Trinity News Vol. 69 Issue 5

President’s address

Self-help culture: Improvement focused or Industry farce?

ESTABLISHED 1953

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed third level students in Dublin City University (DCU) via zoom last Friday. While many DCU students attended in-person in the Helix, students across the country were given access to the address online.

Happy Holidays from Trinity News

Ireland’s Oldest Student Newspaper Vol. 69, Issue. 5

President Zelenskyy condemns Russia’s “propaganda frame” in address to Irish students

Kate Henshaw and David Wolfe Deputy Editor, News Editor

PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY

condemned the Russian “propaganda frame” in an address which was livestreamed to Irish universities on Friday afternoon.

Appearing via video link to Dublin City University (DCU), Zelenskyy began by addressing recent news that 52 Irish politicians have been sanctioned by Russia, labelling the sanctions as part of Russia’s “propaganda frame”.

Zelenskyy also accused Russia

of hypocrisy in its commitments at the G20 Bali summit this week.

He contrasted G20 commitments, including from Russia, to “create energy and market stability” with Russia’s bombing of power plants and gas facilities in Ukraine.

He also pointed to clauses on environmental protection and rights to education, saying that Russia has destroyed almost 3 million hectares of forest in Ukraine and shelled 2,790 educational institutions, completely destroying over 300.

Zelenskyy spoke about the impact of the Russian invasion labelling Russia “the largest terrorist state in history” and “Russia drowns in its own lies”.

He said sanctions on Russia should be “maintained” and

strengthened”. “International pressure on Russia should not stop for a single day.”

He spoke about the impact of the war on Ukrainian Higher Education saying that 2,719 education institutions have been shelled during the conflict while 323 have been destroyed.

He concluded the first part of his address by encouraging people to support Ukraine and thanking Ireland for the “attention” and support”.

In the Q&A portion of President Zelenskyy’s address he was first asked about the impact of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian Higher Education. He said the answer “would be difficult” because “the consequences of war are always difficult”.

Bank of Ireland to fund €36m restoration of College Green Building

BOI claims that this is the biggest single investment on the building in over 200 years.

The building is best known for housing the Parliament of Ireland until the Act of Union in 1800, which abolished the parliament and created The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

exhibition celebrating the life and work of Nobel Prize laureate Seamus Heaney.

The project will involve upgrades and repairs on 280 windows, 45 staircases and 20

Cusack Deputy News Editor News Analysis Editor

BANK OF IRELAND (BOI) IS TO INVEST €36m in its historic building on College Green in a series of extensive repairs, upgrades and restoration work. Subject to approval being granted, the works will take approximately five years to complete.

Designed by architect Edward Lovett Pearce, it was the world’s first purpose-built bicameral parliament house.

In 1803, the fledgling Bank of Ireland bought the building from the British government for £40,000 for use as a headquarters and banking hall. The bank used the building as its headquarters until the 1970s.

The building still functions as a branch of BOI, making it one of the world’s oldest banking halls in continuous use. In 2018, the bank added a cultural and heritage centre which is currently home to a National Library of Ireland (NLI)

Aidan

Bank of Ireland said that this investment is the biggest spend on the building in more than 200 years

TRINITY NEWS EDITORIAL STAFF

President Zelenskyy condemns Russia’s “propaganda frame” in address to Irish students

He praised students’ response to the conflict saying “this is the age of courage”. He noted the use of social media by young people during the conflict and condemned the lack of access to education during the war.

He also noted Ukraine’s high level of access to online education. He highlighted that even though the “walls can be rebuilt”, there are “graver consequences” in the “lives that may have been lost”.

Zelenskyy also remains hopeful that the war will end and Ukraine “will restore [it’s] territorial integrity”.

Answering a question posed by a student, Zelenskyy agreed that social media is “absolutely” a new frontier of war.

He expressed the difficulty of combating misinformation during war, saying that “for the truth to be spread is difficult”, when Russia’s international influence is greater than Ukraine’s.

Zelenskyy said that Ukrainians have been able to combat Russian narratives by sharing information and videos online: “Russia has more weapons on the battlefield but in the informational domain we are beating them.”

The Ukrainian president expressed the belief that Russia has been preparing their own society for an invasion of Ukraine “for many years”.

“They were preparing their own society for their tyranny, for this idea of having Ukraine occupied, of destroying the Ukrainian identity,” he said.

“Occupation starts with occupying the brains of their own society”

Zelenskyy pointed out that this began in 2014 with the invasion of the Crimean peninsula, and that “gradually” Russia increased its influence and improved its strategic position.

Zelenskyy’s address was preceded by an address from

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science Simon Harris, who called the event a “momentous occasion”.

Harris thanked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland Larysa Gerasko, who initiated Zelenskyy’s address during the summer.

He said that Ireland has been “extremely united” since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, calling the Russian invasion “illegal, immoral and unjustified”.

Harris said: “While this country is militarily neutral, we are never ever neutral when it comes to moral and political issues.”

He highlighted the importance of facilitating access to higher education for Ukrainian students, saying that it is “essential for the future of Ukraine”.

“We cannot allow Putin to deprive the next generation of Ukrainian leaders of an education. We want to make sure that that generation has the capacity to build back Ukraine.”

Over 350 Ukrainian students completed the National MultiSubject Test (NMT), the Ukrainian equivalent of the Leaving Certificate during the summer, with sessions hosted in Trinity and DCU.

Harris concluded by emphasising that Ireland is “sending a signal that violence brutality and war will not be tolerated, and that democracy, freedom, will always win out”.

Also preceding Zelenskyy’s address, President of DCU Daire Keogh stressed the common historical experiences of Ukraine and Ireland: “We have both known famine. We have both known the consequences and impact of prolonged occupation by a more powerful neighbour.”

He thanked the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland for initiating this address and reaffirmed DCU’s Initiated “unequivocal condemnation” of Russia invasion of Ukraine. He sent “a particular message of solidarity” to Ukraine’s universities and noted “significant to note” that Ireland’s Higher Education sector has “done its bit”.

He spoke on how Higher Education is “about developing the whole person” and “sharing and promoting our vision for a better world”.

He concluded by thanking those in attendance and stating that “freedom must be had at all hazards”.

Speaking to media after the event Harris thanked DCU, the ambassador and the organisers. He condemned Russia and its “propaganda and disinformation and misinformation”.

situation is this is a tactic of war by Russia.”

“The Irish government’s position in terms of keeping diplomatic links open remains the Irish government’s position. But this thing about lists and all this. This is a hybrid war game from a country that is pursuing an illegal, despicable, brutal war.”

“What matters is that Putin has invaded a sovereign European country. That’s what matters. What matters is that 63,000 People have been run out of their country to these shores.”

Harris was also asked specifically about Ireland’s response to the ongoing conflict. He noted Ireland’s participation in all sanctions against Russia to date. “I know, European foreign ministers, European heads of government, continue to keep all of these things under review and will continue to absolutely do.”

“I think one of the things that surprises the Putin regime and I think one of the things we can be really proud of as Europeans is the level of unity that has been in place across the European Union when it comes to sanctions but also unity when it comes to opening up our education system.”

Harris was also asked about the role of social media misinformation and disinformation in the ongoing conflict. He noted the “big challenge in terms of being able to access factual information. I’d certainly call on tech companies to do all that they possibly can.”

Printed by Webprint at Mahon Retail Park, Cork.

He discussed the recent sanctions on Irish politicians by Russia noting that to his knowledge, he is not on the list. He said he believes this list is a “trap from Russian propaganda and distractions. The reality of the

In February, Trinity officially condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and established a Global Incident Response Unit within to coordinate College’s response.

Trinity was one of a number of colleges to provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees over the summer.

“

“ We cannot allow Putin to deprive the next generation of leadersUkrainian of education.anWe want to make sure that that generation has the capacity to build back Ukraine

He also noted Ukraine’s high level of access to online education ... “Walls can be rebuilt”, there are “graver consequences” in the “lives that may have been lost”

Bank of Ireland to fund €36m restoration of College Green Building

kilometres of electrical cabling. Some of the building’s windows are from the original 18th-century building, and, subject to planning permission, these will be removed, restored and reinstalled.

Two 300-year-old tapestries hanging in the former House of Lords chamber will be cleaned and restored as part of the project. It will also include the creation of a new working hub for 50 staff and a space for hosting events.

The works also aim to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by switching as much as possible of its heating systems to renewable electricity.

BOI has engaged with the advice of conservation architects

and a historic paint expert for the project, which will be the biggest since it undertook a major cleaning and repair of the building’s exterior stonework and facades in 1971.

The bank has also digitally mapped the interior of the most historic parts of the building through the use of drones, creating a three-dimensional virtual record that can be used to guide any future protection and restoration work.

BOI said that they will send a detailed planning application to Dublin City Council (DCC) by the end of this month

USI backs UK third-level worker’s union decision to strike if necessary

staff in the UK, is calling for a pay increase of 12% for thirdlevel workers, citing the cost of living crisis and a real-terms pay decrease over recent years.

They union chose this figure as it is the Retail Price Index, a measurement of inflation often used in Britain, plus 2%. This decision was voted for by over 80% of UCU members.

Minister Rishi Sunak announced that he would radically reform the third-level education system.

Sunak’s plans include phasing out university degrees that do not “improve their earning potential”. This is on top of changes to the student loans system, lengthening the repayment period and decreasing the salary requirements to begin this repayment.

College relaunches tobacco-free campus initiative

Stephen Conneely Contributing writer

THE UNION OF STUDENTS IN IRELAND (USI) HAS voiced its support for the decision made by the University and College Union (UCU) in the UK to strike on the grounds of insufficient pay and inadequate working conditions if necessary.

With its UCU Rising campaign, the UCU, which represents over 120,000 academics and university

The UCU Rising campaign also seeks to address the casualisation of work in higher education, as well as the devaluation of pensions, and to force employers to tackle the gender and ethnicity pay gaps that exist in the sector.

In a public statement, USI voiced its support for the campaign, saying that “the working conditions in colleges and universities are the learning conditions for our members in Northern Ireland”.

The statement added: “USI sends solidarity to UCU members and will support any industrial action they are forced to take.”

This decision from the UCU was made 3 months after Prime

One second year Trinity student, from Co. Down, described it as “all a bit sudden. I feel like it’s just the government looking to extract that little bit more money out of students”.

The statement of solidarity follows the USI Student Walkout on October 13, when tens of thousands of students across the country left their lectures at 11.11am in protest against the cost of living crisis and the student accommodation shortage.

An estimated 3,500 Trinity students took part in the walkout, and the provost guaranteed that no academic penalty would apply to those who left their lectures or seminars.

Healthy Trinity Ambassadors returned to College from November 14 to prevent students smoking in tobacco-free areas of campus

Ellen Kenny Assistant Editor

COLLEGE HAVE ANNOUNCED THE RELAUNCH of the Tobacco Free Trinity initiative.

The relaunch will see the introduction of new Healthy Trinity Ambassadors and a review of its e-cigarette policy.

In an email to staff and students, the chairs of Healthy Trinity reiterated that College is a tobacco free campus, with “three small exceptions”, these being the Kinsella Hall plinth, the area along the cricket pitch, and outside the launderette near the Dining Hall.

The relaunched initiative will reintroduce Healthy Trinity Ambassadors from November 14 to prevent smoking in tobaccofree areas. According to the email, smoking on campus has “somewhat increased” since College closed in March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Between October 10 and November 9, Healthy Trinity Ambassadors observed 158 smokers during 75 trial checks, an increase from previous checks.

Healthy Trinity Ambassadors, students employed by Healthy

Trinity, can ask students to stop smoking in tobacco-free areas. Between May 2016 and February 2020, Ambassadors observed 2,909 people smoking and reminded them of the policy, leading to an 80% reduction in smoking on campus over approximately four years.

Under the relaunch of the Tobacco Free Trinity initiative, Healthy Trinity will also review their current tobacco and e-cigarette policy. According to the current policy, e-cigarettes are not explicitly banned outdoors on campus, but “in line with the prohibition of combustible cigarettes in all indoor areas, the use of e-cigarette indoors is also prohibited”.

In partnership with the HSE, the College Health Service will also run its next anti-smoking workshops from 18 January 2022.

The College Health Service have attempted to reduce on-campus smoking since 2013.

In 2014, students initially voted against making Trinity tobaccofree, which saw the Health Service proposing to introduce smoking shelters prior to going tobacco free or going tobacco free with shelter zones as a compromise. Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) and the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) rejected the proposals.

TCDSU and the College Health eventually reached an agreement in 2016 to create tobacco-free zones approved by the TCDSU Welfare officer and TCDSU president.

In September 2018, 70.6 percent of students voted in favour of Tobacco Free Trinity in a TCDSU referendum.

For the first time in 25 years, smoking saw an increase in 2021, with rates of smoking and vaping increasing. The study was led by Professor Luke Clancy, Director General of the TobaccoFree Research Institute Ireland.

The warning comes after a French student was scammed out of over €3000 by a fake landlord

PHOTO BY SHANNON CONNOLLY FOR TRINITY NEWS

Government to consider for Ireland to join CERN

Speaking in the Dáil, Simon Harris said that his department will make a submission to the government for Ireland to join the Geneva-based research centre, one of the largest in the world

Wolfe News Editor

SIMON HARRIS HAS SAID THAT he has begun proceedings for Ireland to become a member of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Speaking in the Dáil to mark Science Week, Minister Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science said that he had asked his department to prepare a submission for the government to consider Ireland joining the Geneva-based research centre, one of the largest in the world.

Harris said that in his view, “we need to join CERN”.

He continued: “For over two years and I’m sure for many in this house a lot longer, I’ve been listening to researchers, I’ve been listening to industry, I’ve been listening to many people, including our citizens, and it’s clear that people want Ireland to be at the table when it comes to CERN.”

Harris noted that “the costs of joining CERN are significant but I think benefits are also significant”.

According to Professor Sinéad Ryan of Trinity’s School of Mathematics, associate membership would cost Ireland around €1.34m a year to gain, while full membership would cost approximately €13.5m annually. Full membership would also include a once-off payment of €16.8m, which can be paid over a period of 10 years.

The Minister added that having spoken to the Taoiseach, “I know I have his full support”.

In September, an event was held in the provost’s residence in College to discuss the benefits of CERN membership for Irish researchers, academics and businesses.

Speaking at the event, Provost Linda Doyle said: “We have brilliant people in this room, brilliant people in Ireland who will be better able to use their talents if they can get access to CERN equipment and facilities.”

In a statement to Trinity News following, Doyle “warmly

welcomed” today’s announcement, urging government “to give the proposal their enthusiastic support”.

She continued: “Membership of CERN would be great news for researchers in Ireland.”

“I want to thank those in the Trinity community who continue to advocate on this issue. I want to mention, in particular, Prof. Sinéad Ryan in the School of Mathematics and Michael Mitchell, PhD researcher and founder of the Theoretical Physics Student Association, who have kept the pressure on policymakers regarding this issue.”

“The recent meeting in Trinity, which was convened by Sinéad and Michael to discuss this matter, was attended by public representatives from across the political spectrum. Efforts like that have been a big factor in leading to today’s announcement,” the statement concluded.

Earlier this year, the Theoretical Physics Student Association (TPSA), a student-run group of theoretical physics students in Ireland, started a petition calling for Ireland to join CERN.

In a statement to Trinity News, founder of TPSA Michael Mitchell said: “This is a huge moment for science in Ireland.”

“Firstly, because of the CERNrelated opportunities this could open up for Irish scientists and businesses to enrich our knowledge and technology in pursuit of very fundamental physics.”

Mitchell continued: “Secondly,

the cross-party agreement we’ve seen on the necessity of CERN membership in the past months has culminated in a concrete step forward today.”

“This is a coherent signal of confidence by both government and opposition in Irish academia; mark my words, we will demonstrate once again that science and academia can and will do right by investment.”

TPSA added that the efforts of Senator Malcolm Byrne and TDs James O’Connor and Rose Conway Walsh, who “have been very supportive over the last few months”, were worthy of

recognition.

Established in 1954, CERN operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world and is one of the world’s leading research centres.

23 European states are currently members of CERN.

In 2018, University College Dublin’s Professor Ronan McNulty told an Oireachtas committee that CERN membership for Ireland was a “no-brainer”, saying that investment in membership would have a “multiplier effect” which would return more than three times the cost of membership to Ireland in economic gains.

Jack Smyth elected new Chair of Trinity Publications

A

new

Treasurer

and Amenities Officer were also elected at the called EGM

Balchin Deputy Online Editor

JACK SMYTH WAS ELECTED THE NEW Chair of Trinity Publications in an EGM held on Monday evening, taking over from Shannon McGreevy.

Due to the recent resignation of the previous Chair, Treasurer and Amenities Officer, an EGM was called to fill essential roles on the committee, with Séaghan Ó Domhnalláin elected as Treasurer and Abby Cleaver elected to the position of Amenities Officer. It

was held in the Publications Office in House Six.

Smyth currently serves as the Art Editor for the Trinity Journal for Literary Translation (JOLT), an independent publication focusing on ‘showcasing writing in Translation by Trinity students, staff and alumni, as well as a wider community’.

Speaking to Trinity News, Smyth thanked those at the EGM for electing him, saying that Trinity Publications is an “integral supporter of Trinity culture” and that he promised to dedicate himself fully to the responsibilities of the office.

Smyth also thanked the outgoing committee members for “their continued role in making the transition process as smooth as possible”.

Ó Domhnalláin, a JS Early and Modern Irish Student, also serves as the Sports Editor of Trinity News and succeeds Ellen Kenny, current Assistant Editor for Trinity News.

Cleaver, who takes over from Laura Galvin, is a JS English and

Philosophy student who serves as the current Comment Editor for Trinity News.

In a statement to Trinity News, Cleaver said: “I’m very excited to begin working as Amenities Officer, hoping to bring both enthusiasm and commitment to the table and working to support the committee and the various publications as best I can.”

