a progressive step towards gender equality After Brian Dobson’s RTE departure, Amy Rohu looks at the new news team and what it means for RTE Amy Rohu Contributor @thecollegeview

A

“

s of January 2018, all of the main news anchors in RTÉ will be women. This is a victory for women everywhere but particularly here in Ireland.

Sexism and harassment against women have been hot topics in the media, especially in recent weeks.

When the news broke about Harvey Weinstein, the American film producer who has been abusing women for decades, Hollywood seemed to take on a new lease of life. Women everywhere have since come forward and are continuing to name and shame men who have abused their position of power. Men who also are victims of abuse are coming forward too, but what does this have to do with Caitriona Perry and Keelin Shanley taking over the Six One news?

It is a great example of the shift that is occurring in the media and how women are saying they’ve had enough. It was also recently announced that women in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to drive from next year, another landmark moment in women’s rights. Women shouldn’t have to beg for jobs because ‘women can do it too’, they should just be given it on merit, not because they are a woman. Nobody likes the idea of gender quotas for the sake of it or having a gender balance on a panel of

It seems that RTÉ is trying to sweep any controversy under the rug and show that they aren’t a sexist organisation, at least they don’t want to be anyway.

people because women just have to be there.

Caitriona and Keelin are two great examples of hard-working people who deserve to be where they are and RTÉ should be praised for recognising that.

There was a lot of controversy over the summer when a huge gender pay gap was revealed in RTE, the figures released showed that Bryan Dobson was earning up to €80,000 more than his co-anchor on the Six One news Sharon Ní Bheoláin. A lot of eyebrows were raised as the two anchors have identical jobs,

RTE’s news team replacements

so why was Dobson receiving significantly more? The same story also brought to light the highest paid presenters on RTÉ and the top 10 had considerably fewer women.

Fast forward a few months and it’s announced that he’s taking a different job on radio and Sharon is being moved to the Nine O’clock News and we’re introduced to our brand new news anchors. This news in itself is huge, most of us have grown up with Bryan and Sharon presenting the news every night. This shift in RTÉ is monumental.

Image Credit: RTÉ

It seems that RTÉ is trying to sweep any controversy under the rug and show that they aren’t a sexist organisation, at least they don’t want to be anyway. The two new faces of the Six One are a welcome change, they seem to be confident and excited for the job and will hopefully breathe fresh air into the newsroom.

Plus, Caitriona got her journalism degree here in DCU, which just goes to show what’s possible for us in the future too.

Gaeilge

11

Oireachtas na Samhna 2017 Cur síos Ali ar Oireachtas na Samhna 2017

Seoladh Dónal Dána ag Oireachtas na Samhna 2017

mó de na himeachtaí. Ó maidin go hoíche bhí buzz den scoth ann. Agus imeachtaí na maidine ag tosú bhí imeachtaí na hoíche ag críochnú suas. Maratón atá ann le fírinne agus má tá tú ag iarraidh bheith beo go dtí an Domhnach bíonn ort luas a shocrú.

Is corr-rud é an Béarla a chloisteáil ann agus na Gaeil ina thromlach ann. Idir seomra teaghlaigh, club na Ali Spillane Eagarthóir Ghaeilge féile, aonad an Oireachtais, lúibíní, @thecollegeview agallaimh beirte, cláir RnaG, ceardlanna éagsúla agus taispeántais de óit ar bheagnach 10,000 gach saghas tá rud éigean ar fáil do Gaelgóirí inniu tar éis seachtain fada fiúntach ag gach uile duine ann.

In 1897 a cuireadh tús leis an Oireachtas na Samhna. chéad Oireachtas riamh. Féile leathAistear fada a bhí á lae i mBaile Átha Cliath a bhí ann dhéanamh ag muintir na Gaeilge ag an am. Míle duine a bhí i láthair inné agus iad ag filleadh abhaile ó Cill Airne. N’fheadar an drochrud nó ann. Ní raibh ach naoi gcomórtais ar beannacht é nach dtarlaíonn an ocáid chlár na féile an bhliain sin. Ó shin tá fás agus forbairt mór millteach seo ach uair sa bhliain. tagtha air. I mbliana féile cúig lá Is é Oireachtas na Samhna a bhí i gceist le os cionn 10,000 buaicphointe na bliana do mhuintir duine ag freastal air idir chaintena Gaeilge agus iad uilig bailithe le oirí dúchais, foghlaimeoirí agus na chéile chun chéiliúradh a dhéanamh meáin ó chuile cearn den tír. Bhí 41 ar ghréasán na nGael. Bíonn idir óg agus aosta ann ag glacadh páirte sna comórtais éagsúla mar chuid de idir cheol, rince, scéalaíocht, lúibíní agus comórtais agus sa chóisir. agallaimh beirte.

Bhí cúig lá lán le himeachtaí ar Bíonn Corn Uí Riada ar cheann de fáil i mbliana. Seoladh go hoifigiúil bhuaicphointí na féile agus i mbliana é tráthnóna Dé Céadaoin agus ó ba é Conchubhar Ó Luasa ó Corshin bhí gach saghas imeacht idir Ghradaim Chumarsáide, Chomórtais caigh buaiteoir an chomórtais sin.

Liteartha, Seoladh Leabhair, Damhsa Freisin bhí seoladh Bliain na Gaeilge ar an tSean-nós agus amhránaíocht ar ar siúl ag Conradh na Gaeilge Dé siúl. Idir Ostán Brehon, Ostán Glen- Sathairn. Comh maith seoladh neart eagle agus an INEC a bhí an chuid is foilseacháin iontacha nua ann an

P

Credit: Ali Spillane

“ Is é an chomhluadar, an craic agus an cairdeas mar chroí den fhéile.

leabhar ‘Súil Eile’ le Seán Tadhg Ó Gairbhí ina measc.

Seachas na comórtais is é an chomhluadar, an craic agus an cairdeas mar chroí den fhéile. Níl duine ann nach mbuaileann le ar a laghad cúpla cara nua ann gan trácht ar an méid seanchairde a chasann tú le ann. Bíonn seans agat aithne súl a chur ar na ‘daoine sin’ ó Twitter a bhíonn tú ag leanúint, agus na réaltaí móra ó Ros na Rún agus na leithéidí.

Bíonn na meáin Gaeilge uilig ann chun craoltóireacht a dhéanamh ar an ocáid. Bhí cláir den scoth á chraoladh ag Raidió na Gaeltachta ann idir Bhricfeasta le Blathnaid, agus seó Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí agus Saol Ó Theas. Bíonn bua an cheoil agus an tallann ar fáil ann.