“My main priority is to work on getting organised and staying organised, concerning upkeep and potential updates as needed of our facilities,” she continued.

The Trinity Publications Committee is one of Trinity’s designated capitated bodies alongside Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU), the Central Societies Committee (CSC) and Dublin University Central Athletic Club (DUCAC). They receive funding from College to support student-run publications across campus, including Trinity News, Icarus, TN2 Magazine, JOLT, TFR. Misc., Trinity Film Review and The Piranha.

David

PHOTO BY KATE HENSHAW FOR TRINITY NEWS

Adam

PHOTO VIA JACK SMYTH

Professor Orla Hardiman awarded Provost’s Innovation Award for work on Motor Neuron Disease

15 other Trinity researchers and inventors, as well as four tech companies, were recognised at the Trinity Innovation Awards

Miriam Treitinger Contributing writer

PROFESSOR ORLA HARDIMAN

HAS

RECEIVED this year’s Provost’s Innovation Award for her research regarding Motor Neuron Disease.

Hardiman and 15 other researchers and inventors of Trinity were honoured at the Trinity Innovation Awards, which took place on November 7 in the Old Dining Hall.

Speaking at the ceremony, Provost Linda Doyle said: “I want to congratulate all the recipients of this year’s Trinity Innovation Awards. Innovation in Trinity has its roots in rigorous academic research and it is striking to see such a wide range of disciplines – from history to zoology –represented among this year’s winners.”

She continued: “These innovations are addressing a wide

range of issues such as the need for more reliable broadband, a diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease and a better understanding of ageing in people with intellectual disabilities.”

Besides her research and practice in the causes, treatment, and diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease, Hardiman co-founded TRICALS, a European research initiative that aims to find a cure for the disease.

The initiative unites 48 research centres from 16 different nations. The provost described Hardiman as having “an outstanding record of clinical and academic achievement, coupled with significant international and interdisciplinary collaborations”.

She added: “As the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Neurology, as a consultant neurologist at Beaumont Hospital and as Trinity’s first Professor of Neurology, she strives to improve the lives of people living with Motor Neuron Disease by developing highly innovative approaches in her research and in her collaborative partnerships.”

Awards were also given in the categories Lifetime Achievement, Campus Company Founders, Inventors, Ones to Watch, Societal Impact, Industry Engagement, and Consultancy.

Werner Blau was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Currently Emeritus Fellow of the School of Physics, Blau has been researching nanoscience in Trinity since 1983. His work on the interaction of carbon nanotubes with polymers has led to patented technology licensed by

US companies.

Professors Conor McGinn and Gerard Boyle were awarded in the category Campus Company Founders, while Marco Ruffini and Ed Lavelle were honoured as Inventors.

Mary McCarron and Peter Crooks were recognised for their societal impact, as well as AnnMarie Healy, Nessa McEniff and Ann Devitt for consultancy.

Jacintha O’Sullivan and Stephen Dooley received the Industry Engagement Awards.

Further, Lewys Jones, Ian Donohue, and Triona Lally were noted as Ones to Watch, indicating good prospects of receiving an award in another category in following years.

Director of Trinity’s Research and Innovation Unit Leonard Hobbs added: “We are delighted to again recognise the inspiring work of our colleagues who consistently translate their excellence in research into impactful innovations, providing solutions across a broad range of areas such as health, heritage, communications, robotics and materials.”

“We also welcome this year’s campus company founders who continue to exploit Trinity’s deep tech capabilities in launching investable spin-outs.”

Four new “campus companies” were also announced during the evening.

These include Altach Biomedical, which focuses on cartilage repair and the treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and Starling Surgical, who provide a disposable wound closing device.

Swan, which develops AIdriven body scanning technology, and VoiceTune, a cloud-based Text-to-Speech AI platform generating expressive speech, also received the recognition.

The Trinity Innovation Awards

are given annually and take the form of research funding. The Provost’s Innovation Award was first introduced in 2005, with other Innovation Awards added in later years.

IMAGE VIA TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

“ We are delighted to again recognise the workinspiring of colleaguesourwho consistently translate their excellence in research into impactful innovations

PHOTO BY FERN KELLY-LANDRY FOR TRINITY NEWS

Government announces €16.2 million for scientific research

technological universities (TUs) and institutes of technology (ITs) across Ireland.

The funding will support 15 collaborative projects, known as SFI Frontiers for Partnership Awards, with the aim of increasing research capacity within technological universities and institutes of technology.

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

areas too, such as healthcare and climate change,” he added.

Faye Madden Contributing writer

THE DEPARTMENT OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION, Innovation, Research and Science has announced millions in funding for scientific research last week.

Minister of Further and Higher Education Simon Harris announced €16.2 million from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to fund research projects in the

The SFI Frontiers for Partnership Awards support research proposals led by the technological universities sector with partners from the established university sector.

The collaborative projects will conduct research in areas such as the development of a traceability tool for seafood, sheep breeding, cancer therapies, tremor in Parkinson’s disease, and reducing energy use in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

One of the awardees, Dr Suresh Pillai of Atlantic Technological University, is collaborating with Professor Paula Colavita in Trinity.

Their research aims to develop low-cost materials to allow commercial hydrogen production from renewable sources. This project is co-funded by the

Speaking last week, Harris highlighted the importance of these research projects in the TU’s development: “In order for TUs to grow and reach their full potential, we need to ensure they have the ability to deliver impactful research and this funding allows them to do that.”

“This research will address key

The Director General of SFI, Professor Phillip Nolan, wished success for these projects: “We have developed this programme following detailed consultation with the sector.”

“It is important we provide the support to build excellent research capacity in our Technological Universities and Institutes of

Technology, and working in partnership with their colleagues in the wider University sector is an excellent way to do this,” Nolan continued.

Nolan added: “I wish the awardees every success with these projects.”

This announcement came during National Science Week, which takes place this year from November 13 to November 20.

Provost pays tribute to “courageous and inspiring” Vicky Phelan

Ellen Kenny Assistant Editor

PROVOST LINDA DOYLE HAS PAID TRIBUTE

to cervical cancer campaigner

Vicky Phelan, describing her as “courageous and inspiring”.

“She fought until the end to help other women,” the Provost said in a statement on Twitter, “Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”

Phelan passed away Monday morning at Milford hospice in County Limerick after 5 years of campaigning.

Phelan became an activist for women’s health in 2018 when she discovered she received a false negative cervical cancer result in 2011. Phelan was officially diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, and was told in 2018 she had less than a year to live.

Phelan campaigned for

retribution for the 208 women and families who received false negative cervical cancer results due to the HSE outsourcing screenings to unapproved laboratories in the US and the UK. At least 21 women have died as a result of the false negative tests, and more than half were not informed about abnormalities in their tests before their death.

In accordance with Phelan’s wishes, she was buried at a private funeral on Thursday. Phelan’s family have confirmed that there will be an opportunity for people

to pay their respects to Phelan “in due course”. Members of the public can send cards or messages to Cross’s Funeral Home, Lower Griffin Street, Limerick.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris also paid tribute to Phelan: “Vicky Phelan made our country a better place. Everyone who came into contact with her was the better for it.”

“Her advocacy and determination brought about change. Her kindness & decency

brightened lives.”

President Michael D. Higgins led tributes to Phelan on Monday: “Thanks to her tireless efforts, despite the terrible personal toll she herself had to carry, so many women’s lives have been protected, and will be protected in the future.”

“She will be deeply missed, by all of those who were in awe of her courage, her resilience, offered not only to women but to all of us in Ireland.”

Phelan won a €2.5 million settlement without admission of liability from Clinical Pathology

Laboratories, a Texas-based company subcontracted to assess her test. Phelan refused to sign a confidentiality agreement following the lawsuit and began campaigning for other women who also received false test results for cervical cancer. At least 1,500 women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer in recent years did not have their smear test results reviewed by the national screening service to determine if their disease could have been flagged up sooner.

IMAGE VIA ROLLING NEWS

The funding will support 15 research projects led by technological universities and institutes of technology

IMAGE VIA DEPARTMENT OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Several public figures have honoured cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan since her passing

Analysis: Polls indicate apathy to Budget measures among younger voters

Evan Skidmore O’Reilly Deputy News Editor

AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, government unveiled Budget 2023 - a package of measures it believed would help address the number-one issue of the day: the cost of living crisis.

It came amidst the backdrop of soaring inflation, growing anxiety over fuel and energy bills, and Sinn Féin maintaining a significant lead in opinion polls, matching the combined vote share for the two senior parties in the coalition, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The Budget appeared to be designed with a “something for everyone” approach, orchestrated to offer an olive branch to as much of the electorate as possible, with the aim of clawing back support for coalition parties in the opinion polls.

In particular, a number of the key measures introduced in the Budget were targeted at young people - a demographic not known for their partiality towards the current coalition members, but rather for the impact they appeared to have in driving Sinn Féin’s success in the 2020 general election.

Among the sweeteners offered to students included, principally, a once-off cut in the student contribution charge of €1,000; a doubled December payment for SUSI grant recipients; an extension of discounted fares for public transport users; and a reduction of apprenticeship fees by one-third.

“Giving students and their families some peace of mind in these challenging times is at the heart of everything we are trying to do with these Budget measures,” said Simon Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, in the wake of the Budget’s announcement.

If the intention of government was to give students peace of mind, have those very students returned the favour by lending them their support?

The answer would appear to be, at least in the immediate aftermath, a resounding no.

On the question of whether or not the measures introduced in the Budget were sufficient, an Ireland Thinks poll for the Sunday Independent revealed that 50% of 18-24 year olds said that they were

“not enough”, despite the fact that a majority of the public at-large (55%) deemed the Budget to be an “appropriate response”.

October’s Ipsos MRBI poll, its first since the summer, offered comfort for the government with overall support up for all three coalition partners, with support for Sinn Féin slipping marginally.

Government’s approval rating bounced by 9%, appearing to correlate with Ireland Thinks’ findings of broad satisfaction with recent measures among the wider population.

Indeed, in the detailed age breakdowns, combined support for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael inched upwards from 25% to 28% among 18-24 year olds, a modest increase of 3%. However, support for Sinn Féin among the same group increased by 5% in the same period, to stand at a sizable 49%, effectively cancelling out gains made by government among the student-age population.

Even accounting for the Green Party’s 12% support among 18-24 year olds, Sinn Féin’s support on its own eclipses that of the coalition

parties combined, indicating that young voters still see the main opposition party as best placed to tackle the challenges facing them and the nation.

A separate poll conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes for the Sunday Times towards the midpoint of October not only indicated a lack of movement in support for neither the coalition nor the opposition, but also pointed to a relatively unchanged landscape among the youngest demographic.

Among this cohort, support for the three parties in government fell from a combined 36% to 34% between September and October, with the Budget falling directly in between the two data framework periods.

Though support for Sinn Féin fell by 1% in this category, other opposition parties saw increases, with Labour doubling its levels

of support from 4% to 8%, and Solidarity-People Before Profit gaining one point on its September showing.

It is, of course, important to note that all this comes with an obvious caveat: age breakdowns consist of only a subset of a wider sample, meaning that the margin of error is much higher. As a result, we must exercise caution when casting too many aspersions about the mood of young people in our current political climate.

However, it appears evident that any hopes the government had that the Budget would placate students and the wider youth electorate were not well placed, and that there is at best a sense of apathy towards the measures announced. Though it certainly won’t have hindered their standings, it appears it will take much more than once-off measures and cheap giveaways to get Generation Z on side.

Government announce appointment of CoChairs for the review of PhD supports

researchers”.

Harris added: “We want Ireland to be a leader in talent. In order to do that, we have to ensure that our brightest talent here in Ireland can pursue their research ambitions in a supportive environment’.

GOVERNMENT HAVE ANNOUNCED DR. ANDREA Johnson and David Cagney as the co-chairs for the national review of state supports for PhD researchers.

The appointment follows Harris’ announcement last month that a government review of PhD supports would take place.

Announcing the appointees, Harris said that they “bring the right balance of skills and perspectives to lead this review”, which will require “comprehensive and considerate consideration”.

He called the review a “commit[ment] to investing in talent, and ensuring that there are appropriate supports for

Dr. Andrea Johnson is chairperson of the Women in Technology & Science Ireland (WITS), whose five year strategic plan aims to boost retention of women in STEM careers. With a PhD in computer science from University College Cork (UCC), she is also vice president of technology at Workhuman, an Irish Technology Unicorn, and a researcher and lecturer in UCD.

Recently retired as chief human resource officer for the civil service, David Cagney has previously worked as director of human resources at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), as well as in other HR roles.

He also spent three years as a vice chairman of the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

The review is set to examine current supports for PhD students, the nature of their status (employee versus student), and their graduate outcomes, including return on investment to graduate researchers.

It will also look at visa regulations for non-EU researchers, and how potential changes to current

supports will affect the funding of research programmes.

It comes in response to prolonged demands for better supports from those undertaking PhDs.

The Postgraduate Workers’ Alliance (PGWA) welcomed the review last month, while also acknowledging that it is “merely a first step”.

“The announcement of this review is an encouraging sign for PGWA and the PhD researchers that have campaigned for reform in recent months”.

They added: ‘We will continue to escalate and broaden the base of our campaign until significant reforms are implemented in full – we will not settle for reports, statements or temporary solutions, we need deep, structural changes to how PhDs operate in Ireland.’

The average EU PhD stipend is €32,100, compared to €16,500 in Ireland. A recent survey of 285 PhD students in Ireland conducted by researchers from Trinity found that 100% of respondents said that they were living under the minimum wage.

The recent USI national student walkout, and USI protest outside the Dáil with the PhDs’ Collective Action Union (PCAU), both cited increasing this stipend to €28,000 as one of their main demands.

PWGA urge Harris to engage with them during the review, as a representative body for PhDs.

Government will receive the report’s recommendations in early 2023.

New national living

GOVERNMENT HAS IMPROVED A NEW national living wage plan, which will replace the minimum wage by 2026.

Starting next year, the living wage will be phased in over a four-year period and set at 60% of the hourly median wage. In 2023, it is estimated that 60% of median earnings will equate to approximately €13.10 per hour.

From 1 January 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 80c to €11.30 an hour. This will be followed by gradual increases until the minimum wage reaches 60% of the median wage.

More MSM

News Analysis Editor

THE IRISH BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE (IBTS) has announced changes to blood donation rules,

Starting next year, the living wage will be phased in over a four-year period and set at 60% of the hourly median wage

Aidan Cusack Deputy News Editor News Analysis Editor

The Low Pay Commission

From Monday, November 28, potential blood donors will be screened with an individual risk assessment, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation

The review was announced last month by Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris

Ella McGill Contributing writer

“ We want Ireland to be a leader in talent. In order to do that, we have to ensure that our brightest talent here in Ireland can theirpursueresearch ambitions in a supportive environment

Aidan Cusack Deputy News Editor

living wage

will be given the discretion to slow down or speed up progress towards a living wage in response to circumstances that may significantly impact economic conditions.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has welcomed the announcement, saying: “Improving terms and conditions for workers must be one of the legacies of the pandemic”.

“Across the country, thousands of minimum wage workers, regardless of what job, sector or location they work in, will benefit from this increase. In addition, many more employees will feel the benefits of knock-on increases resulting from the changes.”

In 2021, there were 164,000 people earning the national minimum wage.

This comes as the Living Wage Technical Group, supported by trade unions, charities and NGOs, called for a living wage of €13.85 per hour last month to combat the rising cost of living.

This figure of €13.85 an hour was attained by examining the cost of living in four regions: Dublin, other cities, Towns with a population of over 5,000, and the rest of Ireland.

According to the calculations of the Living Wage Technical Group, the ‘living wage’ of €13.85 an hour is only a living wage if that person is working at least 39 hours per week.

Once a living wage is in place in 2026, the Low Pay Commission will advise on the practicalities of increasing wages to 66% of the median wage.

€23.47 million in funding announced for technological universities

and South East Technological University have been established and are taking their place at the heart of our higher education landscape.

He continued: “This funding is part of the Transformation Funding, which has seen €60 million already invested in making our TUs a reality. The funding today will help build on that important work and ensure TUs

have the capacity to grow.”

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) monitors the progress of the Transformation Fund by holding quarterly meetings with institutions. Financial reports of the TUs are also reviewed biannually.

The HEA may withdraw or redistribute funding if adequate progress is not made as per project plans.

Aaron Groome Contributing writer

MINISTER FOR FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Simon Harris has announced that €23.47 million in funding will be allocated to the country’s five technological universities (TUs).

The funds will be used for digital infrastructure, building capacity in research and in improving governance and systems integration.

The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will receive the largest amount of funding at €5.27 million, followed by South East Technological University (SETU)

which will receive €5.25 million.

The Technological University of Dublin (TUD) is to be allocated €5 million, while the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Munster Technological University will receive €4.5 million and €3.45 million respectively.

This allocation of funds is part of a three-year transformation fund of €90 million announced previously in 2020, the Technological University Transformation Fund (TUTF).

Announcing the funding, Harris said: “Over the past year Atlantic Technological University

MSM can now donate blood

which will come into effect on Monday, November 28, to move towards a more individualised risk assessment for all potential donors.

Potential donors will all be asked the same questions about their sexual activity, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

The new system is called Individual Donor Risk Assessment and is similar to the system introduced in the UK blood services in 2021.

Stephen O’Hare, Executive Director of HIV Ireland, said that the IBTS is “to be commended for the introduction of individualised risk-based assessments for blood donations”.

“The new policy, which will be applied to all potential donors, is a key step in the ongoing development of what can eventually be a world leading blood donation policy in Ireland.”

IBTS Medical & Scientific Director, Dr Tor Hervig said: “This is a fairer way to assess donor

risk. Using a donor’s individual behaviours to determine if that person is eligible to donate makes the process fairer for all donors and more inclusive, while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.”