Freisin bíonn TG4, RTÉ, BBC Gaeilge, Raidió na Life srl ann chun

chraoladh beo a dhéanamh ar na ocáidí chun an ocáid a scaipeadh le muintir na Gaeilge ar fud an domhain nach bhfuil in ann freastal ar an ocáid iad féin.

Agus an fhéile bliantúil ag dul ó neart go neart bíonn Oíche na Mac léinn ar siúl mar chuid de anois. Deis ar na Cumainn Gaelach uilig teacht le chéile le haghaidh sár-chóisir Dé hAoine. Is beag duine a bhíonn beo le haghaidh Steip maidin Dé Sathairn agus iad marbh sa leaba sna bhrúnna.

Ach is cuma faoin póit bíonn siad réidh le tosú arís oíche Sathairn agus an oíche is mó den seachtain ar siúl sa chlub.

Cloistear i gcónaí gurb iad na hoícheanta is fearr ná oícheanta na nGael agus is fíor é gan dabht. Ag caint seafóid agus ag ceol is ag rince, ní haon ionadh nach mbíonn glór

fágtha ag tromlach an tslua faoin Domhnach. Pop-Up Gaeltacht ar feadh seachtaine a bhíonn ann.

An t-aon drochrud faoin Oireachtas ná an Luan ina ndiaidh. Comedown uafásach a bhíonn i gceist.

Tú tuirseach traochta, tinn sa leaba ag smaoineamh siar ar rógaracht na seachtaine agus ag cur tús leis an comhaireamh síos go dtí an chéad Oireachtas na Samhna eile. Ach an corr-uair is fiú an póit agus is fíor é maidir leis an Oireachtas. I gceann cúpla lá (nó seachtain) agus tú ar ais ar do sheanléim arís beidh na cuimhní álainn agat fós agus an oiread sin cairde nua déanta agat gur fiú é.

Go dtí an chéad Oireachtas eile, go n-éirí libh. Mar a dúirt Aodhán Ó Deá ó Chonradh na Gaeilge, ‘‘Go mbeidh bisexual orainn ar fad go luath.’’

12

Gaeilge

An bhfuil an ghlúin óg ag dul i dtreo pholagamas?

Fiosraíonn Béibhinn na hathruithe atá tagtha ar thraidisiún an phósadh Béibhinn Thorsch Scríobhneoir @thecollegeview

L

e staitisticí ag taispeáint neamhsheasmhacht le na h-uimhreacha póstaí le deich bhliain anuas, níl mórán alltacht go bhfuil go leor don aos óg ag féachaint le haghaidh níos mó chaidreamh neamh-thiomanta.

I 2016 bhí 222,073 colscaraí, ní raibh ach 203,964 colscaraí i 2011.

Ag féachaint ar na figúirí seo, tá sé éasca le creideamh go bhfuil an tuairim de pósadh ag mhaolú leo.

Glacadh go forleathan leis an méadú i shaothrú gnéasacha, pholagamas ina measc. Tá duine as caoga ag glacadh le cheann dos na teidil leispiacha, aeracha, nó déghnéasacha, sa Ríocht Aontaithe. Luíonn sé le réasún go mbeidh a mhacasamhail le feiceáil in Éirinn, cé nach bhfuil na staitisticí féin ann.

Beidh tuairim diúltach ag roinnt daoine faoin bpolagamas , ach tá an teidil go h-iomlán ag dul i dtreo glacadh i measc an phobail.

Nach bhfuil difríocht ollmhór idir siúl amach le beirt no triúr, agus

pholagamas? Freisin, cé hiad na daoine seo a bhfuil an méid sin am acu chun bheith caidreamh rómánsúil le níos mó ná duine amháin?

Ná bí eagla ort go bhfuil an teidil de phologamas ceann a caithfidh tú bronadh ort féin anois, toisc go bhfuil tú ag seol emoji de croí chuig cúpla duine ba mhaith leat pógáil. Tá pologamas an glacadh gur féidir leat grá rómánsúil a mhothú le haghaidh níos mó ná duine amháin ag am amháin.

Mar thoradh ar seo, is féidir caidreamh a bheith agat le níos mó ná duine amháin, uaireanta idir triúr nó níos mó. Tá chuile slí gur féidir le polagamas a obair, ach an príomh tréith de gach gaol pholagamas ná cumarsáid - ní aon baint aige le caimiléireacht.

Má tá mearbhall ort faoi cén fáth go mbeidh aon duine ag iarradh siúl amach le níos mó ná duine amháin, pé argóint a bhfuil agam in aghaidh é, seo dhuit cúpla buntáistí leis: - Taithí difrúil le daoine difrúil, agus oideachas caidrimh mar thoradh.

- Peirspíocht difrúil faoi fhadhbanna pearsanta agus an síochán a thagann le muinín a bheith agat i dhuine.

- Tuilleadh buntáistí a thagann le cairdeas, ach is féidir leat bheith rómánsúil leo!

Ní sé le rá anseo go ba chóir go mbeidh gach duine phologamach nó a chomhionannan, ach i bhfianaise na firicí thuas tá súil agam go mbeidh neart daoine ag baint triail as.

“

is féidir caidreamh a bheith agat le níos mó ná duine amháin, uaireanta idir triúr nó níos mó.

Is féidir caidreamh a bheith agat le níos mó ná duine amháin, uaireanta idir triúr nó níos mó.

Credit: pixabay.com

Cad atá sa vardrús don Gheimhreadh Molann Ali na rudaí a mbeidh uait i vardrús an Gheimhridh

Ali Spillan Eagarthóir Ghaeilge @thecollegeview

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gus teochtanna ag ísliú agus an dorchadas ag teacht is cinnte go bhfuil na brístí gearra agus na cuaráin curtha i stóras don bhliain. Ar bhúiséad mhic léinn is cinnte go mbíon deacrachtaí le feisteas go hiomlán nua a cheannach don séasúr fuar romhainn. Ach tá cúpla rud bunúsach ag teastáil uait

Stíl an Gheimhridh Credit: Youtube.com

chun déileáil leis an drochaimsir.

Ar dtús, beidh cóta maith uait.

Gach Geimhreadh ceannaím cóta nua. Is infheistíocht é. Má shiúlann do ar choláiste, ar obair nó fiú má théann tú amach le cairde bíonn cóta deas trom iontach tábhachtach i do shaol.

Is féidir gach saghas cinn a fháil.

Bíonn cótaí de gach stíl, dath agus praghas ar fáil sna siopaí uilig. Ná déan dearmad go mbíonn éadaí níos saoire ar fáil sna siopaí athláimhe.

Is é an dara rud is tábhachtaí le bheith i do vardrús ná péire buataisí.

Is é an rud is fearr faoi bhuataisí ná

gur féidir leat iad a chaitheamh ní hamháin i rith an lae ach freisin ag dul amach istoíche chuig teach tabhairne nó fiú chuig club. Agus é fliuch agus fuar i rith an gheimhridh beidh tú fíorbhuíoch as do bhuataisí.

Is é an chéad rud eile lárnach i do vardrús an am seo den bhliain ná oiriúintí. Beidh hataí, scairf, lámhínní agus a leithéid rud an-úsáideach agus tú amuigh faoin aer. Is féidir leat cinn faiseanta ar phraghsanna íseal i Penneys nó ar líne. Is féidir éadaí simplí a dhéanamh níos faiseanta le scairf deas nó seodra. Ná déan

dearmad scáth fearthainne a thabhairt leat i do mhála agus tú ag dul amach chomh maith.

Is buntáiste mór amháin faoin aimsir fuar ná gurb fhéidir leat riteoga a chaitheamh fiú agus tú ag dul amach. Déan cinnte go bhfuil go leor riteoga san fheisteas agat. Is féidir riteoga a chaitheamh le sciorta deas nó gúna agus buataisí ar choláiste i rith an lae agus amach istoíche. Seans nach mharíonn siad ró-fhada ach ní chosnaíonn siad ach cúpla euro agus beidh tú te teolaí compordach agus ní bheidh ort bheith buartha faoi bheith

griandaite agus tú ag dul amach.

Má tá na rudaí seo agat beidh tú réidh don séasúr fliuch fuar romhat. Ní chosnaíonn siad mórán agus is féidir iad a chaitheamh beagnach gach lá agus oíche. Is rudaí riachtanach iad don gheimhreadh gan dabht.

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Is é an rud is fearr faoi bhuataisí ná gur féidir leat iad a chaitheamh ní hamháin i rith an lae ach freisin ag dul amach istoíche

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FEATURES

It’s time to talk about porn

The role of porn in teenagers’ lives is understated as we still can’t find room to engage in meaningful dialogue

Ireland ranked sixth for most page views per capita in Pornhub’s 2016 annual report

Arthur Velker Deputy Features Editor @TweetOfArthur

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orn: is it an opiate for sexual urges or a catalyst for gender harassment?

Experts say neither – society suggests both.

Compared to two decades ago, the question of whether young people view pornography no longer exists.

Permeating into every pocket of social culture, porn has already invoked calls to be introduced into classrooms in order for children and young adults to be properly educated on the realities behind the screen.

But for the vast majority of Ireland’s young adults, who make up 12 per cent of the population, fictitious elements of hardcore pornography have already been manifested in a variety of ways.

Last year, universities in Ireland and the UK experienced a record-high in sexual harassment allegations. Oxford reported the highest number of allegations made against staff; the Trinity College Students’ Union found that a quarter

of female students had at some point experienced non-consensual sexual relations.

The fact that these experiences happened in spite of women’s opposition shows there’s either a gross misinterpretation of the notion of consent or a deliberate attempt to impose one’s will over another.

Elements of this behaviour can be identified in the role-play of hardcore pornography: where women are shown in predominantly submissive roles, playing either a willing victim of sexual domination or a reluctant participant lured into intercourse.

In both, despite their reluctance, women are shown to be clearly stimulated by the physical use of force. This is an aspect which, in its basic form, popularises an infamous misconception otherwise known as ‘rape fantasy’.

In his essay ‘The ‘Problem’ of Sexual Fantasies’, Martin Barker argues that although there is evidence to suggest women commonly fantasise about having forced sex, the nature and way those fantasies play out leaves women themselves in control, debunking the rape element by its very definition.

But developed young adults already know that. So why is the affluent, educated generation of today having problems in the most fundamental human interactions?

A 2008 New England college survey showed that over two-thirds of all boys have viewed online pornog-

“

Credit: Arthur Velker

Elements of forceful behaviour can be identified in hardcore pornography: where women are shown in predominantly submissive roles.

raphy before the age of 16. Considering that the survey was done almost a decade ago, internet access may not have been as ubiquitous. Now, that number would likely be higher.

Another study last year examining the links between the age of exposure and sexual behavioural patterns found that boys who were exposed to pornography earlier tended to hold a belief that men should dominate women in sexual relationships.

“Everybody’s going to look at porn – whether accidentally or deliberately – so it’s a matter of creating a healthy dialogue,” said Caroline West, PhD researcher of pornography and feminism.

West specialises in sexuality studies and pays frequent visits to the US, where she monitors the porn industry to aid in her research.

She recently visited a porn set,

where three hours of shooting was condensed into 12 minutes of actual video footage – removing what she says was the crucial consensual element.

“These are consenting adults who went through a negotiation process; what you see on the screen isn’t necessarily what’s translated into reality,” West said. “We don’t have a lot of resources for young people to communicate their sexual desires, so porn is a bit of a lazy scapegoat for how much we fail people in talking about these things.”

“We need conversation that’s non-shameful and non-judgemental and which recognises that porn is a healthy thing for some people and not healthy for others.”

In her Guardian opinion piece, journalist and author Jenni Murray postulates a revised sex education

system in classrooms that will allow for schoolchildren to view and critically analyse the different facets of pornography.

She argues that this will help solve the issue of the objectification of women in sexual culture and prevent people from seeing sex through the lens of porn, as a largely masculine and domineering affair.

Though it is self-labelled adult entertainment, masses of youths continue to flock to porn to teach them about the intricacies of sex. What we’re seeing unfold across university campuses are the disastrous consequences of a mixture of substandard sex education and a lack of appropriate context.

Sex consent programmes being developed in universities in Ireland and the UK are an attempt to deal with the problem head-on. Introduced in Oxford last year, the workshops focus on staging various social scenarios where students are required to exercise their understanding of consent in order to equip them with a better knowledge of the issue.

Of Ireland and England’s two biggest universities, neither included porn in their programmes or saw it as an identifiable factor in the consent conundrum. At some point in the future, institutions will no longer be able to marginalise the effects of pornography on developing youth – but at the moment, it remains the proverbial elephant in the room.

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FEATURES

Bespoke wheels keep on turning In their designs, Ailbhe and Isabel Keane found solace; then, they found fame

From left: Izzy and Ailbhe Keane from Izzy Wheels

Sabrine Donohue Contributor @thecollegeview

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ollege is said to be some of the best years of your life, yet its hurdles can be tough considering the responsibility weighing on your shoulders. This may include anything from assignment stress or worrying about your future, to even having trouble fitting in or making friends.