Following recommendations by the Social Behaviours Review Group (SBRG), several factors have been identified as having a higher risk of acquiring bloodborne infection. These factors include: engaging in chemsex, having anal sex with a new partner or more than one partner and having a recent sexually transmitted infection.

HIV Ireland expressed disappointment with the stated intention of the IBTS to maintain certain restrictions, including a permanent ban for those with a history of gonorrhoea and where a sexual partner is living with HIV and is virally suppressed.

MPOWER Programme Manager at HIV Ireland and member of the SBRG said: “In reviewing ongoing deferral policies, every consideration

should be given by the IBTS to the weight of robust scientific

evidence on the efficacy of available treatments for STIs including in relation to sexual partners living with HIV who are virally suppressed and cannot pass on HIV through sex.”

Until January 2017, gay, bisexual, and other men who

have sex with men (MSM) were previously subject to a lifetime ban on donating blood. This was replaced with a requirement to wait 12 months after sexual contact with another man before donating blood. This deferral period was reduced to four months in March.

The funding forms part of a three-year transformation fund for technological universities of €90 million, announced in 2020

“

This funding is part of the Transformation Funding, which has seen €60 million investedalready in making our TUs a reality

PHOTO BY KATE HENSHAW FOR TRINITY NEWS

PHOTO

of students say School of Social Sciences and Philosophy Curriculum is

Nearly two thirds of the respondents felt that

Western-centric, with 22.9% feeling strongly,

Contributing writer

ACCORDING TO A NEW SURVEY, 62.5% of students at the School of Social Science and Philosophy believe that the curriculum is largely Westerncentric.

The survey conducted by the school convenor for Social Sciences and Philosophy (SSP), found that 71.8% of students agreed that the curriculum was western-centric, with 26% strongly agreeing, and 13.6% disagreeing.

Nearly two thirds of the respondents felt that the curriculum should be less

Western-centric, with 22.9% feeling strongly. Another 22.9% of respondents did not agree that the curriculum was too Western focused.

When asked for any other thoughts on the matter, one respondent to the survey commented on the “absence of Latin-American literature in Trinity library”.

“Lecturers should address the racism and Eurocentric viewpoint perpetuated by a lot of philosophers and philosophical theories that we have to study at the beginning of the topic,” another respondent said.

Other areas which respondents said the curriculum could incorporate more included Asian philosophy, LGBTQ+ politics, South American politics and thought, feminist thought, Middle Eastern and North African philosophy and politics, and African politics and philosophy, as well as issues of identity, gender and race.

96 students respondents took part in the survey, which was sent out to all course mailing lists. The survey was conducted by school convenor László Molnárfi, and fellow student Yasmin Almehaideb.

In a statement to Trinity News,

Almehaideb said: “Students deserve a diversified curriculum, it will not only open their minds but give a richer more inclusive education which I think is what our current curriculum lacks.”

Molnárfi added: “Education is an extremely powerful tool. However, it is important to know where accepted narratives and viewpoints come from.”

“I hope that College will support these efforts at decolonisation rather than being reactionary,” he continued.

Calls for a more diverse curriculum echo recent campaigns pushing Trinity to address its colonial legacy. In August, Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) called an immediate renaming of the Berkeley Library, due to the slave-owing past of the library’s namesake, George Berkeley.

In 2021, the Trinity Colonial Legacies project was announced by College. The two-year project aims to “contextualise and historicize the university’s deep links to colonialism both in Ireland itself and in the wider world”.

The project also seeks to “raise awareness of College’s physical and intellectual colonial legacies, monuments, and endowments in the present”.

Beyond Trinity

University College Dublin:

University College Dublin (UCD) shelved plans to build more than 1,200 student apartments on its campus, as the development was no longer “viable” due to inflation in construction costs. Acting UCD president Mark Rogers explained that the university had sought a contractor to build the extra campus accommodation, but the prices received by bidders were all too high. Mr Rogers told the College Tribune that “in order to provide future student housing that is affordable to our students, it must be viable for us to construct”. He added that with further government support, the university could “play a significant role in alleviating the problem” for students.

Atlantic Technological University:

The first students from the new Atlantic Technological University (ATU) graduated on November 3 in Donegal, with 1,390 students graduating over two days. Over 5,000 students graduated in nine ceremonies across five locations in the north and west of Ireland throughout November. At the Letterkenny ceremony, ATU President Dr. Orla Flynn said: “Today is a public affirmation and celebration of your personal achievement on the completion of your course of study with us. Your resilience and commitment over the last few difficult years are now being rewarded. The conferring of a higher education award is a true testament to your dedication, hard work and sacrifices.”

Queen’s University Belfast: Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O’Neill has demanded an immediate end to “dangerous” and “sustained” attacks on academics from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). O’Neill warned it is “wrong” to target the credibility of those engaged in research relating to Brexit and NI’s constitutional future as she blamed senior DUP politicians and loyalists. She noted the “sustained and deplorable attacks” against the head of QUB’s human rights centre, Professor Colin Harvey.

62.5%

too Western-centric

“ Students deserve a diversified curriculum, it will not only open mindstheir but give a richer more inclusive education which I think is what our current curriculum lacks

the curriculum should be less

the survey indicated

Charlotte Kent

College unveils new pond habitat on campus

The new pond aims to provide a home for pond-dwelling creatures in the city centre

LAST WEEK, TRINITY

ANNOUNCED a new wildlife pond on campus, which is aimed at creating a vibrant hub for biodiversity within the city centre.

According to College, the pond will provide a habitat for creatures like dragonflies, hoverflies, frogs and newts, as well as a whole host of other aquatic organisms.

The new pond is located in the provost’s garden, near St Patrick’s well, and is visible to passersby from the entrance to campus on Nassau street. The location, surrounded by trees and foliage, was picked due its ability to provide a suitable environment for wildlife biodiversity.

The creation of this new pond was facilitated by Provost Linda Doyle, and was carried out by colleagues from Estates and Facilities, alongside Research Associate Collie Ennis.

Regarding this new ecological development, Ennis said: “This

“By building it Trinity has provided habitat for everything from dragonflies to frogs and a

source of freshwater for foxes, birds, and bees,” Ennis added. “Really looking forward to seeing what we find in it when spring arrives!”

The upkeep of the pond will be “minimal”, as it is “largely selfsufficient”. Once a year, excessive plant growth will be trimmed, and dead leaves accumulated on the pond’s surface will be removed to the pond’s edge, allowing any inhabitants of the pond to crawl back in.

The logs which line the pond were taken from the old maple tree which died in the front square, giving them “a second life on campus and helping nature at the same time” according to a statement from College.

Speaking on the introduction of the new pond, the provost said: “It is really fascinating to see how this pond will develop now as part of a dynamic ecosystem.”

“It’s also exciting to see the creation of more biodiversity in our city centre,” Doyle continued. “We need more of this! The pond is a small but inspiring step.”

The pond is the most recent in a number of efforts made to accommodate biodiversity on Trinity campus. Other actions taken in previous years include rewilding of the Trinity front lawns, the enactment of the Biodiversity Action Plan, and the cementment of Sam, the Trinity fox, into the College community.

pond will be an incredible resource for wildlife biodiversity in campus and beyond. Ponds like this, specifically designed for nature, are rare, especially in the concrete jungle of a city centre.”

Conor Healy Contributing writer

PHOTO VIA TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

PHOTO BY SHANNON CONNOLLY FOR TRINITY NEWS

Analysis: Student mental health supports at breaking point

mental illness.

Aidan Cusack News Analysis Editor

WITH THE RECENT RESULTS OF studentsurvey.

ie being released last month, it was revealed that more than one in three students had ‘seriously considered’ withdrawing from their degree programme.

In an Oireachtas roundtable discussion on mental health supports in schools at the beginning of this month, it was clear that the demand for student counselling services would only continue to rise.

In Ireland, in the academic year 2019/2020, 12,852 students attended nearly 65,000 counselling appointments. In 2020/2021, this

TCDSU Café

Diluted treatment (spreading appointments out, limiting the number of appointments, shortening appointment lengths) will become increasingly common as mental health professionals are forced to increase their caseload due to increased demand and a lack of resourcing.

rose to 14,386 students attending 69,000 counselling appointments. This represents about 6% of the total number of third-level students.

At the discussion, Treasa Fox, head of student counselling at the Technological University of the Shannon, said that challenges balancing work and study, loneliness, and lack of support from universities contributed to students wanting to drop out.

“Without access to appropriately resourced, timely and adequate counselling services many students, because of personal or mental health reasons, will inevitably withdraw.”

She highlighted the international evidence that shows diluted treatment, limits of eligibility for care, and other limitations lead to poor outcomes with less reduction in symptoms of

Ms Fox also highlighted difficulties in hiring experienced mental health professionals, citing the lack of multi-annual core funding. While welcoming the increased funding in the latest budget, she said that it was only possible to offer shortterm contracts due to the onceoff nature of the recent funding increases.

Professor Paul Downes of DCU called for specialist counsellors to be made available at second-level schools to counter the increased prevalence of mental health difficulties.

Reacting to the pilot project which will see counsellors in primary schools from next year, he said there was a “glaring gap” at second-level.

“It is like an Irish solution to an Irish problem which solves nothing for Irish teenagers today.”

Skidmore O’Reilly Deputy News Editor

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN’S STUDENTS

UNION (TCDSU) has confirmed that the SU Café will reopen ahead of the upcoming Michaelmas Term exam period.

Located in the foyer of Goldsmith Hall, the facility was closed in March 2020 during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has remained one of the few Trinity institutions to keep its doors shut.

Earlier this year, a HSE assessment determined that the café could not reopen at that point until a number of health and safety standards were satisfied.

However, in an email to students, TCDSU Communications Officer

Oldest Trinity graduate on record obtains PhD at 84 years old

Dr Mary Pyle’s graduated from the School of English earlier this month

Chloe McGing Contributing writer

AN 84-YEAR OLD HAS

BECOME Trinity’s oldest graduate on record, graduating with a PhD from the School of English earlier this month.

Dr Mary Pyle graduated on November 4, with her PhD focusing on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series.

Her thesis “Harry Potter and the Unconscious Dimension” replied to the question, “What is it that is so important at an unconscious level in Harry Potter, that people

respond to it?”

Pyle’s supervisor, Ussher Associate Professor in Children’s Literature Dr Jane Carroll, described the work as “an exciting and important contribution… to the wider critical conversation about children’s literature”.

Qualified as a psychotherapist and a founding member of the Irish Institute for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Pyle’s thesis drew from her professional expertise in psychoanalysis, as well as her passion for literature catered to younger readers.

Carroll added that “this is an interdisciplinary thesis and there is so much in it for both scholars of psychoanalysis and scholars of children’s literature to learn from and benefit from”.

Pyle took inspiration for the theme of her thesis following her purchase of the Harry Potter book series for her grandchildren, when she began reading the books herself.

In a recent interview, Pyle said: “I won’t say that age is just

a number because I don’t think it is. I still want to go on learning things. In many ways. I took up playing the cello at 60”.

She added: “I don’t think being older, if you are interested in doing stuff, is a reason not to do things. Learning the cello and doing the PhD brought me into contact with young people who are at the same stage as me”.

Pyle commenced work on her doctorate in 2014. Its completion was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and her active role in the establishment of the MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in Trinity.

In 2016, 97 year old Josef Veselsky became Trinity’s oldest honorary arts graduate when conferred with an honorary Master of Arts degree.

Since 2010, Mr Veselsky had taken extra-mural classes in the School of Histories and Humanities on an annual basis, recommencing his education following its disruption by the second world war in his native

former Czechoslovakia.

Addressing the department of History following his reception of the award, he said: “You think that because you gave me a degree you got rid of me?”.

In the post-war years, the Bratislava native pursued table tennis, in which he ranked 7th nationally, before immigrating to Ireland and co-founding the Irish Table Tennis Association.

In 2008, Veselsky was made Commander of the Slovak Order of the White Double Cross, for his achievement in sport and overall contribution to the development and maintenance of diplomatic relations between Slovakia and Ireland.

College announced earlier this term that students will no longer be called upon in order of degree classification in Trinity graduation ceremonies.

In a joint email to staff and students by the Registrar and Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President, it was announced that students would organised by class group rather than by degree classification.

The café, based in Goldsmith Hall, originally closed its doors at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic

Evan

“

It is like an Irish solution to an Irish problem which solves nothing for Irish teenagers today

“

Pyle took inspiration for the theme of her thesis following her purchase of the PotterHarrybook series for her grandchildren,

Café to reopen before next exam period

Julia Smirnova announced that the reopening of the café would take place in the coming weeks ahead of exams, and would remain open throughout Hilary Term.

The café’s operation is overseen by the Union and is ran ‘cooperatively’ by students. It aims to provide cheaper eating options for students in the city centre without pressure to purchase any items. In contrast to other eateries on campus, such as the Buttery, students will be allowed to sit in and eat their own food from home

in the SU Café, should they wish to do so.

Speaking to Trinity News, Julie Smirnova, TCDSU’s Communications Officer, said that the café had been “hugely missed” over the past few years.

“In the current cost of living crisis, it is vital that students have a cheap alternative for lunch and spaces where they can spend time in without the pressure to buy something. That is what the SU Café exists to provide: cheap lunch options and a community space.”

“The SU Café is a reminder that students shouldn’t be treated as a revenue source - some things are worth keeping because they bring people together, teach us how to work together as a team, and make life a little easier for students,” Smirnova continued.

Last week, TCDSU invited students to apply for positions within the reopened café, with interviews taking place this week. Successful applicants will be paid the TCDSU living wage of €12.90 an hour, and will be afforded

flexible hours that allow them to work around their college timetable.

Students will be able to “gain real work experience in working and running a café”, TCDSU said.

Ahead of reopening, TCDSU says it has cooperated with Trinity Catering to ensure that the establishment is “fully compliant” with health and safety regulations.

Further details on the SU Café’s relaunch are set to be announced in due course.

What they say

“Protecting a woman’s right to choose, raising our minimum wage, fighting for the union way of life, healthcare as a fun damental human right. It saved my life and it should be there for you if you all ever need it.”

John Fetterman, US Senator-elect for Pennsylvania

“I attend the National Gender Service and I’ve experienced first-hand how traumatising it is to just be a trans person in this country. You’re expected to divulge information about your sex life, about your porn habits, about trauma from your child hood… which has nothing to do with why I’m trans or why anyone is trans. I’m trans be cause I am a woman.”

Jenny Maguire, TCDSU Gender Equality Officer

Reforestation key to fighting climate change, study finds

include setting attainable goals, conducting case studies to find proper land for reforestation, specifying reforestation efforts to match local biodiversity.

Madison Pitman Contributing writer

ANEW STUDY FROM

THE UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration has identified reforestation as key to fighting climate change. The study identified 15 steps for reforestation, including calls for future research.

At the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference, 26 countries and the European Union have signed a pledge to prevent deforestation and begin restoration by 2030.

The “fifteen essential science advances” in preventing further deforestation drafted by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Other reforestation measures are working to understand how outside environmental factors impact forests, finding potential places for reforestation, attaining public and private financing, understanding effects of disturbances caused by restoration efforts on the local environment and wildlife, weighing the challenge of using water to grow new vegetation to the hydrological benefits overtime and overcoming socio-economic barriers through education.

Assistant Professor in Trinity’s School of Natural Sciences Dr Peter Moonlight praised the paper, saying: “Almost 200 authors from 27 countries and the United Nations’ taskforce are working to ensure these findings really make a difference to forest restoration and inspire a decade of global action, particularly in the tropics where much of this research has been undertaken.”

He said a growing body of evidence is showing that forest restoration relies upon growing the right trees in the right places to

boost species biodiversity, carbon sinks, economic developing, and people’s livelihoods.

“Forests are crucial for the health and functioning of our planet, but it is crucial their management and restoration benefits biodiversity, local communities and cultures, as well as removing carbon from

the atmosphere,” Moonlight explained.

According to the UN study, published in the latest Royal Society’s Philosophical Transactions, Ireland is among the countries with the least forestation in Europe due to overuse of the land.

“There is no place for those whose primary focus is on dragging society backwards. They will not succeed and must not be allowed to fill the polit ical vacuum … we must keep building the peace and moving forward together to build a new and better future for all.”

Michelle O’Neill, Vice President of Sinn Féin

“In Brazil, which is a forest and hydrological power, we experi enced drought and devastating floods. Europe faces extreme heat with fires and unprece dented deaths. And although it is the continent with the low est greenhouse gas emissions, Africa has drought in Chad, Kenya and Somalia. I repeat: nobody is safe.”

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President-elect of Brazil

“Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arabic. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel [like] a migrant worker.”

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

A study by the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration identified 15 steps for reforestation

PHOTO BY JACK KENNEDY FOR TRINITY NEWS

PHOTO BY VICKY SALGANIK FOR TRINITY NEWS

Northern Ireland set for another year

no local government: But how did we get here?

PHOTO BY LAUREN PENMAN FOR TRINITY NEWS

Aoife Bennett Contributing writer

Since the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, Northern Ireland has been led by a power sharing executive that demands cooperation from both Nationalist and Unionist parties to function. Tension between the parties and a failure to unite is, of course, nothing new. The executive has collapsed before, placing Northern Ireland in the precarious hands of Westminster. The government previously dissolved in 2017 when Sinn Fein refused to sit in the executive following the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal and disagreement over legislation for an Irish Language Act. The stalemate went on for three years, and was resolved just days before the then Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith was set to call an election. It was during this period that, due to Westminster’s direct rule, same-sex marriage and abortion were legalised in Northern Ireland, after previously being blocked by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) through a Petition of Concern veto.

However, unlike the previous collapse, there is no clear solution or way forward for the local Assembly members (MLAs) this time around. The talks have now been passed over to the UK and EU to re-examine the Northern Ireland protocol and its relationship with the Good Friday Agreement. The Northern Ireland executive has been at a stalemate since February 2022, as the DUP continue to protest the Northern Ireland Protocol brought about by Brexit. Following the assembly elections in May 2022, which saw the country’s first ever nationalist majority, the DUP’s refusal to nominate a deputy first minister proved a significant obstacle to political progress. Due to Northern

Ireland’s power-sharing system, the newly elected executive cannot be officially formed and operational until the vacant position is filled.