The success of Izzy Wheels – once a college assignment but now a leading Irish company in creative wheelchair spoke guards, selling to a market of up to 14.5 million wheelchair users across Europe and the US – will inspire anyone, even if just a little.

Now aged 24, founder and Creative Director Ailbhe Keane started the idea of customised wheelchair spoke guards in her final year at The National College of Art and Design, inspired by her little sister Isabel Keane’s imagination as a child wheelchair user.

Izzy was born with spina bifida, a disability that has paralysed her from the waist down. Decorating her plain wheelchair with art materials at home was her way of expressing her bright personality and fashion sense.

For Izzy Wheels, a wheelchair is not just a medical device for her

disabled but an extension of the body that shows off creativity and individuality, much like a pair of shoes or a tattoo. “My wheelchair is not what disables me, it is what enables me,” said co-founder and Brand Ambassador Izzy Keane.

“I love to dress colourfully and now thanks to these bespoke guards I can do that without having to deal with my wheelchair clashing with whatever I am wearing. It was something I had to deal with most days until the birth of the Izzy Wheels project”.

Working with big names like Orla Kiely Design or the San Francisco Giants Baseball team, winning the Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow Award and receiving a place on the National Digital Research Centre LaunchPad programme are just some of the milestones these sisters have accomplished.

After launching their online store in September 2016, the Dublin-based company now hopes to launch their ‘Bespoked’ app by the end of this year. It will allow customers to design their own durable, scratch and water-proof spoke guards.

“We get requests for custom designs all the time,” Ailbhe said. “I tried to do them myself at first, but I couldn’t keep up. The sky is the limit with personalised designs, really.

People want designs with a favourite activity, a photograph, someone they like, pets, the craziest things. I one

“My wheelchair is

not what disables me, it is what enables me.

time got a request for 100 prawns.

Personalisation is powerful.”

Izzy Wheels’ competitors include Küschall, Ottobock, Sunrise Medical, and Quickie; although these brands offer fixed spoke guards designed for children at a cost of €350. Ailbhe and Izzy’s brand image on the other hand promotes pride and positivity for ages six to 35 for €139, using the slogan “If you can’t stand up, stand out”.

“Society has very negative associations with wheelchairs so together, my sister and I set out to break this mindset down,” said Ailbhe. “Izzy Wheels allow users to match their wheelchairs to their outfits and make a statement about themselves.

Having decorated wheels also opens

up conversation and addresses the wheelchair in a very positive way.”

The sisters give back to their new community by donating a percentage of their sales to the Irish Wheelchair Association, and have been subsequently asked to appear at its recent fashion show.

RTÉ featured Izzy Wheels on their program Nationwide on National Women’s Enterprise Day. The brand was nominated for two awards by the Irish Design Institute in 2016. An award from the Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund means Izzy Wheels will kick-start the company’s expansion. “Things kind of exploded here in Ireland last year,” says Ailbhe. “We got in all the papers; on YouTube; on national television.”

Credit: Conor McCabe, Silicon Republic

Instagram as a marketing platform spurred attention from both wheelchair and non-wheelchair users alike when Izzy Wheels was first starting out. Ailbhe received a significant number of messages after she posted two photos of Izzy modelling a set of unique spoke guards, which allowed the brand to kick-off.

In terms of the other aspects of starting up your own company, Ailbhe recommends surrounding yourself with like-minded people. “Ireland has a fantastic and exciting start-up scene,” she says, “as a small country, you quickly realise how connected everyone is and it’s easy to find someone who knows someone”.

Despite her specialisation in design and her young age, Ailbhe says she is learning how to manage the many aspects to a successful company: “I’m 24. I never expected to be running a business so young. The fun part is doing the actual designs. The financials, the pitching, the website, the marketing, the photo shoots – I’m still learning to wear all those hats. But I’m surprised how much I like that part as well.”

One thing to be learned from her example is though you may not realise your dream now, working diligently on something you are passionate about will surely help you down the road.

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FEATURES

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Finding the light During the cheerful holiday season, SAD will force many in Ireland into depression

heaviness in the arms and legs, overeating and a loss of libido – leading to decreased sexual activity.

A weakened immune system has also been noted in cases. s we wind back the It was first recognised in the clocks for daylight 1980s, although the correlation savings, a veil of between a low mood and colder darkness looms over months has been registered by phythe frigid winter sicians since the mid 1940s. There months. For some, the short cold is even a debate that the literary tool days are a countdown to Christmas; of pathetic fallacy originated from for others, they’re a reason to break people feeling happier during brightout the beloved, albeit questionably er weather than they do in darker appropriate, Aran jumper.

However, the November darkness weather.

Its prevalence in modern society manifests itself in some people’s could be due to a number of factors. minds, resulting in symptoms of People’s general mental health is a Seasonal Affective Disorder – also known as S.A.D. Clearly, winter isn’t topical issue of late especially when we face various societal problems always ‘the most wonderful time of like economic uncertainty and the the year’ for all. rent crisis. If someone’s mental S.A.D is a condition recognised health is already vulnerable, they are internationally as a type of depression which is proven to be caused by more susceptible to S.A.D or even reverse S.A.D, if you happen to be a lack of sunlight and subsequently like Lana Del Rey and experience affects serotonin levels in the brain. ‘summertime sadness’.

Therefore, most people with the According to Mental Health disorder suffer predominantly during Ireland, 1 in 15 people suffer from the winter months.

September to April in Ireland. With Its symptoms include fatigue,

Cait Caden Contributor @thecollegeview

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When the light can’t be found - SADS can call

the conversation on the disorder only in its infancy, people are confused on how to treat it.

Many will resort to methods like the Danish concept of ‘Hygge’ (translating to ‘cosiness’), which mainly involves staying indoors, drinking hot drinks and wearing comfortable clothes.

“I take a lot of baths and I have a lot of different bath-bombs designed for different moods so that makes me feel better during the winter,” said Alannah Kearney, a Law and Society

Credit: Photo Call Ireland

student in DCU. When asked, prominent Irish doctor Ciara Kelly said she’s “not aware of the specific studies in students” in relation to S.A.D. However, in an Independent article she warns to “resist the urge to hibernate” and eat healthier and do more exercise if you feel like you have S.A.D. “I suffer slightly from S.A.D. I like Christmas, but it is darker and gloomier around this time. I play Rugby though which only happens during the winter so that keeps me

going,” said Dan Horan, a Sports Science and Health Student in DCU. Disputes over whether S.A.D is a real condition still exist. There is a common myth that suicide rate is higher during the winter which has been largely debunked by experts. It may not be as extreme a condition as some might suggest, but if you do suffer from the winter blues, there are treatments. Light therapy by use of light boxes, exercise and healthy eating have been found to work.