The Northern Ireland Protocol at the core of this problem was introduced when the UK left the European Union, as the country faced the challenge of introducing border checks with the Republic of Ireland. The new border and how it would operate has been a bone of contention for Northern Ireland since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016. The very idea of a land border on the island of Ireland was an alarming threat to the Good Friday Agreement and peace in NI. To navigate a way around a “hard” land border, a “border” in the Irish Sea was proposed. This would mean that goods going between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK could be checked without a physical border on the island of Ireland. However, this protocol, which was implemented post-Brexit, proved unpopular with the DUP, who perceived

it as a separation of Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The protocol eventually led to the resignation of DUP First Minister, Paul Givan, on February 3rd 2022.

The DUP’s refusal to participate in government after the elections prompted the current Northern Ireland Secretary, Chris HeatonHarris, to announce an official deadline to form the executive before a fresh set of elections would be called. The date was set for the 28th October, with Heaton-Harris stating he “cannot be clearer” that failure to meet this deadline, “even by a minute”, would trigger another election. The suspected date the Electoral Office in NI were working towards was December 15th. This date had been circulated to the political parties as they prepared for a short campaigning period and electoral staff began liaising with schools to set up polling stations.

However, when the deadline passed, Heaton-Harris folded. The secretary backtracked his

insistence on an election and instead extended the deadline until, at the time of writing, the 8th of December. This U-turn was accompanied by a 27.5% pay cut for MLAs to remain in place until the government is restored. It comes as a blow to the current Northern Ireland secretary’s credibility, as he retreats behind the DUP and we look towards a spring election. However, there is no guarantee that fresh elections will provide a solution to the complexities of power-sharing or bring about a devolved executive. Without a functioning government, the citizens of Northern Ireland have been left in limbo, with pressing agenda items like the current costof-living crisis gone unaddressed.

With the next potential election set for April 13th, for now, Northern Ireland is set to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement without a functioning executive.

with

Trinity News talks about what has happened to government in the North, and where it might go next

“

The very idea of a borderlandon the island of Ireland was an threatalarming to the Good AgreementFriday and peace in NI

Cost of Christmas

Trinity News breaks down the spending habits of students around the festive season

Leanne Healy Deputy Features Editor

Christmas can be an expensive time of year — from buying presents for family to Kris Kindle with work colleagues and a general increase in socialisation with friends, the season of giving could also be regarded as the season of spending. With the cost of living crisis weighing heavily on many Irish people’s minds, one can only wonder how different the Christmas period will look this year.

Last Christmas, we had yet to return to normality with COVID-19 restrictions still looming over the country and 8pm curfews cutting the holiday celebrations short. Christmas 2022 is our first Christmas completely back to normality with regular trading and hospitality hours. Speaking to Trinity News, one student shares their excitement for the holiday period to return to how it was “I absolutely can’t wait — I almost forgot that we had restrictions last year, it felt so surreal. So for this Christmas, I’m going to go all out and make the most of it. I think we all deserve it to be honest after the last two years.”

In 2021, the Christmas spend around the country was €1.58 billion more than other months of the year. However, with the cost of living crisis and many families cutting down on spending, the amount we spend this holiday period is projected to be significantly lower. In a survey conducted by PayPal, it showed that the average Irish person spends an average of €721 on gifts at Christmas time in 2021. The figure stood much lower in 2020 with the average spend being €541 however, one can predict that as a result of the cost of living crisis, the amount we will be spending this Christmas will be drastically lower. In the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey, it was found that three out of four consumers will be cutting back on

spending for necessities such as food and heating. With Economist Austin Hughes predicting that this Christmas will be “Scrooge-like” due to cutbacks.

Speaking to Trinity News, one student breaks down her Christmas spending “I probably spend around €600 around Christmas Time. I start saving super early for it, usually starting around mid-November to make sure I have enough once the Christmas shopping starts.”

Another student states how they spend “around €500” during the holiday period but notes that they do have a small family which would factor into the amount they spend during December.

One student explains: “Christmas, to me, just feels like a shopping spree, I’m not exactly a practising Catholic and don’t even go to mass at Christmas time but still, I love to ‘celebrate’ it.” She goes on to say “the commercialisation of Christmas has resulted in people almost forgetting that they are in fact celebrating a religious holiday and I suppose I am one of those people too.” Modern-day Christmas festivities have drifted from its religious roots and have turned into a money-making racket for businesses, cashing in on the holiday fun.

The Christmas period is often a time of reunion. With people home for the holidays, the nights out, catch-ups, dinners and drinks seem never-ending. One student describes how she “tends to do more around Christmas”, making note of brunch dates and coffees with friends. However, living on a student budget, she explains how she is “conscious of what [she’s] ordering” and the thought of increasing expenses is in the

back of her mind. A victim of the January blues, the student explains how in the new year, “there is such a feeling of guilt and regret and feel like I shouldn’t have spent money on that” around the holiday period. The student feels that this regret is “sad because all of the things you spend money on at Christmas, all contribute to having a social christmas. Going to drinks, putting on a Christmas dinner with friends, doing Kris Krindle, they’re all such important things around this time of year.”

What is meant to be a time of joy and excitement can often turn to stress and worry due to the costs associated with the festive season. Unfortunately, the financial obligations can often overshadow the true spirit of the holiday.

A student with a more creative approach to gift-giving notes how she is “trying to save by doing paintings for my parents for Christmas instead of spending loads because I really don’t have that much money.” Another student explains how “some members of my family like my Granny would know that, as a student, I don’t have an unlimited

budget so, instead of buying her a present, she would rather I do something for her. In the past I’ve made a scrapbook and another year I baked her a Christmas cake which she loved!” It is possible to give gifts without breaking the bank this Christmas. Secondhand books from charity shops or The Last Bookshop on Camden Street have a wide array of books, both fiction and non-fiction, so you can definitely find a book to suit the reader in your life! If you are more in touch with your creative side, writing a poem or story is a heartfelt way to show someone that you care this Christmas!

In relation to budgeting, one student explains how “I feel like it’s time for me to grow up and actually try to manage my money this year because I feel so guilty having to ask my parents for some extra money around Christmas time because it’s a stressful time for everyone, whether you are a student or not.” She goes on to say how this year she would like to “have a set budget for going out and drinking” and money set aside for gifts because she “wants to make sure there is no overlap” in her spending. Another student feels like “everyone overindulges at Christmas” and notes how “[she doesn’t] really budget and am just tapping away.” However, she “would feel less guilty about spending money over Christmas,” given the time of year it is.

Overall, Christmas 2022 may look very different to previous years, whether that be in a positive or a negative way. For the lucky few, the cost of living crisis will make no difference to their festivities and the celebration can live on; however, for most, budgeting and cutting down on costs will be on the cards this year. For the first restrictionless Christmas in what feels like a decade, socialisation and spending will be at an all-time high, so start saving early to get the most out of the holiday period.

“

Christmas 2022 is our first completelyChristmas back to normality with tradingregular hospitalityand hours

“

Modern-day Christmas festivities ... have turned into a makingmoneyracket for businesses

PHOTO BY JOE MCCALLION FOR TRINITY NEWS

Self-Help Culture: Improvement Focused or Industry Farce?

Sáoirse Goes Contributing writer

The culture of constant self-help has experienced a boom in recent years. Exponentially growing during the pandemic, when we had nothing else to do but to work on ourselves, the trend has further entrenched the need for perfectionism cultivated by social media. The cultural concept of bettering yourself may have previously elicited images of Elizabeth Gilbert eating her way through Italy and reconnecting with her spirituality in Bali in Eat, Pray, Love, but in recent years, the term has garnered a more ubiquitous cultural significance. Self-awareness and selfimprovement are great, but has the situation gone too far?

Self-help is inundating our pop culture as well as our daily lives, but we may not be the ones benefiting from it the most. The self-improvement book genre is worth $800 million, according to Market Research. The extent of their prevalence is elucidated by a quick Google search, which produces an influx of articles claiming to have the definitive and best list of the essentials of the genre. The ubiquity of these books showcases pop culture’s enforcement of the necessity of near-constant self-improvement. Through their wide selection, selfhelp books promise to bring the reader all kinds of improvements, be it happiness, health or even success.

But this steady influx of reading material may simply be playing on the constant demand for more material on selfimprovement, given our constant media consumption. The genre thereby primarily serves to feed into our society’s fixation on selfhelp, a highly lucrative endeavour when looking at its large market. On a personal level, with their continuous identification of new flaws to overcome and new goals to achieve, are these books simply aiding in distracting us from actually living our lives?

Nevertheless, some selfhelp books seem to be writing against this trend. Marked by its bestselling trailblazers, which include Sarah Knight’s The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving

a F*ck and Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. These focus on moving beyond the need to ascribe flaws to oneself towards a more real form of self-improvement, independent from societal pressures. While this new strain of self-help book encourages its readers to harness their individuality, its nature still identifies a problem to be corrected in the target audience’s life, even if it is the problem of caring too much about other flaws, not to mention its contribution to the self-improvement market.

The wellness and lifestyle market is another notorious proponent of the toxic tendencies of the self-help and self-care industry. Images of Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie waking up at 4 am every morning to perform a tediously intricate beauty regime in the HBO series Euphoria spring to mind, as she carefully curates a perfect appearance in the hopes of attracting the attention of a boy. Each of the products she is seen using (which include the likes of eye masks, an iced face roller and a jade gua sha face tool) can be seen to represent a pointed flaw the self-care industry is telling its consumers to work against.

In this light, by continuously adding to the long list of corrigible flaws, many wellness companies are actively benefiting from their role in the discourse. A striking example of such a company is Goop. Launched as a weekly email newsletter in 2008 by Gwyneth Paltrow, the website now markets itself as “a modern lifestyle brand”. Despite its description as containing “cutting-edge wellness advice from doctors, vetted travel recommendations, and a curated shop of clean beauty, fashion, and home”, Goop has often come under fire for treating pseudoscience like science, notably following the release of The Goop Lab on Netflix, which sees its founder and her team test a ludicrous array of strange treatments.

While the internet’s prevalent gripe against Goop is its inordinate pricing, the website markets its wellness items as essential, which may cause its customer base to feel the aspects targeted by the products as shortcomings in themselves, and thus pressure them into making a purchase. With items like a $300 ring which claims to track the wearer’s health to a $66 Jade yoni egg, which allegedly promotes spiritual healing through Kegellike exercises, Goop seems to be playing into the fantasy element of the aloof Los Angeles lifestyle.

However, some items, marketed through the flaws they are marketed to counteract, are more problematic. For instance, Goop’s own brand DTF dietary supplements, for $60, claim to “support healthy sexual arousal and desire”. While the sexpositive basis of the product is important, the website disclaims that the FDA has not evaluated the

supplement. In this light, Goop is seemingly attempting to profit off its target audience’s reduced libido, regardless of whether the latter has even identified this as an issue, by promoting a product that has not even been proven effective.

Taking from the relatively small scale of Goop’s enterprise, its preying on the insecurities of its customer base while actively creating more, is symptomatic of the self-improvement industry at large. Is this all linked to our consumerist society, which dictates that we can never be satisfied? There are an infinite amount of companies profiting from the flaws we self-diagnose ourselves with, and the flaws these companies instil and program within us. These companies are, by extension, selling our need to constantly upgrade ourselves and on things that may not even need upgrading. The consumerist drive for these companies is mirrored in the numbers. Grand View Research estimated that the global personal development market was valued at $41.81 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand annually at 5.5% between 2022 and 2030.

As Carl Cederström and André Spicer assert in their 2017 exploration Desperately Seeking Self-Improvement: A Year Inside the Optimization Movement, “we are under pressure to show that we know how to lead the perfect life”. With the omnipresence of social media, we have become more and

more hyper-aware of our flaws, as we outwardly try to portray that we have the perfect life on our own accounts, while seeing the constant flow of self-help information on our feeds.

Tiktok is at the centre of the risks of this: the ease of information the app affords its viewers, as well as the bite-sized chunks through which it relays this through short videos effects a constant stream of self-improvement content. You can effectively scroll on the app for a few minutes and get a multitude of different facets of the culture of self-help — be it seeing someone describing their all too perfect hungover morning routine or a psychologist explaining 4 signs of intergenerational trauma. The popularity of these videos is undeniable: the self-help hashtag has 1.7bn views on Tiktok, while the self-improvement one boasts a whopping 11.7bn views.

The idea of having and presenting the perfect life, entrenched in the perfectionism that self-improvement dictates, brings to light an interesting phenomenon of the culture: frauds. It is precisely because of this idea of the perfect life that we are obsessed with frauds. Why else would TV series like Inventing Anna, The Tinder Swindler and The Dropout fascinate us so much? While the culture of girlbossing commends Anna Sorokin for outwardly presenting the perfect life, when she loses everything, we

treat her as an example of what to work against. Society paints these frauds as the scapegoats for the dangers of what happens when someone doesn’t subscribe to the consumerist culture of ascribing and overcoming flaws.

The gendered aspect of the culture of constant selfimprovement is vital to take into account. As sociologists Rosalind Gill and Shani Orgad identify in Confidence Culture, “self-help is disproportionately addressed to women”. Women are indeed more frequently placed as in need of improvement. Significantly, the pair argue that the selfimprovement industry markets the issues faced by women as personal problems, underscoring their framing as flaws which can only be overcome by subscribing to consumerist solutions. This exposes a problematic undercurrent of the power and gender dynamics underpinning the self-help phenomenon.

While the culture of bettering ourselves may have afforded us a sense of being able to control one aspect of our lives during the tumultuous and unpredictable cycle of lockdowns, upon closer inspection, the multi-billion dollar industry seems to be profiting off our manifest and latent flaws. The awareness of your own flaws is a crucial part of life, but the capitalist drive for perfection at all costs elucidates troubling and gendered implications.

Investigating the self-help industry, and whether it has personal improvement or profits at its core

PHOTO VIA UNSPLASH

Miss Musso-mini; Has Italy regressed back to its fascist roots?

Trinity News examines the implications behind Italy’s new prime minister Giorgia Meloni

Holly Níc Thomáis Chair of the Gaeilge Board

Saturday 22 October 2022, marks the election of Giorgia Meloni (45) as the new Italian Prime Minister. As the first woman in Italy to hold this position, it would appear that the country is progressing along with the political trends of today’s Europe. However, her ultraconservative attitude seems to pull against the tide of modernity with her leading the first far-rightled government since World War II. Her Brothers of Italy party has neo-fascist roots stemming from the late Mussolini era, and furthermore, it exists as part of a coalition government including Matteo Salvini’s far-right League and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, both men being long-time admirers of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Berlusconi has even been recorded bragging how his beloved Putin sent him bottles of vodka for his birthday last month. It is hard to believe Meloni’s promise to govern “for everyone”. After all, this is the same woman who once called same-sex marriage “the end of humanity”. Her revolutionary victory may have been sweet but her extremely right-wing views can only mean bitter things for Italy.

Giorgia Meloni comes from a pro-fascist cultural background: she was a teenage activist in a neofascist party’s youth wing in Rome. Fast forward 26 years and her party has won the September 2022 elections with 26% of the vote. Although she has recently taken a more moderate political stance it is clear this façade exists only in order to appeal to the masses as a serious candidate for prime minister. When this façade fades, her fascist core will undoubtedly emerge; she has even been quoted saying: “I think Mussolini was a good politician. Everything he did, he did for Italy and we haven’t had any politicians like that in the past 50 years.”

Politicians as we know are infamous for being two-faced, but Meloni takes this to another level during her electoral campaign, where she desperately attempts to appeal to two polar-alternative audiences. One audience being international allies, for whom she emphasizes her support in

defending Ukraine and her legit pro-NATO approach. The second audience, being the Italian public more specifically her traditional electorate, where the emphasis is shifted to despicable anti-migrant and anti-LGBQT+ policies.

With the double narrative she provides we must question where are Miss Musso-mini’s political priorities? “I am Giorgia, I am a woman, I am a mother, I am a Christian”. Meloni has sworn to fully enforce the law that protects access to abortion but she ironically picked an anti-abortion minister. Her policies, particularly those regarding immigration and gay rights echo sentiments from the old fascist regime. Meloni openly objects to adoption and surrogacy involving LGBTQ+ couples. She constantly reiterates her view that a child should only be raised by heterosexual parents on the basis that she is defending traditional family values. There is being a traditional conservative and then there is the crime of depriving homosexual couples of availing of IVF to conceive, and then there is Meloni who proposed extending a ban to criminalise gay couples seeking surrogate mothers abroad.

“Yes to the natural family, no to the LGBT lobby, yes to sexual identity, no to gender ideology... no to Islamist violence, yes to secure borders, no to mass migration... no to big international finance... no to the bureaucrats of Brussels!”

Her government should be concerned with pressing current issues such as the rapidly approaching recession, skyrocketing inflation and possible energy shortages; however her rightest agenda appears to have her party preoccupied with the notions of “God, homeland, family”. Meloni should keep a close eye on opposition from within her party as her age and gender make her a target within the government for not being taken seriously especially given the government’s diverging views on numerous issues including regional autonomy and pensions. Meloni has the aim to abolish welfare for the unemployed whereas members of her party have visions to remodel it. Regarding immigration, she has called for migrants to be blocked in Africa, reducing immigration is a key aspect of the agenda of the coalition that Meloni and her farright Brothers of Italy party belong to.

From the get-go of 2022, 70,000 migrants have arrived in boats on the shores of Italy, with it being one of the main entry points into Europe. However, an aim of Ms Meloni is to tighten the system for refugees to end irregular migration, which she claims threatens the safety and quality of life of the Italian people. One of her main political priorities is a naval blockade of North Africa. If Meloni’s blockade comes to fruition, it will become borderline impossible for migrants to make

their status official. Despite the capital of Sicily having a long history of welcoming migrants, student Jarjou (22) fears that Meloni’s policies will fuel divisions and hatred towards migrants: “I am very worried it’s going to create a lot of negative impact on the lives of migrants like me.” Mr Jarjou abandoned his home in West Africa arriving in Palermo in December 2016 searching for a better life. His journey like that of many other migrants was a struggle to say the least. On his voyage he was imprisoned three times, luckily managing to escape each occasion. The nightmare continued as he voyaged across treacherous seas in a pathetic dinghy boat only to arrive in Sicily to be exploited for cheap labour growing watermelons and tomatoes in horrific conditions. Mr Jarjou finally awoke from this night terror when he was issued with his official documents, which he had applied for as an asylum seeker, allowing him to move to Palermo to pursue an education in nursing. “Documents are an important gateway into integration” he explains, and in their absence migrants become “invisible” and doomed to exist on the outskirts of Italian society. The future is looking bright for Mr Jarjou and he hopes to work in the capital’s hospital upon graduating. This is only one story, a lucky case at that, Mr Jarjou and many migrants alike still worry that Meloni’s intention to criminalize charity rescue ships will make it impossible for migrants to cross the sea. The terror is in how this policy “would simply lead to more deaths in the Mediterranean” according to Jarjou.

Fear and fascism are two sides of the same coin, asylum seekers and refugees in Italy are not the only ones Ms Meloni has inflicted fear upon. There is widespread panic across the country that

her leadership will trigger a dramatic increase in homophobic attacks. In 2021, a law that would have criminalised homophobia, drafted by Alessandro Zan—a gay politician from the Democratic party— was boycotted by the rightwing groups and, to the dismay of many leftists and centralists and especially the Italian LGBTQ+ community, never became a reality. Student Marco Marras (24) armed with a rainbow flag strutted on stage at the start of a rally being held by Meloni during her election campaign to confront her about her opposition to gay rights. Before security could make attempts to remove him from the stage, Marras delivered his powerful argument, that he wanted to be allowed to get married and raise a family in his home country to which Meloni crudely replied: “You want a lot of things … Everyone wants things; you already have civil unions.” Marras explained the purpose of his protest with pride: “Meloni had come to Cagliari to meet an audience of yes men, people who support her and who call her ‘great Giorgia’. I wanted to show something that her electorate doesn’t want to see or accept –LGBT people – we are not monsters but normal people who want basic rights. She practically responded: ‘Be happy with what you have’ –they think I should live a lesser life because I’m gay.” Soon after the confrontation, Marras suffered from attacks online by the public and now worries that Meloni’s government will attempt to justify homophobia, and even make attempts to morph the civil unions law. “They could amend the law to allow conscientious objectors, who for example could be mayors who are permitted to refuse a civil union for moral reasons,” Marras explains, “So, they maintain the law but block its implementation.” Italy regularly ranks as being among the worst countries in

western Europe for LGBTQ+ rights and Meloni prioritizes reiterating that they won’t improve under her government.

Giorgia Meloni’s political ideology revolves around identity politics and furthermore a laser focus on defending national borders, national interests, and her notion of a “traditional family”. Her two-faced tactics may have served her well up until this point in her career but soon she will have to take concrete stances on EU policies to counter current and future European economic policies, the Russian war in Ukraine, and the resilience of Italian democracy. It is believed Meloni will face the common decline in popularity that former opposition leaders have inevitably suffered from once in government. Despite her brutal and backwards agenda we must respect what it must have taken for her as a woman to compete for and then obtain such a position within an extreme rightist government especially given her lack of experience. On the other hand we must also be fearful that this woman is clearly a determined and stubborn individual and it would seem that the “great Giorgia” has already developed the cult of personality that so many authoritarian leaders before her possessed. Is it possible that Italy is regressing back to its fascist roots? If so, is this a matter of history repeating itself or is this what it takes for an economically and politically backward country to thrive in today’s world? Is her extremist nature a desperate attempt to earn respect in a maledominated parliament or is she genuinely the mini-Mussolini she has appeared to personify since the ripe age of 19? Who is Giorgia Meloni and what are her true intentions for Italy? Only time will tell.

PHOTO VIA UNSPLASH

Sitting down with a Psychic

Trinity News speaks with a professional medium

Lara Mellett Features Editor

Susan Hughes, a psychic and medium based in Dublin, recently sat down with Trinity News to divulge all about her life, abilities, and perspectives on spiritualism. She shares her experiences of working as a medium and explores what she finds to be the purpose of mediums in today’s world (and other worlds alike).

Firstly, Susan identified and classified her craft by establishing “I don’t call it a gift, it’s an ability.” Referring to her psychic intuitions as well as her mediumship, she continues by saying that, “everybody has a psychic ability[...]if we choose to listen to it”, and thus she does not consider it a personal gift or talent, but rather something she has chosen to explore within herself. She was led into developing the ability as a result of a difficult childhood, as well as pure curiosity. She notes that she often questioned her intuitions, asking herself “how did I know this stuff and they don’t? It seemed like common sense to me, but shocked others.”

Beginning in childhood, her intrigue grew as she began to research psychics and mediumship; “I was really interested in

humanistic things. The psychology of things, forensics, I wanted to know why, how, who, what..is this the same feeling I have? I was trying to find myself.” In an attempt to understand herself more, Susan found herself looking into these disciplines, ultimately finding an identity as both a psychic and medium.

Susan did not begin to fully expand and work on her abilities until she was in her thirties, doing courses including those covering tarot and angel cards. Susan states that she truly began tapping into her ability when she found a website associated with the Spiritualists’ National Union, a religious organisation based in the UK.

So, what is it that a medium does, and how does one classify themselves as a medium? Susan offers concise, if allusive, answers to these questions; “we read energy, that’s what it is.” Having left the Catholic religion around 2010, Susan now identifies as a spiritualist. Many of her beliefs are rooted in spiritualism, and through this doctrine she articulates her stance on spirits, energy, and communication with souls using quite concrete or realworld analogies. Referencing the law of conservation of energy to explain the human spirit, she notes that energy cannot be destroyed, “it just moves and changes shape[...]so when we leave our human bodies, the energy of us moves into a different dimension, a different vibration.” She explains that certain things can be retained in this energy, this soul, including memories, and that this spirit “survives forever and cannot be destroyed”, but “when we cross over, all human ailments drop away, all those hang-ups that we have drop away because we return to that pure spirit sense”. This can seem somewhat contradictory; a spirit can retain knowledge of its life, but sheds its inherently human concerns? Does this mean that the lasting memory is only positive, and thus the spirit does not have a comprehensive memory of its own existence? And if spirits can have multiple human existences, are these memories shed each time they re-exist as a physical human form?

She acknowledges the fears that people may have when first engaging with mediumship and contacting spirits, mentioning that she was at first confused and scared when she saw a spirit in her “mind’s eye”. She explains that “people speak of spirit attachments and evil spirits,” but admits that “spirits are not evil, they reside in a pure essence and dimension… the evil was done on this earth in their human self, and the memory of that is carried forward,” but not the action itself. This reinforces my confusion as to whether a spirit has total memory of its own human existence. However, one interpretation of this could

be that a soul is a neutral entity: they carry what they have learnt in life forward as an instinct, while remaining detached from their human form.

This energy that comprises a spirit is integral to what Susan attempts to do, which she explains as “bring that essence and memory of love” of a spirit back to those who are still living. As a medium, Susan describes how she tunes into this energy, and attunes to the vibrations of spirits. “On this earth, it’s like we’re heavy, or we’re running through water. [Spirits’] vibration is really really fast”. In order to tune into the vibrations of spirits, she notes that mediums “change our vibrations and [spirits] change theirs, and we blend…they put thoughts into our mind.” This alteration of vibration allows her to connect with the spirit, and from there they engage in “mind to mind communication”.

Reflecting on whether her ability and beliefs would be able to uncover or clarify the meaning of life, Susan notes that that is a dynamic and changing thing; “people ask me about the purpose of life, it changes, because every time we achieve something [or] move forward, our purpose has changed”. She explains that individual purpose can be something inherent, that “the child always knows who they are, they come to the world knowing”, and that if someone does not know their purpose, “nobody’s ever lost, they’re just disconnected from the truth”. This is another integral part of Susan’s work; an attempt to reconnect people with their own truth.

“We’re connected to everyone on this earth energetically, of course we don’t know everyone on this earth, but we’re still all part of that one unit of energy”, she tells Trinity News. This is a core part of her doctrine. In extension of her beliefs, Susan shares her thoughts on the idea of soul mates, confirming her belief in them. “We all have our tribe” she states simply. Soul mates may not match conventional perception of the soul mate as a romantic partner, however, as she continues “the person who may have done us the most wrong may be our soul mate”. She defines a soulmate as “someone who has taught us a deep lesson in life, helping us to find ourselves and bring us to fulfilment”. Ultimately, she notes that soulmates “help to keep us humble, on a line of goodness and kindness” that she believes is fundamental within every belief system and religion.

Susan goes on to explain that “there is residual energy left in everything” and this offers an explanation why negative experiences with spirits may occur, often at night or in more sinister locations. “If you go to a prison, for example, you’re going to sense distress, violence, unhappiness[...] It doesn’t have to be done at night

time in the dark, [mediumship] doesn’t have to be scary”. She continues: “there is scary stuff in life, but I don’t find spirit work scary at all, I feel very humble bringing that voice to someone who no longer has a human voice.”

This is a huge part of the integrity Susan feels as a medium; providing a true representation of the spirits she engages with. This is the reason she trained so thoroughly to hone her skill: “if I’m going to do this on behalf of people on the spirit side of life, who can’t be seen, I need to do it right for them.” She recalls a mentor’s advice: “when you return to the spirit side of life, every person you have said you are representing will be in a line to meet you; do you want them to say thank you, or that you didn’t do them justice?”. “Trying to represent the truth as it is” seems to be Susan’s main goal through her work.

When asked if she considers her work counselling, Susan says she doesn’t. What she tries to provide is “a message of hope and a validation of [a person’s] own positive thoughts”. She continues speaking about people’s expectations of her and her work, saying “people expecting me to change their life will be disappointed, because I give information, and you choose”. She describes herself as an enabler: “I enable the voice of the spirit, but also your own voice[...]to enable a better fulfilment in life”. She doesn’t consider herself a counsellor, and would be comfortable suggesting counselling to some people who come to see her and connect with spirits.

There are many difficulties that a medium can encounter in their line of work, and Susan discusses a few, including not being able to connect

with a person who has come for a session with her. “It doesn’t always [happen], 95 percent of the time yes, but sometimes the blend doesn’t happen[...]It has nothing to do with the person who comes to see me, or myself”. Sometimes it simply doesn’t occur, and she asserts that this is nothing to be concerned over, “it is simply that it’s not working at that moment”.

When asked whether the move to Zoom caused by the pandemic had any effect on her ability to read energy, Susan confirms that it doesn’t. Her subject could be “anywhere in the world”, and this has its roots in her training, when she would use the Internet to connect with mediums all over the world. “It’s not a problem,” she says, “once I have permission, it’s not a problem.” However, Susan has only given her own permission to certain intuitions, and mentions that she has asked not to have intuition on larger events, such as world disasters. She doesn’t like to speak about death to her clients, explaining that “even if I see [death], I don’t say it, because that’s not my job [...] my job is to bring the living alive”.

Perhaps the most obvious difficulty a medium can encounter is scepticism, but Susan welcomes this, in fact: “sceptics are great people to chat to, because they’re questioning, but a closed sceptic already has their mind made up, and it cannot be changed”. She is open to questioning, and happy to answer any curiosities, saying “ask me questions, don’t just assume…don’t ask me questions with the answer in your head.”

She recognises that it is hard to validate a medium, and this opens up the possibility of frauds: “are there people that abuse it? Yes [...] just because you name yourself to be a spiritual being, you may not be living it as that.” She calls them “charlatans”, and explains how they’re harmful for mediums, because they’re all grouped together, but “I get it”, she says. In fact, those who overestimate their psychic abilities seem to motivate Susan to provide a better service; “I realised that this [responsibility] that we hold as mediums and psychics, we can bring damage, so I needed to insure that I wasn’t bringing that, certainly not deliberately.”

Spiritualism and mediumship, like any belief system, faces a lot of questioning and scepticism. However, if, as Susan notes, it provides people with comfort and direction, and aligns itself with the fundamental values of goodness and kindness, then its purpose can be seen clearly. While many of its doctrines remain quite allusive from an external perspective, spirituality as a doctrine embraces its element of mystery. Anything that provides some comfort to those searching for answers to impossible questions,

it fulfils a certain purpose for those who choose to believe.

“ [The cannotsoul] be destroyed, “it just moves and shape[...]sochanges when we leave our human bodies, the energy of us moves into a different dimension.”

“

She trained thoroughly to hone her skill: “if I’m going to do this on behalf of people on the spirit side of life, who can’t be seen, I need to do it right for them.”

How Big Oil Influenced the Public Perception of Climate Change

BY DONYA BAGHAIE FOR TRINITY NEWS

Investigating the fossil fuel industry’s creation of barriers to information on the reality of the climate crisis, and how to identify their influence

Hannah Brady, Ewan McGrane, Lara Mellett and Joe Mulvany

For decades, the discourse surrounding climate change has been a heavily debated one: questions of “is it real?”, “is it urgent?”, or simply “is it worth the hassle?” arise. While it can and should be recognised as an extremely real, extremely pressing issue, there are still many voices on both mainstream and social media who question not only its urgency but its validity as a theory. Unfortunately, many of those who disregard or discount climate change hold major platforms and influence; who can forget Donald Trump’s ‘so much for global warming’ twitter ramblings. Climate change has been proven time and time again, both by scientists and physical evidence such as extreme weather conditions, rampant, worldwide forest fires including those in California and Australia, and the extinction of species. So how has it become a topic of contention? The answer is: for some industries, climate change is simply bad for business.

The greenhouse effect is one of the primary causes of global warming, and occurs when greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are released into the air, trapping heat in the atmosphere. In 2018, 89% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions came from fossil fuels and industry. Fossil fuels, consisting of coal, oil, and gas, are formed from the decomposition of organisms that died millions of years ago. When they are burned to create energy, they emit carbon dioxide. Fossil fuels are a nonrenewable energy source, and currently supply the majority of the world’s energy. In the Climate Change 2022 report produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), fossil fuels are named as the dominant

cause of global warming. Therefore, any strive towards slowing climate change and taking action against global warming would force fossil fuel companies to reduce their emissions, which they do not plan to do. In fact, before the pandemic Exxon Mobil planned to increase its emissions by 17% from 2017 to 2025, which it predicted would double its earnings.

While fossil fuel companies seem like the natural antagonists to combating climate change, this wasn’t always the case. Exxon, now ExxonMobil and the largest investor-owned oil company in the world, once saw climate change as an opportunity to diversify.

Between 1977 and 1986, Exxon had researchers investigating climate change and carbon dioxide’s role in it, and this research, with an annual budget of $300 million, was seen to be leading the way in the prevention of climate change.

However, in the late 1980s fuel prices started dropping due to reduced demand and increased production. In 1986, the price of oil halved, meaning companies like Exxon had to restrategise. With current profits being prioritised over the planet’s future, Exxon turned its resources towards the promotion of fossil fuels and the disavowal of climate change.

In order to ensure security from oil profits, Exxon needed to contradict the climate change research that it had spearheaded, most of which saw the burning of fossil fuels as the main culprit.

In order to divert the blame that they had inadvertently pinned on themselves, they set out to influence the public and policymakers, investing money into large-scale media campaigns designed to negate the veracity, relevance, and severity of climate change. The company funded lobbying groups such as the American Petroleum Institute.

A memo from this group leaked to the New York Times in 1998 exposed their intentions to combat

the progress against climate change by influencing public perception. It stated that their victory will occur when “a majority of the American public, including industry leadership, recognizes that significant uncertainties exist in climate science.”

A primary weapon used by fossil fuel companies such as ExxonMobil to achieve this goal was false equivalence: a practice that equates two things based on flawed reasoning. False equivalence was used in the media to give the impression that climate change discourse requires two balanced sides — one that recognises it as serious and anthropogenic, and another that questions it completely. The notion that climate change is a subject for debate was extremely damaging to the progress of climate science, but beneficial for fossil fuel companies, whose customers were now presented with the option that climate change was not totally true.

While it’s estimated that 97% of publishing climate scientists believe in anthropogenic climate change, oil companies and their PR firms have been positioning contrarian climate scientists to continue the debate since the 1990s. Notable contrarian scientists include astronomer Willie Soon, physicist William Happer, and climatologist and Director of the Center for Climatic Research at the University of Delaware David Legates. As well as this, plants such as the Heartland Institute (a conservative think tank largely funded by Big Oil) routinely call out media outlets for showing bias in their coverage of climate change issues, while many US cable news shows present climate scientists and climate deniers as equal oppositions in the supposed debate. From the late 1980s onwards, false equivalence was pervasive in climate change discourse, largely due to the influence of the fossil fuel industry.

Another weapon in Big Oil’s arsenal of media manipulation was the invention and distribution of the Op-Ad, an advertorial published in the op-ed section of newspapers, misleading the public into thinking they are reading a regular opinion piece. These Op-Ads weren’t always obvious denials of climate science, but often simply presented positive stories about companies such as ExxonMobil. Others argued for more relaxed policies on offshore drilling, or a common sense approach to climate change regulation, subtly appealing to and influencing the respective newspaper’s readership. A survey of ExxonMobil’s advertorials from 1977 to 2014 found that only 12% of the advertorials published acknowledge that climate change is real and human-caused, while 81% of those published express doubt.