My Christmas is better than your Christmas In a Christmas devoured by materialistic obsession, it’s time to reflect on some traditional values

David Kelly Contributor @thecollegeview

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alloween is over.

As soon as that last firework fizzled into the sky, the sound of bells can be faintly heard jingling in the distance. The shops burn all their spooky gear in a bonfire to make way for the more festive merchandise. Huge trees grow in town squares overnight. Yes, that’s right, Christmas has come.

Back in the day, Christmas was a Christian celebration that brought families together to commemorate the birth of the baby Jesus, to reflect

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Edenderry, Offaly. “The kids usually got what they asked for – but they didn’t ask for much, you see”.

Nowadays, Christmas is a capitalist commercial that brings families together to spend exorbitant amounts of money, ignore the year gone by, and replace the gifts you got last year. You sit around an electric fire after a rushed dinner, glued to your phone screen. The kids begin the €70 Playstation four game that will hopefully keeping them occupied until New Year’s.

“It was much easier in our time, the children needed much less. It can be very hard now, especially if you’re on a pension!” Mrs Bryan laughs as she prepares the dinner for her thirteen-year-old grandson, who is folded into his beanbag, game

willing to fill his big, coal-crusted boots.

Apple, Samsung, Sony, and Microsoft – these companies fill Santa’s role of delivering presents to the children of the world. With the exception of children making the presents, everyone seems to be well-off. But look, elf labour isn’t as cheap as it used to be.

“More children believed in Santa back then, I think. They didn’t get half as much, but they were happier… more content in themselves.

People put up decorations more sparingly, and not as early as they do now.”

These days, not only do people put up decorations in their home, but all over their social media. Facebook feeds are plastered with pictures of lush Christmas trees, everyone dying to show off how their Christmas is going to be the most Christmassy Christmas ever. Some timelines even display countdowns, each second slowly ticking away, a constant reminder that your new iPhone is controller in hand. nearly here.

Technology has changed the game, So yes, Christmas has come, in every sense of the word. Kids are bringing with it the festive cheer smarter, they have every answer at that only money can buy. We’ll open the tip of their fingers. It’s very easy our presents, we’ll spend time with to pick up a smart phone and google our families, and their new phones, ‘Is Santa real?’. Technology has and then we’ll be lulled to sleep by killed Santa – and his death brings an copious amounts of alcohol… and end to the magic of Christmas. just like that, Christmas will be over But don’t worry, there are others again.

The kids usually got what they asked for -- but they didnt ask for much, you see.

on the year gone by and get their children some nice gifts (maybe a train set or a few dolls). You’d sit around the roaring fire after a huge feast and play a board game for the first time in God-knows how long.

“Everyone went to mass in the morning, you got to see everyone – it was nice,” says Rose-Marie Bryan, an elderly child minder from

The gifting of Christmas and the need to be bigger and better

Credit: DIYSolarpanels

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FEATURES

HPV Vaccine can positively impact gay men’s health The HPV vaccine which has previously been targeted at young women but their are perks for gay men too

Shauna Bowers Editor-in-Chief @shaunabowerss

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orcan walked into the Gay Men’s Health Services (GMHS) on Baggot Street in Dublin back in September for his regular STI check. As he entered, he saw a poster on a wall. It was regarding the HPV vaccine for men who have sex with men. He remembered back in March or April of that year, a nurse came into the GMHS waiting room, encouraging them all to avail of the vaccine which was just recently made available free of charge.

He then made an inquiry about availing of the vaccine. His nurse Paul discussed the vaccine in detail with him, gave him some informational leaflets and explained the need to commit to the six months. He received his first dose of the vaccine in September and is looking forward to getting the second dose on the 22nd of November.

In the past, HPV was primarily promoted for girls with many female adolescents getting the vaccine while in school. However, since January last year the HSE has been offering the HPV vaccine for free to men who have sex with men (MSM) and

are under the age of 26. A group of DCU students are pushing for the awareness of this availability in a campaign called MGH.

bar’ currently to try and organise an event for their campaign.

What is HPV?

Straight men avail of the vaccine through an idea called herd immunity. According to research from Australia, the number of straight men contracting HPV has fallen drastically since they began vaccinating young women. Their engagement in sexual activities with these women allows them to receive the protective benefits of the vaccine.

This, however, is not the case for gay and bisexual men as they do not engage in sexual activities with the women who were vaccinated.

“It is important that MSM have access to the HPV vaccine because they do not benefit from the herd immunity conferred through vaccinating adolescent girls,” Dr Fiona Lyons, the HSE’s clinical lead for sexual health said when the vaccine was made available to men who have sex with men.

The MGH campaign are not afraid that the negative coverage of side effects of the HPV vaccine will get in the way of their mission. “If people are afraid of the consequences then that is their choice. But they need to have all the information, from all sides of the campaign so that they can make an informed choice,” said Niel Glas, member of the MGH campaign team. “ I don’t think young people recognise the effects and risks of not getting the vaccine.”

Another important objective of the campaign is that in women, you can screen for cervical cancer but you cannot screen for oral cancer.

Therefore, prevention is the way for-

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and is often referred to as the ‘common cold’ of STDs. It’s a viral infection that can be spread from one person to another person through anal, vaginal, or oral sex, or through other close skin-to-skin touching during sexual activity.

If you are sexually active you can get HPV, and nearly all sexually active people get infected with HPV at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While it doesn’t always develop into something malign, sometimes it can develop into cancer. The LGBT community have a higher chances of engaging with the factors linked to cancers and one of the biggest of those factors is HPV, according to cancer.org.

The presence of anal HPV is much higher in men who have sex with men, according to a journal article from the US National Library of Medicine. Infection with HPV increases gay and bisexual men’s chances of contracting oral, genital and anal cancer.

It is because of this that MGH have started this social media campaign to increase awareness around the HPV vaccine for the LGBT community. They want to start an informed discussion around the topic of HPV and eventually, they hope to increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine in men who have sex with men.

They are also in talks with ‘Panti-

The HPV vaccine is not just something for young women

Herd Immunity

“The HSE

has been offering the HPV vaccine for free to men who have sex with men (MSM) and are under the age of 26.

ward with both the HPV vaccine and the use of condoms during sexual engagement.

DCU LGBTA supports this campaign “DCU LGBTA are ecstatic to see campaigns raise awareness on the importance of HPV vaccines for MSM… It is essential to provide MSM (and all individuals) the most comprehensive sexual health care plan possible, of which is only achieved through educating individuals on all aspects of sexual health.

“Of course, this is not to deny the reality that HPV can be contracted by anyone, of any gender. However, with keen focus on HPV Vaccines for women at second level education, it is necessary to also account for MSM. It is wonderful to see this addressed in the MGH campaign,” Dean O’Reilly, chairperson of DCU LGBTA, said.

Lorcan started this campaign because he really wanted to shed some light on the effects that HPV can have on men who have sex with men. He is encouraging everybody who is eligible, to appeal of this vaccine. He said: “To the people who are on the fence, you need to seek the facts. You can find information on men2men, the MGH social media pages and GMHS are very helpful.

You need to what’s right for you, but you need to be sure that you’re informed.”

Credit: Fairsociety.ie

SPORT

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Colleges and Universities’ football side receive first-ever international caps A new partnership between the CUFL and the FAI has led to university players getting official Ireland caps

Alex Dunne Sports Editor @alexdunnesf

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he Republic of Ireland’s Colleges and Universities side received their first caps in their history at a special event during the FAI Cup Finals day last Sunday.

Thirty players made appearances for manager Greg Yelverton’s side across the year, including DCU’s Ross Taheny, Gavin Kearney, and Alan O’Sullivan.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney was present to give over the caps to the new internationals, who played a number of high-profile fixtures across the past season - including travelling to the World University Games in Chinese Taipei.

Recognition of university football on the national stage began back in 2016, when Paul Rooney was awarded the first-ever Colleges and Universities Player of the Year, and DCU defender Kearney is extremely proud of the side for finally getting the recognition from the governing body.

“It’s a great honour to receive the cap from the FAI,” Kearney said.

“For college and university players to be recognised by the FAI just like the other various teams, it really is a great feeling.”

Fellow cap receiver Taheny, who represented Ireland at this past summer’s University Games, echoed Kearney’s feelings.

“It was a massive honour to represent Ireland and I’m delighted to receive a cap to mark it,” he said.

“It’s another step in the right direction for third level football in this country.

“The CUFL have taken very positive steps in recent years and it offers young footballers in this country a brilliant pathway to further their careers.

“To represent your country is the biggest honour any footballer can have and to do so on a world stage in Taipei was an unbelievable experience and something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

The Colleges and Universities sides represented a selection of the best players from the Third Level institutions across the country, and sees a lot of representation from sides in the League of Ireland and the Leinster and Munster Senior Leagues.

“The CUFL has grown from strength to strength in its twelve seasons of existence,” commented an FAI statement. “The league currently contains eighty-one teams across five tiers of men’s football along with

Gavin Kearney of Colleges and Universities during the Colleges & Universities and Defence Forces match at Home Farm FC, in Whitehall, Dublin

the twenty-eight women’s teams competing across two divisions in the competition.“In 2015, following decades of competing as national representative sides as Colleges and Universities individually, both affiliates agreed, in conjunction with the FAI, upon forming a combined international team to compete at international level.

“Players are becoming more aware of the opportunities on offer at Third Level with the opportunity to further their academic progression and play football at a competitive elite level with the lucrative scholarships available has enticed nearly ninety players from the SSE Airtricity League to continue their education.”

The standard of the college game is improving year-on-year, and the Men’s side at the Games brought

home the pride of an impressive draw against France in their opening game.

They also defeated tournament hosts Chinese Taipei, but defeats against Mexico and South Africa did leave the lads underachieving a little - despite the strides being taken.

Perhaps best illustrated in DCU by the college’s ability to attract former League of Ireland-winning player and manager Johnny McDonnell to the coaching staff for the senior side, and Kearney and Taheny have praised the massive jumps in standard in recent times.

“With Johnny coming in with Declan really has had a huge impact on the team with his experience and the level he’s managed and coached at,” Kearney said.

“Having Patrick Cregg as a coach

the last few years was great also, but with Johnny coming in it adds that bit of experience which I think we needed to push on and really challenge for the league and Collingwood.”

“College football has been very good to me”, Taheny added.

“For the last two years I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with Greg and the CUFL national team and last year we had a decent campaign with DCU, getting to the semi final of both the league and the Collingwood Cup. “We are looking to kick on this year and challenge for trophies. We have a good squad and should be in the mix when it gets to the latter stages of competitions.”

Looking forward, both Kearney and Taheny have lofty ambitions

Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

to add to their caps, and aim to be travelling with the squad once more for the next World University Games in Italy in two years’ time.

“The plan is to get the degree in the bag and push on in terms of football,” Taheny said.

“I would love to go to the uni games again in 2019 because, with the talent in the CUFL, I believe it will be a very competitive squad that travels to Italy.”

Kearney added: “Well I’m constantly working hard and really hope to be included in the international set up for the next two years as we build towards the Games in Naples in 2019.

“I just missed out on the last games in Taipei and I’m determined to make the next squad.”

SPORT

18

DCU Hockey enjoy double success at intervarsities as Sarah Torrans makes Ireland debut A new partnership between the CUFL and the FAI has led to university players getting official Ireland caps

Alex Dunne Sports Editor @alexdunnesf

T

he Halloween weekend was a fruitful one for DCU Hockey, with both sides taking home medals in the plate competition, while first-year student Sarah Torrans made her debut for the Ireland senior women’s side.

The women’s side took home the top prize in the plate while the male side finished third in their competition, while Torrans capped a meteoric rise through the Ireland underage setup by putting in a starring performance in Stormont.

Torrans, speaking with The College View, did say her call-up was somewhat unexpected, but she was overawed by the chance to play for the senior side.

“Of course it was a surprise,” she said.

“At 18 years of age I would have never thought of getting my first cap so soon.

The victorious DCU women’s hockey side

“I was always hoping some day I’d get called in but never thought it was going to come as quick as it did.

“This time last year I was injured and never thought I’d have such a successful summer to lead me to where I am now.

“It was a great experience to be involved with the squad. Having been with some of them in the gym it was great to see the hard work put to the test in matches. It was surreal to be playing alongside the players that I

Credit: DCU Hockey Club

have gone to watch over the past few years.”

Torrans then assisted the DCU side to plate success at the intervarsity tournament, helping them gain promotion to the Cup competition next year, where they will face the best hockey teams in the country.

Claire Byrne from the women’s side spoke about their expectations, saying that the standard in hockey in the college is rapidly improving.