Due to Big Oil’s efforts to make climate change debatable, it became seen somewhat as a belief rather than a known fact, and therefore could be aligned with certain religious and political belief systems. Big Oil used this to their advantage, using their media manipulation strategies to paint climate change as part of a leftwing agenda, causing right-leaning people to resist climate-conscious restrictions on fossil fuel usage.

The politicisation of climate change was further fuelled by Big Oil through their funding of political campaigns and their framing of climate change activism as economic scaremongering. Being framed as bad for the economy, and therefore bad for America, climate denial drew in a large number of republican supporters. In a study carried out by Pew Research Center in 2020, it found that 72% of Democratleaning Americans believe that climate change is anthropogenic, while only 22% of Republicanleaning Americans agree with the same statement. This indicates

that climate change is viewed to be more aligned with left-leaning Americans, which inherently relegates it to a political issue, and a factor in a larger belief system. This deems climate change as something that can be engaged with if it matches other facets of identity, and therefore something you can or cannot identify with. In this way, climate change can be seen as a threat to a person’s identity if they do not feel aligned with it, which works to discourage a common understanding of the threat it poses.

According to ClientEarth, ExxonMobil is estimated to have spent over $33 million on various methods of spreading doubt and misinformation about climate change since 1998. While they were once the leaders in climate change research, it is now reported that between 2010 and 2018, only 0.2% of ExxonMobil’s capital expenditure was spent on lowcarbon energy alternatives. Each year, it is estimated that the fossil fuel industry spends nearly $200 million annually lobbying against policy that would help in the fight against climate change.

The fossil fuel industry has created a barrier to public understanding on climate change that goes back decades. While its influence on media is insidious and pervasive, on an individual level there are certain steps that can be taken to overcome this forced perception of climate change. Firstly, watch out: maintain an awareness that much of the media we consume on a day-to-day basis may not be objective, and can have some bias or ulterior motive. Remain vigilant for inaccurate narratives when reading articles or social media posts surrounding climate change. Secondly, seek out: pursue reliable sources surrounding climate change, including scientific studies or peer-reviewed papers that present factual and accurate information on the current state of the climate. Lastly, speak out: identify false narratives when you hear them, and warn others against believing any pieces of media that seem sympathetic to industry or suspicious about the reality of climate change.

Of course, there is only so much that individuals can do when up against the trilliondollar fossil fuel industry and their manipulation tactics. While there is no clear solution to decades of purposeful damage, there is still time to reinstate a worldwide public belief that climate change is a truly pressing issue, and not a topic up for debate. Profits have been prioritised over the planet by those who have the power to prevent climate change, but public awareness of this influence may be key to combating it, opening up the possibility of a more sustainable future, if we are to have any future at all.

PHOTO

21

‘Tis the season to be stressed out Finn Brannigan page 25

IMAGE

Cramming

culture leaves already stressed students living off after-care, rather than self-care, during busy deadline

hen picturing deadline season, one often conjures up the image of stressed students bent over their books, desperately trying to retain information. Needless to say (or rather, write), this is the result of cramming culture-that is, working intensely to learn a lot of information, or complete tonnes of work, in a short amount of time.for many university students, especially since they have to adjust to a new workload every year. Attending university, for lots of people, comes with the cycle of attempting to be productive, falling behind, and pulling an allnighter the day an essay is due.

With assignments building up, many students often find themselves tempted to delay their work as much as possible. However, it is important to note that this is not necessarily always how it starts. Sometimes, they will find themselves at least working on minor assignments and attempting to stay on schedule. For one reason or another, some still end up prepping for exams, or working on their essays, at the very last minute. In fact, this has become a rite of passage of sorts

Although very prevalent nowadays, cramming culture has various negative impacts. When the case in question is just one assignment, staying up late to finish it — while admittedly exhausting — is not the end of the world, as students can catch up on their sleep later on. It turns out to be a problem, however, when there are consecutive deadlines, as cramming for them stops being plausible. While, on occasion, some can manage this dilemma as well, most of the time; inevitably, it ends in burnout, which is characterised by three aspects: fatigue, increased mental distance from your work, and feeling negative emotions when it comes to working. This is because cramming on a regular basis takes up too much energy.

Frantically completing your

assignments does not just lead to burnout. It also usually means that they are submitted at a lower standard than if you had worked on them earlier. Any knowledge you try to store in your brain will only be temporary at best, not to mention the massive stress you would be under. When pulling an all-nighter, you are tired, cranky, and often hungry. The next day, during the exam, is not much better. Needless to say, your performance level is probably not the best it has ever been, making the case against cramming fairly compelling.

Cramming culture leaves little time for students to take care of themselves and their health. During deadline season, they often find themselves content with the bare minimum, just as long as they get their assignments submitted on time. Add to that their other responsibilities, and the whole thing becomes too much. It’s not just university assignments people have to deal with. Whether it is family obligations, society duties or part-time jobs, university students

“ Whether it is family obligations, society duties or jobs,part-timeuniversity students undoubtedly have a lot on their Tryingplate... balancetoall of that is no easy feat.

undoubtedly have a lot on their plate. Deadline season has even proven to be lethal to students’ social lives. Trying to balance all of that is no easy feat. Too quickly, it can lead to burnout, the awful state of mind in which just thinking of work summons up far too much energy. Recovery takes a very long time... Later, by the time they have recuperated, they find themselves assigned even more work — once again juggling seemingly endless responsibilities. And so, the cycle continues.

Students are exhausted. Despite how common of an experience it is, it seems that cramming is very much an unreliable study method. Not only does it not help with retaining information, but also, it leads to a continuous cycle of cramming, burnout, and recovery. Take it from someone who is struggling with deadline season - and just barely managed to reach the minimum word count for this article - cramming, while a legitimate study method, can easily backfire, and is simply not sustainable. This is especially true since students require a tremendous amount of after-care post-cramming, often needing days to recover from each cramming session, which, unfortunately, might not be possible if they have other commitments outside of college.

seasons

VIA UNSPLASH

Two Taoisigh and three Prime Ministers walk into a bar...

Eve Conway Deputy Comment Editor

her resignation outside the door of 10 Downing Street (which will presumably be replaced by a revolving door soon, if recent patterns are anything to go by).

Step aside, Roz Purcell and Pippa O’Connor. Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar are currently Ireland’s trendiest influencers. Mere weeks before our rotating Taoiseach system is due to be implemented, as Varadkar assumes Martin’s role, the British government decided that they too wanted to experience the thrill of a new leader. Unfortunately for Old Blighty, they went slightly overboard, and ended up turning over three prime ministers in as many months.

It is remarkably easy to make jokes about this situation; as this situation is nothing short of absurd. Liz Truss, shortest-serving prime minister in British history, was outlasted on a Daily Star livestream by a head of lettuce.

Her quote at Prime MInister’s Questions (PMQs) that she was a “fighter and not a quitter” became instantly disprovable twenty-four hours later, when she tendered

See? Jokes about this situation fly from brain to fingertips to keyboard quicker than Britain goes through Tory prime ministers. There has been an undeniably giddy fascination amongst Irish people at the farcical goings-on across the sea, and this comes as no surprise. Of course people are going to laugh at other countries’ politicians; it makes us forget how unstable our own politics are. However, in all seriousness, as we inch ever closer to the day that Leo Varadkar returns to the role of Taoiseach, it is important that we are not blinded to our own government’s absurdity too.

Britain’s instability came about from mass resignations, investigations over misleading parliament, and a mini-budget that was always doomed to fail. The Irish government, on the other hand, signed off on their own political instability back in June of 2020 when Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil defied decades of conventions and agreed to go into government together. This marked the end of a division between the two parties dating back to the days of the Civil War. For over one hundred years, they were separated by a seemingly impassable chasm, and yet somehow… the chasm was passed, with startling ease. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil slotted into government together effortlessly. A year and a half into this government’s tenure, it has become apparent that any instability we have faced, be that the exacerbation of the housing crisis, numerous scandals concerning government figures breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules, or good old-fashioned cronyism, the issue is not that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil don’t work well together. The issue is that they work too well together.

In an interview with The Irish Times on October 28, former Fianna Fáil Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (who absolutely won’t be running for President in 2025, why do you ask?) gave his two cents on the coalition government. Ahern echoed what more and more people in this country are beginning to believe, that “you would be hard-pressed now if you were to take down

40 policy positions from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and find a difference”. He also said that you could not rule out a merger of the two parties in the coming years. The reality of modern-day politics in Ireland is that both of these centre-right parties have become so indistinguishable from one another that their failures have intensified and combined in the public mind. When the next election comes around, Fianna Fáil cannot run on the premise that Fine Gael have not solved the housing crisis, but don’t worry, they will. Voters have seen that both parties in government together have merely confirmed the status quo. Overcrowded hospitals, skyrocketing rents, and mass youth emigration are no longer the failures of one party, but both.

So far, this strange coalition (which also includes the Green Party, who are currently only polling at 3%) has been headed by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, with former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as Tánaiste. Typically, in a coalition government, the leader of the largest party becomes Taoiseach, while the leader of the smaller one is Tánaiste. However, there was a near three-way tie in the 2020 general election, with Fine Gaeil winning 35 seats, Fianna Fáil 38 (including Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl), and Sinn

Féin 37 seats. Both Martin and Varadkar ruled out any coalition with Mary Lou McDonald, and so in order to avoid a minority government, they had no choice but to join forces. However, with the two parties separated by only three seats, the rotating Taoiseach system was born. This idea is not a new one, though it has never been put into practice before. Now, after two-and-a-half years of Martin as Taoiseach, the reins will be handed over to Varadkar on December 15, in a smooth process with no complications.

Or rather, it would be — except that this is Irish politics. Complications are the norm. For anyone (including me) who had a right old laugh at the British political circus a few weeks ago, reality has unfortunately hit home.

In order to accommodate the smooth and peaceful transfer of power from Martin to Varadkar, there was a step-by-step plan laid out by the government. First, Martin will offer his resignation to President Higgins (and thus, the entire government technically resigns too). Next, the Dáil will hold a vote to re-elect Varadkar as Taoiseach (assuming nothing monumentally controversial happens in the next month, it is safe to assume that the entire government, Fianna Fáil TDs included, will vote Varadkar in). Finally, Varadkar will have to travel to Phoenix Park to receive his seal of office, officially making him the Taoiseach. In theory, this all seems very simple. However, the final European Council Summit of the year is also on December 15. Rules dictate that a country cannot be represented by a deputy leader, so the

government faced the dilemma of either removing Martin from office prematurely or delaying the assumption of Varadkar. It seems the government have decided on the latter, moving the big date to the 17th. Phew! All problems solved, right? No.

If you are the type of person who enjoys laughing at both British and Irish politics, this next complication is right up your street. Back in May of 2022, two British prime ministers ago, Northern Ireland held its election. Similar to the 2020 Irish general election, the two main parties, Sinn Féin (SF) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) were split by only two seats in SF’s favour. However, since the DUP refused to nominate a deputy first minister, and thus powersharing could not be achieved, the executive could not be formed.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris had insisted that if an executive was not formed by the 24-week mark after the May election, another election would be necessary in Northern Ireland. The provisional date set for this election was, you guessed it, December 15. While HeatonHarris has since come out and said that there will not be an election before Christmas, he may have no choice, as the rules state that after the initial 24-week period, the wait for an election can not be any longer than 12 weeks. The latest the election could be is therefore January 12, but this would mean campaigning over Christmas. Not exactly the most festive of activities, is it?

I doubt the possibility of a contentious election in Northern Ireland and date disputes over European Council meetings were on Varadkar and Martin’s wish list this Christmas, but it looks like that is what December will bring them. Of course, Ireland wouldn’t be facing these complications if we had a stable Taoiseach, instead of the wink-wink-nudge-nudge agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. Just after the election in 2020, a poll done by TheJournal.ie found that almost two-thirds of people did not want a rotating Taoiseach. Yet here we are.

Almost three years down the line, can we say the country has gotten better? Perhaps the cuts to public transport costs have been beneficial, but that was the Green Party’s initiative, not the two main coalition parties. The housing crisis has surely gotten worse. Adequate student accommodation is harder to come by than ever. Hospitals are overcrowded. Homelessness is on the rise.

But, hey, did you see that the lettuce won? That was bloody hilarious.

“

“ Ireland wouldn’t be facing these complications if we had a stable Taoiseach, instead of wink-wink-the nudge-nudge agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

The centreright parties have become [so that]similar their failures intensifiedhave and combined in the public mind.

“ Hospitals are still overcrowded. Homelessness is still on the rise. But, hey, did you see that the lettuce won?

government jobs

Rebecca Armstrong Contributing Writer

Last week Forbes released an article on the wealth of the new United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, proclaiming his and his wife’s joint net worth to be “higher than the personal fortune of King Charles III”. An eyebrow raising tagline, evoking an idea that feels both essentially unshocking and immensely distasteful: positions of political power are being gatekept by the vastly wealthy.

Looking at politics of the last few decades, it’s not hard to find examples of this phenomenon. The last American president was a billionaire famed for his many quotes, including his notorious “small loan of a million dollars”. Celebrities occasionally occupy their retirement by dabbling as mayors or governors of New York or California, or even as the US president — Cynthia Nixon, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Regan all come to mind.

If you made the millionaire club in the US into a political party, it would account for 3% of the US population. This percentage would have majority control in all three branches of the Federal Government, in the House of Representatives, in the Senate and in the Supreme Court.

Honestly, looking at the title prompting my input, I feel it needs to be edited. The rich aren’t getting the high-ranking government jobs — they’re maintaining a long-standing chokehold on them.

I’m not saying everyone in politics is one of the super-elite mega-wealthy. The new Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was raised in the working-class district of Garbatella. The UK had predominantly workingclass prime ministers from the mid-1960s up until the early 90s. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has a borderline fairy-tale story of waitressing to the US House of Representatives — a modern day Cinderella. Still, there is a notable gulf between the economic majority of a nation, and the demographic majority of its’ representation in government.

The fact that Ocasio-Cortez'

story is so rare that to liken it to a Grimms Brothers’ tale doesn’t seem too far off-base. If you took the total number of Congress members throughout history who worked in blue collar labour immediately prior to assuming their seat, you wouldn’t even have 2% of the seats. No workingclass individual has ever been appointed as a Governor, to the Supreme Court of Justice, or God forbid run for president of the US, all despite working-class US citizens making up more than 50% of the population. Of the 57 individuals who have been prime minister of the UK, over half of them went predominantly to Eton. If not Eton, then Harrow or Westminster School, and only 11 did not attend a fee-paying public second level school. Interestingly, despite not all having exceptional grades, of the 33 prime ministers who attended these public schools, almost all managed to be accepted into either Oxford or Cambridge.

When speaking about this article with a friend of mine, she instantly pointed to the supposedly obvious reason that only the disproportionately wealthy run for office:

campaigning is expensive. Michael Bloomberg spent more than $900 million on his failed presidential bid, the 2020

presidential election in the US reportedly cost $14.4 billion in political spending. Boris Johnson’s victory in 2019 cost the Conservatives £16 million. Cinderella candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may have run a grassroots campaign in order to secure her first seat, but this method did not pay off for the three women who were featured alongside her in the documentary on their campaigns, and less than two years later Ocasio-Cortez raised $30 million to campaign for her re-election. The message is clear: to campaign for a seat of political importance, you need money, and a lot of it, or at the very least the support of people with deep pockets. Money wins elections.

So, what’s the conclusion from all of this? What’s the take-away?

The take-away is this: the belief that we in a democracy are being represented by representatives of the majority is inherently untrue. Governmental bodies do not look like a sample of the population they’re supposed to represent. They look like a sample of the minority demographic of the very wealthy. Governments reflect the beliefs, values, and intentions of the people they represent, the people they themselves are: the rich. So of course the rich are getting richer; it’s human nature. It’s the acting of members of government to protect the people in the communities to which they belong. It’s just a shame that those communities aren’t the people they’re supposed to represent.

The rich aren’t only getting richer; they’re getting the high-ranking

“

If you took the total number of membersCongress throughout history who worked in blue collar labour immediately prior to assuming their seat, you wouldn’t even have 2% of the seats.

“

If you made the millionaire club in the US into a political party, it would account for 3% of the population.US This percentage would have majority control in all three branches of the Federal

Recent TUI survey highlights potential reasonings behind teacher shortage in Ireland - and not a single one is surprising

Abby Cleaver Comment Editor

Asurvey carried out by The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has returned disappointing yet unsurprising results on the recruitment difficulties faced by schools, and the reasons that these positions are not being filled. The survey found that 91% of surveyed schools reported having difficulties in recruitment, a worryingly high percentage that caught media attention immediately after publication. Regardless of the initial shock of the statistics, the frustration largely arose from the numbers not being so surprising at all.

Upon further investigation and discourse on the results, the issue turns from a mere disappointing survey and becomes a frustrating addition to a pile of problems that have already been flagged as a result of the crisis the country is facing currently- crises that have been raised again and again to the government with inadequate acknowledgment and action responses. The housing crisis is preventing teachers from securing affordable accommodation in some of the most populated parts of the country, and also from securing any accommodation in rural parts of the country where none seems to be available. Often, there seems to be the choice for young teachers of either a long commute, or of unaffordable

accommodation. More common still, there is no choice at all, as the accommodation is simply not available, and a long commute is the only option. The cost of living crisis is preventing teachers from being able to afford accommodation even when they can source it, and to struggle with living costs in general, as they cannot afford to live on the starting teacher wage, or to take part-time and short-term

positions (the only ones that seem to be being offered to new teachers at the moment).

As well as low pay to begin with, often there is little room for career progression for the average young teacher. After a period of time working in one school, it is absolutely understandable for a teacher to move by their own accord to another, where it might seem like the grass is greener, with a permanent contract or an increase in hours.

With all of these factors taken into consideration, and the additional and mandatory two year master degree necessary on top of a bachelor’s degree to qualify as a teacher, many graduates have opted to pursue a different career path. One of the most important jobs in the country - teaching the future generation of doctors, engineers, lawyers, and academics- is underpaid, unreliable, and unforgivingly scarce of promotion prospects.