“The girls team had recruited a

number of extremely talented new players including Sarah,” she said, “while also maintaining the core of the team from previous years, so the minimum expectation was to reach the final of the plate with the ultimate goal being promotion to the Cup. “The health of hockey in DCU is quite strong. The scholarship scheme enables DCU to attract top talent within the school and youth setups in Irish hockey.

“Another aspect, which we are de-

lighted about, is we had more signups for the Hockey society this year than any other year.

“The aim for the girls team next year is to be competitive against some top teams in the cup and to solidify our place amongst the best University teams in Ireland. The ultimate goal for the lads is to regain promotion to the cup next year. It would be a huge honour to has both teams involved in the Cup in two years time.”

Patrick Kilcoyne and Jane Fennelly take home gold in all-DCU national tennis finals O’Sullivan narrowly lost the first set before losing his way and Kilcoyne took full advantage Ian Brennan Contributor @thecollegeview

P

adraic Kilcoyne defeated first-seed and defending champion Odhran O’Sullivan 6-4 6-0 in an allDCU final in the men’s singles of the tennis National College Championships in Rathgar Tennis Club, claiming DCU’s only silverware of the weekend in the process.

O’Sullivan narrowly lost the first set before fatigue allowed Kilcoyne to take full advantage. The second set was a much more one-sided affair, with O’Sullivan tiring after his efforts over the weekend. O’Sullivan reached the Men’s Doubles semi-final, making Kilcoyne his third match of the day after having dispatched Philip Sheehan, also of DCU, in the semis.

Kilcoyne did not enter the Doubles competition and so his only other match on Sunday morning was against a game Daniel Moloney of UCC. This extra energy showed in the second set as he took control of the final.

Patrick Kilcoyne, winner of men’s singles tournament

DCU had representation in each of the senior finals over the Halloween weekend. In the women’s singles, DCU’s Deirbhile O’Keefe was defeated in emphatic fashion by No.1 seed and college-mate Jane Fennelly, failing to pick up even a single game against the Rathmines woman.

But until the final O’Keefe, who was seeded Number three, looked to be in imperious form, not dropping

Credit: DCU Tennis Club

“Kilcoyne defeated college-

mate Odhran O’Sullivan 6-4 6-0 in the National College Championships

a set on her way, and eliminating second seed Sarah Murphy in the semi-final.

However, after a slow start to the tournament, Fennelly moved her way through the competition with ease, only dropping a total of two games over the quarter and semi-final stages in total, and her class shone through as she easily brushed aside O’keefe to claim the title.

In the Men’s Doubles it was again heartbreak for the DCU pair of Conor Sparksman and David Nolan, losing in straight sets against the top seeds, Daniel Moloney and Sean O’Callaghan of UCC. After a poor first set in which they failed to win a single game, the DCU pair upped their game in the second set, but it wasn’t enough to save the match as they lost 6-4.

Yet more frustration was to follow in the Women’s Doubles final as the DCU pairing of Katie Lowry and Anna McWilliams failed to topple the Trinity pairing of Dearbhaile Roe and Niamh Sheehan in straight sets. Unlike the other finals however, this was a close one, as the DCU pair were unlucky in the 6-4 6-4 defeat.

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SPORT

DCU bow out of senior league after meeting a “physically stronger” UL side says Niall Moyna A weakened DCU fell by five points at St Clare’s on Thursday John Morley Contributor @thecollegeview

T

he DCU senior footballer’s Ryan Cup hopes came to an end as they suffered a five-point loss to University of Limerick in St Clare’s last Thursday.

UL led from start to finish with their physical and pacey attack causing serious difficulties for the DCU defence in the first half.

The UL full forward line ran through easily in the opening minutes to take the lead at two points to no score.

The DCU attack found UL hard to break down with DCU forward Stephen Smith getting an early yellow card after a rash challenge on the one of UL’s midfield.

Austin Stack dynamo David Mannix steadied the ship for DCU as he pointed two excellent frees to have the sides all square at two apiece.

That was the last time DCU would catch UL as a bad turnover on the way out of defence was punished emphatically by UL. Dessie Reynolds fouled the UL corner forward in the area and UL converted the penalty putting them in the driving seat.

UL added another point soon after as the DCU defence struggled to retain discipline when tackling the UL runners coming through.

DCU hit back after a turnover in midfield was capitalised on as Dessie Reynolds completed a well worked

Patrick Kilcoyne, winner of men’s singles tournament

counter attacking move to get DCU’s only score from play in the first half.

Although the DCU defence began to tighten up, any conceded frees inside the 45 were punished by the UL place kickers. One from near the 21 along the side-line.

Mannix pointed a massive free from his hands from well outside the 45 to make the score at half-time DCU 0-4 to UL 1-6.

DCU looked a much hungrier team in the second half as the ball was thrown in after half-time.

The first play then resulted in a UL

player and DCU centre back Barry Kerr getting yellow cards after the two were pulling and dragging each other’s jerseys.

UL kicked off the scoring in the second half like in the first with yet another pointed free after indiscipline in DCU’s defensive structure.

UL were very patient on the ball and even had a second half substitute come off the shoulder and run towards the “D”, pointing an inspirational point to stretch their lead to seven points. 0-4 to 1-8.

DCU struggled initially to swing

“We were missing quite a few of our senior team, but it was a great opportunity for us to let some of the new lads see the level they need to be at for Sigerson

Credit: Mark Carroll

a comprehensive attack as the UL sweeper mopped up every ball that was kicked in.

Then DCU, propelled by the half backline and midfield, started to kick in their running game and began to punch holes in a solid UL defence.

After a series of hand passes DCU’s Declan Monaghan palmed the ball to the incoming Conor Hickey who cut inside and curled the ball over from a tight angle.

DCU through Thomas Galigan and Stephen O’Brien really began to take control of the aerial battle at midfield and from this platform Dessie Reynolds received the ball and kicked a brilliant point on the run to narrow reign UL back to five points.

DCU could have been dead and buried moments later as UL bore in on goal.

Keeper Conor Forde denied the UL attack with a brilliant goal line save from close range. He blocked the ball on his knees and cleared the line.

Unfortunately, DCU couldn’t build on the seismic save as the UL forwards engulfed DCU coming out of defence before a snapshot saw the ball float over from 40 yards out.

DCU’s evening went from bad to worse as centre back Barry Kerr picked up a second yellow for an extremely high neck tackle on a UL player.

DCU now down to 14 men struggled to get possession back off a composed UL side.

Thomas Galigan was the man who really stood up for DCU to try and claw their way back into the match just as all hope looked lost.