Taking a look at job vacancies online, there seems to be no end of teacher positions available… if you’re qualified for a small set of subjects in the same few areas. As well as this, very few are permanent full-time positions. The majority are fixed-term, parttime, and majoritively maternity leave substitutes. Being a teacher has turned from being a stable and reliable government job to being a broken-term, unreliable, and unstable position, where depending on your subject you may struggle to keep a job,

and be forced to move around schools and also house - not an ideal situation to be in as rent prices rise and accommodation is difficult to find in the first place. There is both a huge teacher shortage, and a huge teacher turnover. Temporary jobs are not practical for young teachers working to get their foot in the door of a lifelong career. Moving house to pursue a string of temporary positions is not just a difficult task, but a near impossible task, especially when working with a relatively low salary. Teachers who are desperately on the job search are unable to accept positions as they simply cannot afford to move to or reliably commute to the area, and schools are understaffed as they cannot find teachers to fill positions they are advertising, with a reported 91% of surveyed schools reporting difficulties in recruitment, and 71% claiming that had advertised positions in the past six months to which not a single applicant responded.

This shortage naturally has a devastating domino effect for Irish post-primary students, as many in the affected schools are put at a distinct disadvantage. Teacher shortages result in subjects not possible to be put on offer, or to be offered at a limited capacity regardless of demand. Mandatory subjects that are understaffed see students suffering again as well as their teachers as classes are left with either no teacher until a position is filled or refilled, overworked teachers being

understandably less prepared for the excess work they have been forced to undertake, or out-of-field teachers picking up classes and attempting to teach subjects that they are not directly familiar with, or that they have not taught in years. In the case of a position seemingly being filled, only for the teacher to be unable to find accommodation or having accepted a better position elsewhere, principals across the country are facing immense stress, pressure and disappointment as positions they believed to be filled are now empty once more.

Maths was reported to be the most difficult subject to fill positions for, a subject that is mandatory on the curriculum and for which a high grade is needed as a requirement for many thirdlevel courses. Irish followed as the second most difficult subject to recruit for, hinting at a bleak future for our native language as students who may or may not have been a fan previously are now under pressure as they risk falling behind.

The first steps to solving this issue do not have to be ones of much cost. President of TUI, Liz Farrell, stated that the teacher shortage “is something that can be resolved without cost and must be done as a matter of urgency”. Multiple issues have been raised to the Department of Education that are much more approachable than an ask to solve the housing or cost of living crisis, and when highlighted are clear to be issues that were foreseeable and unavoidable in the first place. Practical measures to be taken include teachers being offered full-time positions, and longer term contracts. As well as this, it was brought up that teachers in training now must study for a further two years on a postgraduate qualification, costing up to €12,000, when previously the higher diploma took one year to complete. Changes like this would be major incentives for graduate students to pursue teaching as a career, would ease the cost of becoming a teacher and the affordability of being a new teacher, and would likely lead to more positions being filled, minimising the stress on Irish teachers and Irish principals in the recruitment process. Of the schools that were surveyed, 77% reported an incident where a teacher who had previously accepted a position rejected it later, after finding another available position that offered more contracted hours. The message is clear: new teachers should be offered full-time contracts. It’s time to take the teacher shortage seriously, before one of the most important roles in the country becomes a job that few can afford to pursue.

“ One of the most important jobs in country...theis underpaid, unreliable, and unforgivingly scarce of promotion prospects.

“ Practical measures to be taken include teachers being full-timeoffered positions, and longer contracts...term Changes like this would be major incentives

Expanded pub and club opening hours are a win for nightlife, but only if measures are put in place

Nina Crofts Staff writer

News of the change to pub and nightclub opening hours has quickly gained much attention and discussion from the public, both positive and negative, and it is easy to see why.

On the one hand, it is a massive change and will have a real impact on Dublin’s nightlife culture, which shouldn't be taken lightly. Moreover, while it’s a needed change to modernise Ireland and catch up with the rest of Europe’s entertainment scene, many adjustments will be needed to make this a success.

Ireland has a caricature reputation for a strong drinking and party culture, one stereotype

that encourages a considerable amount of tourism. Due to this fact, the original standard of 11.30pm pub closures on weekdays is quite bizarre, particularly compared to other European countries. The original closing times are also extremely antiquated, relying on decades-old statutes that necessitate an update to reflect modern standards.

Many European countries do not have mandated closing times for clubs; if they do, it’s rarely before 3am. By expanding the closing time of pubs to 12.30am, late bars to 2.30am, and clubs to 6am, Dublin’s nightlife scene will be able to flourish for both residents and tourists. It won’t stop us from going on holiday for better weather, sure, but Ireland’s nightlife may be able to more

fairly compete with the renowned party cities of Europe, like Barcelona and Berlin.

Where I was a bit more conflicted was the opening of clubs until 6am. To be fair, there are reasonable worries that accompany this, like the need for increased Gardaí patrol at this time of the day. 6am closures may mean drunk or unruly people still on the streets or trekking home all the way up to 7.30am, a time when many are just beginning the work or school day. This is an issue faced by many cities, though, who can adequately cope with it through reasonable resources in place.

One very important change that will be needed when pub, bar, and club opening hours are expanded is the updating of public

transportation hours. It’s already a challenge for many that LUAS and most bus services stop around

the same time as pub closures and hours before club closures, one that will be exacerbated by the expansion of nightlife hours.

Then again, it’s unlikely all, or even most clubs will opt to stay open until 6am for the sake of it. Many will adapt to demand and respond to the preferences of their patrons, utilising the ability to close later at certain high-demand days or times.

Especially during summer and the holidays, this will be welcomed by many (particularly the student population, who lament 2.30am club closures). In contrast, many may stick to the tried and true 3-4am shut times during the year.

A lot can be said about the allure of having a “city that doesn’t sleep” in terms of both tourism and the appeal of nightlife to the city’s own residents. In a way, I’d feel safer coming home later if I’m not part of a very small minority. If the streets have more of a latenight presence and atmosphere, it will encourage a buzz that will bring Dublin an even better spirit and a well-needed boost to put life back into our Irish nightlife scene.

‘Tis the season to be stressed out: the cost of living during Christmas Finn Brannigan

Contributing writer

Christmas! Already? No wait, it’s just the shops getting ready for Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping? Panic, panic!

These were the thoughts banging around my tender skull as I nursed the Halloween hangover. Bruised and battered from all sides by essay deadlines and poor life choices, the last thing I wanted to think about was Christmas shopping. Yet as we approach the end of the year and Mariah Carey begins her annual climb through the charts, the deadline of Christmas shopping is taking its place among all the others due in mid-to-late December. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis it seems likely that, for many people,

Christmas presents will feel like an unwelcome imposition on top of all the other stresses of the winter.

This may be felt especially by students, whether they live at home or away from their families, since college often does not leave people with enough time to earn a large amount of money. The vast majority of people who work during the semester do so parttime. On the one hand, those who live away from home are already dealing with rising prices of rent, utility bills and groceries. On the other, people living at home may feel guilty if they can’t save up to get something nice for the family they live with and may already be contributing to the family bills. Meanwhile, online articles and advertisements are thrown at us,

asking why we haven’t bought Goop’s Asstray (yes, this is a real thing going for $80 — it’s an ashtray moulded by somebody’s posterior). The introduction of competitive pricing on Ticketmaster doesn’t help the situation either. It almost feels like companies are doubling down on price-gouging amid the ongoing crisis. This entire business is likely to exacerbate resentment towards the intense commercialisation of Christmas, which is not helped by how in-your-face the new Christmas shop facades are in the centre of Dublin. Already. In November. At the time of writing this, the first week of November, there is a Christmas tree in the Dame Street Starbucks.

Perhaps I’m getting too worked up about the commercial aspect of Christmastime. The difficulty with Christmas gifts is that we have to account for multiple people, unlike birthdays, which are conveniently spread out throughout the year. Our attention is divided, our money spread more thinly. But while the stress of giving somebody a decent present can make us feel like we have to go big, it really is the

thought that counts (Boo, Cliché! Stone him!). Giving somebody a good gift at any time of the year is about balancing consideration with price, but in a year like this, I think everybody is going to be leaning on consideration a lot more. Secret Santa is going to be my modus operandi this year, since it requires a budget to be set anyway.

I don’t want to slag Christmas off too much. I’m no Grinch. This is essentially the first year back to a Christmas holiday without the spectre of COVID hanging over everyone’s heads. Depending on your situation, it’s exciting (or mortifying) to realise that this year we can celebrate with our wider families or groups of friends. I’d say that even if we all got lumps of coal from each other this year, we’d laugh it off. What the deprivation of COVID has shown us is that the most important part of Christmas and holidays generally is not the consumption, it’s the socialising. Maybe the real Christmas present is the friends we made along the way.

“

6am closures may drunkmean or unruly people still on the streets or trekking home all the way up to 7.30am

“

Presents will feel like an unwelcome imposition on top of all the other stresses of the winter.

Editorial: 2023 must be a year of action for student unions, not missed opportunities

The new year is an annual opportunity to start new habits. It is an opportunity to identify the gaps in our lives and remove the parts of our lives taking up too much space. As we reach the end of 2022, student unions and representatives have more reason to reflect than any other previous year. The issues students have faced this year are only becoming more pressing and unions have more reason to take a long look at their chosen courses of action.

One of the biggest movements student advocates saw in 2022 was the national student walkout, admirably organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). On October 13, tens of thousands of students across Ireland gathered at their respective colleges at 11.11am to protest the cost of living. At Trinity’s own front square, USI’s president Beth O’Reilly told the thousands of students in attendance that they had proved that students “are still a threat to the government”. O’Reilly declared that we students “have the power to change the systems that oppress us, and we can do that starting today”.

However, USI did not start changing the system that day, and have not meaningfully made any change since the protest. The sentiments expressed at the walkout did not bring anything new to the table as we all reflected on what we already know- being a student is hard, the cost of living is rising and the government needs to act. We know that the cost of student accommodation is extortionate, and that any available private rooms from a landlord willing to rent to students are shoddy and overpriced. We know that funding in higher education is extraordinarily insufficient. We know that a €1,000 fee reduction in Budget 2023 is not enough to help us cope with the cost of living. When the USI succeeded in gathering thousands of students across the country, angry and hungry for change, we did not need to be reminded of that yet again. We needed to be told what to do next. We needed to be shown innovative ways we can address these problems. Instead, we saw the same old soapbox pulled out, and the same old complaints aired. This rhetoric is tiring, but more importantly, it's insufficient.

Of course, gathering thousands of students to protest is no small feat, and the coordination of the USI and participating student unions should not be downplayed. The walkout could easily have been a jumping off point for a larger campaign putting real pressure on the government with real, effective strategies. Instead,

BY FERN KELLY-LANDRY

what followed the national walkout was an email campaign organised by the USI, asking students to “remind TDs why we walked out of lectures”. This campaign is a mockery to the national walkout and a disservice to both the USI and student unions across the country. Any TD that doesn’t already have emails like this filtered out as spam will only read a laundry list of the problems they already know exist and cause their student constituents to suffer on a daily basis. Is this the inspiring action students can expect in 2023?

Even if email campaigns were a truly effective strategy, emails are something anyone can send. All constituents can send their TDs emails detailing their desire for change, and they do so on a regular basis. If student unions want those in power to truly take heed of students’ problems and do something about it, then they must create strategies that make students stand out, that cause a real disruption and leave the powers that be with no choice but to act.

Real change is caused by real action. While the national walkout was a fine demonstration of solidarity, it certainly did not leave politicians scared of students as some suggested. If student representatives want to force the likes of Simon Harris or Micheál Martin to act tangible, decisive action must take place in the new year. Otherwise, the drive behind the national walkout will likely fade away as quickly as the USI’s

Fuck the Fees campaign did last year.

If student unions want to plan their future, they could look to the past. Few students today were in College to be a part of the 2018 Take Back Trinity campaign, but it is something that all student representatives should recall and draw inspiration from. In the face of a €450 fee for students repeating exams implemented by College administrative, students quickly and effectively organised, staging disruptive demonstrations on campus and facilitating workshops to get more students involved in the campaign. Over a days-long protest, students occupied the Dining Hall, the Front Arch, the entrance on Nassau Street, the Old Library and Book of Kells, and the Exam Hall. This campaign eventually led to College scrapping the €450 repeat fee, and Take Back Trinity has been described as “the most radical show of student power that Trinity has seen in decades”.

While organising one campus is easier than organising nationally, and Take Back Trinity certainly didn’t resolve all of College’s problems, student unions could still learn valuable lessons from Take Back Trinity. Clean, disruptive strategies go further in gaining national recognition and enacting impactful changes for students than any emails can.

It might not always be as simple as organising; attracting student engagement for large campaigns can often be like catching smoke. The USI were

in favour of an email campaign over a national protest as they did not believe there was an appetite to organise among students. However, as seen in the walkout, students are hungrier for direct action than any other time in recent memory.

In 2023, unions need to give students something to care about. They need to defend their existence beyond a mouthpiece for anger. Unions must remind students that they exist to serve students, and then start practically serving them. Every campaign does not need to become a national, sensational movementsome of the best organised actions keeps it simple. University College Dublin Students’ Union (UCDSU) took to the streets this summer convincing passers-by to lease a room to a student during their Digs Drive, and actually saw 200 new rooms registered on their accommodation portal. That’s 200 students housed because of a student union, 200 students who have seen the power of a union and will back that union in the future.

If more unions undertook these smaller grassroots efforts more frequently, not only would they be directly serving the students they are mandated to represent, but they would be building up support for the union for when it is needed most. A union-led campus food-drive, for example, might not make national headlines or see thousands of students gather for a chant, but it would see students looked

after and a student union having an impact. Before judging the engagement of students, unions must look within and judge whether they’ve given students a reason to be engaged. Without giving a reason for their existence and their cause, what support can student unions expect?

In 2023, unions must seize the moment presented to them. Students in Maynooth are angry that money from their student levy will not be used in the way they were promised. Students in Trinity are angry that tourism and commercialism continues to trump learning and student experiences. Students everywhere are angry that they are facing an overpriced, undervalued student life and they are itching for something to be done about it. If unions can prove that they are part of the solution to students’ problems and create effective solutions, they have the opportunity to become something politicians might actually be afraid of. However, if the USI and student unions continue to play the same broken record of speeches and templated emails, they’re going to lose that moment as the situation worsens and students move from anger and frustration to pitiful resignation.

Student politics is at a turning point. 2022 saw the difficulties facing students across Ireland reach boiling point. 2023 must see student unions resolving to strike while the iron is hot, or we will only see our student representatives crash and burn.

PHOTO

Scitech

Where’s the Irish Astronaut?

Fintan Lalor Contributing Writer

In 2013, Canadian Astronaut, Colonel Chris Hadfield assumed command of the International Space Station (ISS). Chris comes from Sarnia, a town near Toronto, Ontario. When I was 8 years old, I remember watching his Soyuz launch from Kazakhstan all the way up to our little laboratory in the sky.

I was living in Burlington at the time, not too far from Sarnia, where my teachers in school explained the importance of the ISS and how one day we would spread our reach into the cosmos. In school and at home, we followed Chris’ command of the ISS as he recorded his album “Sessions from a tin can” in addition to showing us what life in low Earth orbit was like.

I was lucky to have a role model such as Chris Hadfield, who along with my support system, set me on the right track to where I am today and where I’ll hopefully be in the future.

As Ireland recovered from the recession and we returned home - despite being born in Dublinseemed totally foreign. Science was simply not a priority here, and we were rarely taught about it in primary school. I distinctly remember being told that, “There are more important things than science, Fintan” by the principal. This left my 9 year-old self completely gobsmacked and still continues to annoy me today.

Things have gotten better, with particular thanks to Science Foundation Ireland and Dr. Niamh Shaw, Ireland’s Space Ambassador. These positive influences helped my younger sister share in my love for science and space. I wish for her to have a Irish version of Chris Hadfield up in the skies above to look up to, both figuratively and literally. So, this begs the question; where’s the Irish astronaut?

Of course, I must say there have been astronauts of Irish descent. This includes Neill Armstrong, the first man on the moon who hailed from County Fermanagh and his Apollo XI crew mate, Michael Collins (no not that one), claiming Irish descent along with a long list of others. However, we have seen no astronaut from this island launch Ad Astra. Ireland joined the European Space Agency in 1975, having contributed research since day one. Nonetheless, both space and science have not been a government priority, with some of our greatest minds boarding planes to travel elsewhere in Europe and America to do their research. Even today, policy around science is all bark and no bite. We are not a member of CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, and only now are launching our first satellite, nearly 70 years after the space race.

What a great shame it is to have a nation which has such great scientific advances in days past, relegated to the back as Denmark, France, Germany, and Britain contribute astronauts. Perhaps an Irish astronaut did not comply with Mary Robinson’s “Come Dance with me in Ireland”.

All is not lost thanks to Dr.

Cillian

Patten, Dr. Shaw,

One cannot overestimate the power of having an Irish astronaut, much like how Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins inspired a generation of scientists and engineers, and Hadfield personally inspired me. There sits a future Nobel Prize winner sitting in some classroom in Roscommon, but they need that push. They need to see an Irish scientist succeed to prove to themselves that perhaps it’s possible. As the 2020 movement stated, “If you can see it, you can be it”.

This current generation of Irish engineers and scientists who wish to go to space face uncertainty. If we go to space, which flag will sit on our arms - without governmental support - the first Irish astronaut may well wear a maple leaf, the Stars and Stripes, or worse a Union Jack!

I was lucky in 2013 to receive my mission in life, to be inspired by Chris singing Space Oddity in his own tin can. I hope one day that I can float “beyond the terra”, and that a whole generation of Irish scientists will join me in the stars. I challenge the government to work with Ireland’s young people to ensure some other student won’t be writing another article asking the same question.