He won a high ball in just outside the “D” and turned to kick a brilliant aggressive point high and over the bar.

UL then added two well worked long ranged frees to their tally to extend their lead to seven points.

But DCU showed their potential near the end with a moment of magic from Thomas Galligan highlighting that they will always be a serious threat come Sigerson.

Galigan jinked around three UL players before rocketing the ball to the top left-hand corner of the net while going full pace from 20 yards out.

But his efforts were too late and a late free from UL hand saw them through to the Ryan Cup semis with a deserved five-point victory over DCU. “We were beaten by a better team today, physically bigger and well managed”, said DCU manager Niall Moyna.

“We were missing quite a few of our senior team, but it was a great opportunity for us to let some of the new lads see the level they need to be at for Sigerson,” said Moyna.

Moyna said that the long break will allow the team to take a step back and refocus their efforts on the Sigerson.

DCU: Conor Forde, Conor Morrison, Fintan Kelly, David Neary, Shairoze Akram, Barry Kerr, Declan Monaghan, Thomas Galligan, Stephen O’Brien, Dessie Smith, Eoin Smith, Tom Lahiffe, Michael Plunkett, Stephen Smith.

DCU Scorers: David Mannix (03F) Dessie Reynolds (0-2), Thomas Galigan (1-1), Conor Hickey (0-1)

SPORT

INSIDE All-DCU National Tennis Finals

Patrick Curran delighted with extra time victory as DCU progresses to semi-final Curran and Killian Doyle combined to score 3-12 of DCU’s 3-20 tally

Gavin Quinn Deputy Sports Editor @gavinquinn97

D

CU have progressed to the Fitzgibbon League Semi Final, with forwards Patrick Curran and Killian Doyle leading DCU to an inspired victory over LIT after extra time at St Clare’s last Tuesday.

The pair scored 3-12 of DCU’s 3-20 tally as Eoin Roche’s side left it late to force extra time, with a last-minute surge from the team defeating a resilient Limerick IT side managed by Davy Fitzgerald.

“We just kept fighting until the end which was the most important thing and we showed good attitude and resilience,” Patrick Curran told The College View. The Waterford ace scored 3-01 including a penalty in the dying minutes to lead DCU to victory.

“A good result I suppose, it was important to get to a good start to the year and we’re kind of still building towards the Fitzgibbon (Cup).

“We’re still down a good few lads but good attitude there tonight and a good win, hard fought,” Curran said.

LIT were first off the mark with the presence of Peter Duggan causing havoc among the DCU defence.

Lapses in discipline gave Duggan the chance to capitalise, as the Clare native pointed two frees in the opening minutes to give LIT the lead.

DCU took control however, with a lovely Conor Burke score off the right being the first of a flurry of DCU points. Midfielders Liam Fahey and Fergal Whitely helped push the Glasnevin side ahead by four points in a ten minute spell that saw Whitely on target from play on three occasions.

However, LIT were dangerous in attack and capitalised on sloppy DCU defending after 20 minutes when Shane Gleeson’s long ball aimed at Duggan wasn’t cleared, with the ball ending up in the DCU net past ‘keeper Cian O’Daly after a

“

DCU’s Daire Grey after a heavy hit.

Credit: Mark Carroll

We just kept fighting until the end which was the most important thing and we showed good attitude and resilience scramble in the box.

Full back Jason McCarthy put LIT ahead with four minutes until half time after he was found on DCU’s 45 metre line by a beautifully floated ball over the DCU midfield, allowing the Clare native to drive the sliotar over with ease.

DCU struck back; a controversial Eoghan O’Donnell tackle on Peter Duggan allowed Roche’s side to clear their lines and a mammoth clearance found Patrick Curran on the break. The Waterford man finished emphatically into the right corner to restore DCU’s lead and help send the home side in 1-08 to 1-05 ahead at Half Time.

The second half was a slow burner as the teams traded scores, with David Reidy on target for the Limerick men while Doyle and substitute Ciaran Dowling helped DCU retain their lead approaching the 45 minute

mark.

DCU went six ahead a minute later when Patrick Curran converted a penalty won by another substitute, John Donnelly. The Kilkenny man was dragged down after catching a long Conor Delaney ball on the edge of the box.

The goal proved the catalyst to LIT’s revival however, Fitzgerald’s men scored the next five points without reply in a turbulent spell for DCU that saw the clinical Reidy punish DCU, the 23 year old scoring frees from deep in Limerick’s half on both the left and right flanks.

Killian Doyle’s accuracy from dead balls kept DCU ahead marginally but it was Reidy again who pushed LIT into the lead one minute into additional time with his sixth from dead balls. Doyle was the hero however as he held his nerve to force the game to Extra Time with a last

ditch 45 metre free to see it end 2-13 to 1-16.

Doyle wasn’t finished; the Westmeath man’s two frees cancelled out a Reidy free before scoring a vital point in the dying moments of the first half of extra time with an excellent strike from close range to give DCU a 2-16 to 1-17 lead at the break.

LIT raced ahead immediately after the restart, a quick break after the throw in saw Jason McCarthy through on goal as the DCU defence folded and he coolly slotted home past O’Daly into the right corner.

DCU replied immediately with a Killian Doyle free but it seemed that Reidy just couldn’t miss as the Clare man restored LIT’s lead just a minute later with a monstrous free of his own. DCU refused to fold however, as John Donnelly equalised from close range with some lovely

hurling to set up an intriguing final five minutes.

A long shot by LIT centre back Sean Ryan looked to be dropping short into O’Daly’s hands but a wall of bodies in it’s way saw the ball drop beyond the DCU ‘keeper and into the net. With four minutes to go, a second goal of the half looked to have put DCU away.

DCU came back, a tussle on the edge of the LIT box saw DCU awarded a penalty with just two minutes remaining. Patrick Curran once more stood up and drilled it into the left corner to level it again.

Eoin Roche’s side dug deep in the closing moments and a point by substitute Johnny Barrett and an eighth free from Killian Doyle sealed a 3-20 to 3-18 victory over a defiant LIT. DCU: Cian O’Daly, Conor Shaw, Eoghan O’Donnell, Darren Mullen, Sean McCaw, Conor Delaney, Daire Gray, Liam Fahey (0-01), Fergal Whitely (0-03), Donal Burke, Killian Doyle (0-03 (0-08 f)), Conor Burke (0-01), Collin Currie, Paul Kelly, Patrick Curran (3-01) Subs: Johnny Barrett (0-01), John Donnelly (0-01), Ciaran Dowling (0-01), Jason Byrne