Fintan Lalor discusses the need for more Irish representation in outer space.

I rememberdistinctly being told that “There are more important things than science, Fintan”

Norah

and

Murphy. These individuals bring hope for Irish boots on a space walk, EIR-SAT to launch in January and hopefully then, Ireland will join the leagues of space-faring nations.

Ireland joined the European Space Agency in 1975, contributedhaving research since day one.

PHOTO VIA PEXELS

Human Hibernation

of other animals that hibernate. These suggest that our predeces sors coped with life’s ferocious winters by slowing down their me tabolism and sleeping for months on end.

The conclusions are based on excavations in a cave called Sima de los Huesos – the pit of bones – at Atapuerca, near Burgos in northern Spain.

fat”. If they did hibernate, this would explain the apparent dis ruptions in bone development.

The researchers admit the no tion “may sound like science fic tion” but point out that many mammals including primates such as bushbabies and lemurs do this.

“This suggests that the genetic basis and physiology for such a hy pometabolism could be preserved in many mammalian species in cluding humans,” state Arsuaga and Bartsiokas.

Yanni Tsalkitzis Contributing Writer

Hibernation isn’t exactly something that comes to mind when discuss ing humans. When you hear the word “hibernation”, you imagine wild bears traversing the barren tundra, or a drove of hares huddling together in the cosy con fines of their burrow. According to the fossil experts, it turns out that early human beings may have hi bernated as well!

Evidence from bones found at one of the world’s most important fossil sites suggests that our hom inid predecessors may have dealt with the extreme cold, hundreds of thousands of years ago, by sleeping through the winter.

Scientists argue that lesions and other signs of damage in fos silised bones of early humans are the same as those left in the bones

“ “

Over the past three decades, the fossilised remains of several dozen humans have been excavated from sediments found at the bottom of the 50-foot shaft that forms the central part of the Atapuerca pit. Researchers claim that the cave is a mass grave, having found thou sands of teeth and pieces of bone that appear to have been deliber ately dumped there. These fossils date back more than 400,000 years and were most likely from early Nean derthals or their predecessors.

In a paper published in the journal L’Anthropologie, Juan-Luis Arsuaga – who led the team that first excavated at the site – and Antonis Bartsiokas, of Democri tus University of Thrace in Greece, argue that the fossils found there show seasonal variations that sug gest that bone growth was disrupt ed for several months of each year. They suggest these early humans found themselves “in metabolic states that helped them to survive for long periods of time in frigid conditions with limited supplies of food and enough stores of body

Comet 153P

Sébastien Laymond Contributing Writer

Jennifer Willis, writing for the American periodical Sky & Telescope earlier this semester, described the ether as a territory of ‘exponential awe’. No one, I believe, would dare contest such an apt and thrilling description of what perennially lies above us. And, though lights and clouds may – on occasion – thaw one’s appreciation for its magnificence, such disappointment is only ever momentous. Given the sheer nature and magnitude of its contents – both known and unknown – it is effectively unsurprising why such a grudge could only ever be ephemeral; the potential for discovery neverending. As such, this congenital intrigue that we all seem to

collectively possess is always yearning for the making of such discoveries. Accordingly, and in parallel with general technological advancement, this natural yearning for the unknown is being satiated in ever-more extensive and daring ways. Amongst the multitude of techniques now being utilised to progressively reap the fortunes of this veiled astronomical bounty, the most common of them remains simple telescopic affirmations.

Albeit a relatively simple means of observation, it has – to the greatest imaginable extent – yielded the most diverse and impressive corpus of discoveries; attributable to both groups and independents alike.

Earlier last decade, the latter cohort made an incredibly intriguing, though surprisingly seldom discussed, discovery.

On the evening of February 1st, 2002, two independent astronomers (Ikeya and Zhang) surreptitiously observed one same comet: 153/Ikeya-Zhang. Their findings were shortly thereafter equally observed and confirmed by the former cohort – who, having sifted through historical observations of the comet contained within the

Ephemerides, were able to confirm the comet’s identity. Admittedly, I have brutally simplified the observational process. It contains more than a mere interlinking of physical observations pertaining to the comet itself (to wit, its apparent magnitude). Indeed, numerous mathematical formulae are used so as to relate the comet’s perihelion times and diverse stellar locations. In sum, the task is indubitably esoteric; though immensely rewarding once finalised.

153/Ikeya-Zhang (hereafter ‘Comet 153P’) is a periodic comet – that is, one whose orbital has been reliably established by virtue of its having returned to perihelion more than once. Comets found to belong to this astronomical category usually comport an orbital period less than that of 30 years. Ergo, as the value of the orbital period increases, so does the rarity value of the comet. Comet 153P, in accordance with its one-of-a-kind nature, has effectively trampled underfoot this measly time-scale, counting an orbital period of 366 years: the longest ever discovered. However, it isn’t ground-breaking simply in that respect.

The word comet is derived from the Greek ‘κομήτης’, which relevantly translates to ‘wearing long hair’. This is obviously a reference to a comet’s central feature: its tail.

It was recently reported (cf.,

New Scientist, 5 June, 2020) that Comet 153P’s blueish/greenish tail spans over 1,000,000,000 km in length – effectively making it the longest comet tail observed to date, by a 100% margin. The discovery was made by a team of British and American astronomers, who manipulated odd protonic data retrieved aboard the Cassini spacecraft, to then find that the data assessed pertained to Comet 153P’s tail. In particular, the data retrieved allowed the researchers to characterise the Comet’s tail as ionic. An ion tail is formed when neutral gas in the comet’s core becomes ionized by solar radiation. As a consequence of such, protons are stripped from hydrogen gas, to then fortunately be carried on-over to the spacecraft where they can be duly analysed. Upon analysis, it

The pattern of lesions found in the human bones at the Sima cave are consistent with lesions found in bones of hibernating mammals, including cave bears. “A strategy of hibernation would have been the only solution for them to survive having to spend months in a cave due to the frigid conditions,” the authors state.

They also point to the fact that the remains of a hibernating cave bear (Ursus deningeri) have also been found in the Sima pit making it all the more credible to suggest humans were doing the same “to survive the frigid conditions and food scarcity as did the cave bears”.

“It is a very interesting argu ment and it will certainly stimulate debate,” said forensic anthropolo gist Patrick Randolph-Quinney of Northumbria University in New castle. “However, there are other explanations for the variations seen in the bones found in Sima and these have to be addressed fully before we can come to any realistic conclusions. That has not been done yet, I believe.”

This idea may seem outlandish; however, it seems to be gaining some traction within the scientif ic community. We may yet hear more of this emergent hypothesis as time goes on!

was submitted that the spacecraft had in fact travelled through the comet’s lone protons for a distance of 6.5 au. Conclusively, once the comet’s orbital change was accounted for, the total tail length was said to amount to the forementioned: 1,000,000,000 km.

Finally, it is equally astonishing – though not record-breaking –in its apparent magnitude, i.e., 3 mV. This comfortably places the comet amongst the brightest ever observed.

Though undoubtedly a fanciful sight, it remains one for the lucky few. For the comet, having passed by earth 20 years ago, is estimated to make its next appearance in 2362.

Then again – who can tell with absolute certainty if we won’t be here till then to witness it?

Could our ancestors have slept through winters?

The unprecedented metrics and physics behind Comet 153P

When you hear the word “hibernation”, you wildimagine bears traversing the barren tundra.

The reserarchers admit the notion “may sound like science fiction” but point out many mammals including primates such as busbabies and lemurs do this.

Trinity News dives into DUSC’s 125th anniversary celebrations

Ella Sloane page 31

Trinity Tennis bring home Bronze at Roland Garros

DULTC compete at HEC Virtus Tennis Tournament in Paris

Séaghan Ó Domhnalláin Sport Editor

Last October, Dublin

University Lawn Tennis Club (DULTC) was invited to take part in HEC Virtus Tennis Tournament in Stade RolandGarros, the world-famous host of the French Open. Trinity College, along with seven other colleges from across Europe, got the chance to compete at the highest level on one of the most renowned courts in the world.

Trinity were joined by teams from the University of Cambridge, Milan’s Bocconi University, the Swiss University of St. Gallen, University of Oxford, l’École

Polytechnique, Esade Barcelona, and tournament hosts HEC Paris.

Trinity came an impressive third, finishing behind the two English behemoths Cambridge and Oxford.

“Going over I didn’t have the highest of hopes,” said Colm Kelly, who was one of the eight Trinity students that made up the tournament team. “Look[ing] at all those [other] colleges, they’re all the best in Europe, I thought they were all going to be unbeatable.”

“If we came sixth I would have been happy,” he expanded.

Trinity started out in Group B along with Oxford, HEC and Esade. The rules used were slightly modified from the norm to make the games more fast-paced and less formal. Each round involved a men’s singles, a women’s singles and a mixed doubles match.

“We were drawn against Oxford in the semis,” said Ellie O’ Kane, another one of the eight Trinity students who played in Paris. “But we lost on the deciding match.”

Kelly added that they were hoping to break Cambridge and Oxford’s hold on the final, as they have competed in the last few

finals in a row. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.

After drawing one apiece after the singles matches, Oxford got the better of Trinity.

“We started off a bit poorly, we lost the first two quarters comfortably,” said Kelly. “But we won the third and fourth quarter and we were playing really, really well”.

“But there’s always a bit of luck involved in a tiebreaker,” he added.

Trinity went on to face Esade Barcelona in the third place playoff, which Trinity won.

“We were friends with them by the end,” O’Kane said. “It was great fun.”

Along with bringing home the Bronze medal, DULTC have performed well in the domestic leagues. Both men’s and women’s teams were fielded at Class 1 and Class 2, with both Class 1 teams coming third in their respective groups, despite not fielding fullstrength teams.

The experience of playing against Europe’s best colleges will give them a boost going into the Winter League this January.

“

Look[ing] at all those [other] colleges, they’re all the best in Europe, I thought they were all going to be unbeatable ... If we came sixth I would have been happy

“

We started off a bit poorly, we lost the first two quarters comfortably... But we won the third and fourth quarter and we were playing really, really well

PHOTO FROM DULTC

A league of its own

Trinity News discusses rugby league and the ongoing world cup

Séaghan Ó Domhnalláin Sport Editor

biggest differences are league’s 13 players per team and “playthe-ball” instead of rucks after a tackle, which involves the tackled player standing up after they are tackled and rolling the ball backwards using his foot. There are also no lineouts, uncontested scrums and each try is worth four points. These differences make for a quicker-paced game, with more running than union.

cup, rugby league’s version of the FA Cup.

This year, Ireland got off to a good start with a win against Jamaica. A shaky opening by Ireland soon gave way to a more solid defence. This defence, along with 10 tries by eight different try scorers, gave Ireland a comfortable 48-2 win against the Caribbean side.

College Camogie round-up

While nearly everyone in Ireland has heard of, and probably watched, rugby union before, I’m willing to bet that very few have watched a game of rugby league before. Rugby league is a variety of rugby that diverged from the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) in the 1890s, over an argument whether players should be paid or not. In 1895, 21 RFU clubs met in the Yorkshire town of Huddersfield and formed the Northern Rugby Football Union, which was later renamed the Rugby Football League. Since then, rugby league has remained the preferred brand of rugby in the North of England, as well as in Australia and parts of France.

Since the 1895 split, there has been a gradual number of changes to the law, which have made league a similar but distinct sport. The

The Rugby League World Cup was inaugurated in 1954 in France, with Britain beating France in the Final. Since then, Australia have been the heavyweights of the tournament, winning it 11 times. Britain’s win in 1972 remains the last time a northern Hemisphere team won, with Australia winning every title since, except 2011 when New Zealand won. In 1995, Britain was replaced by England, Wales and Scotland each fielding their own teams. In reality, British teams were always dominated by English players as league is a minority sport in Wales and Scotland.

Rugby league in Ireland Ireland have fielded teams at every world cup since 2000, mainly thanks to Englishborn players making use of the grandparent rule, however that is not to say that there are no Irish rugby league clubs. Currently six clubs run a four-team premiership and a three-team championship each year. The winner of the premiership also gets a place in the early rounds of the Challenge

However, Ireland’s fortune dipped with a 32-14 loss to a strong Lebanese side. This loss put an end to Ireland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages as a win against New Zealand would have been required, which was highly unlikely.

Ultimately, Ireland lost to New Zealand with a full-time score of 48-10. Melbourne scrum-half Jahrome Hughes gave a brilliant display in how to cut a team’s defence in half, while Ireland missing three front rows to injury and suspension did not help the cause. At least the strong Irish support in the 14,000 people crowd had something to cheer about with two tries from Innes Senior.

Inclusivity

This world cup has also been hailed as the most inclusive tournament to date, as the women’s and wheelchair world cups are being held concurrently in England. Eight teams, including Ireland, are contesting the wheelchair world cup, along with eight women’s teams competing in the women’s tournament.

Jane Prendergast Deputy Sport Editor

Training recommenced a few weeks into term, and Club Captain Claire McNamara stressed how impressed she was with the number of fresher sign-ups who made the commitment to the biweekly journeys to Santry Sports Grounds, joining the established members of the squad. Under new leadership in the shape of new manager John Curran, Trinity headed to their first match, away to SETU Carlow, on October 18.

Unfortunately, the team faced a disappointing loss to a very strong Carlow team, managed by Kilkenny stalwarts Ann and Angela Downey. However, some impressive individual performances gave reason to believe that the team could refocus and move forward positively, most notably from fresher Yvonne Stack at corner-back and Chloe Farragher in the forwards, who netted a tidy 2-01.

Trinity faced TUS Athlone next, and with home advantage the match was played in Santry. A quality battle between two wellmatched teams followed, and the game finished in a draw at 1-08 to 0-11. With premier performances from Aisling Prendergast, Molly Walsh and Player of the Match Aoife Mahon in particular, the team were able to step on with confidence before the final match of the group stages against DCU 2’s.

Between the results of the various matches and the score differences the four teams in the group were on, the last game was a must-win for Trinity; a loss would have sent the team into a relegation final, whereas a win (depending on score difference) could have sent them into a League semi-final. Correspondingly, a

Trinity News dives into

Ella Sloane Life Editor

This year marks the 125th anniversary of DU Swimming and Water Polo Club (DUSC).

Founded in 1897, it is one of the largest and oldest sports clubs in Trinity and one which is “very fortunate to have an amazing alumni presence who are still actively involved” according to their Men’s Captain, Niall Costello.

To celebrate this historic occasion, DUSC held a day-long event on

Saturday, November 11, consisting of a swimming gala and water polo

DU Camogie have had a respectable start to their 2022/23 campaign, with their League games yielding some impressive performances

DU Swimming and Water Polo Club marked the historic occasion with a day-long event, inviting both alumni and current students to compete

round-up

strong week’s training was put in by the squad before they headed

to Drumcondra on November 1, knowing it was all to play for.

The team’s game of the year was duly performed, and with a scoreline of 5-10 to 1-02 it was a comprehensive and commanding victory for Trinity. With outstanding performances across

the squad, from veteran Aoife Higgins to new starter Meadhbh Ní Cheallacháin, it unfortunately wasn’t enough to secure a semifinal spot as TUS Athlone finished higher on score difference. Regardless, it was a campaign built on an upwards trajectory

for Trinity, and with a favourable draw for the group stages of Championship coming up, hopes are high for a successful season. Depending upon their position in the group at the end of January, teams will then face either a relegation final, Shield final or will

make it to Ashbourne Weekend on February 10-12, where the semifinals and finals for Division 1-5 of third-level Colleges camogie are played out over three days.

Trinity’s next match will be held away on November 29 to UCC 2’s.

into DUSC’s 125th anniversary celebrations

1981. His touching speech was met with a large round of applause from fellow alumni and students who were evidently eager to see what the day had in store. Mac Evoy then went on to compete in the first race, the Men’s 50m freestyle, alongside 11 others; Senior Fresher Aran Keating came out on top. Next up, the Women’s freestyle saw the club’s Women’s Captain, Isabel Kilty, give a strong performance and scoop up first place. Speaking to Trinity News after her win, Kilty echoed Costello’s sentiment saying, “It’s brilliant to have current students and alumni swimming and playing polo together and getting to know each other over a sport we love.”

first place in the outstanding Women’s races were: Aoife Davitt on backstroke, and Laoise Murphy on both breaststroke and butterfly. A series of riveting relay races wrapped up the swimming gala and the pool was swiftly reconfigured in preparation for water polo, which saw students narrowly beat the alumni in a tense match.

matches,

Soaking up the atmosphere, I watched in suspense as the referee’s whistle repeatedly pierced through the air and one race after another took place. A rapid succession of splashes followed as hopeful competitors dived in and cheering and clapping from onlooking members reverberated around the room. The winners of the remaining Men’s races were: Kenneth Woodsum on backstroke, alumnus Ryan Bartlett on breaststroke, and friend of the club Andy Ni on butterfly. Taking

Talking to Costello after the event it was clear that DUSC is thriving at the moment. “This year we have really seen the club bounce back after covid and grow exponentially. We had one of the largest Fresher’s sign up rates that the club has ever seen. Near 300 members.”, he said proudly. Costello continued by expressing his thanks to all who took part on Saturday: “I’m delighted to captain the club during such a historic year. Our anniversary event was a massive success and I’m so grateful to everyone who attended and made the day so special.”

Competitors swapped out swimsuits and goggles for their finest formal attire and hit the Pav, concluding the momentous occasion with an awards ceremony and a night of drinking and dancing.

PHOTO FROM CCAO THIRD LEVEL CAMOGIE

followed by an awards ceremony at the Pav.

The swimming gala began with a few words of encouragement from DUSC alumnus Dr Brendan P. Mac Evoy, who first joined in

PHOTO BY IAN SMYTH

Trinity Club Notes

Find out what your clubs are up to this month, and where their training will be taking place

DU Ladies Boat Club (DULBC)

Winter training is still underway in DULBC, with the Senior squad training approx. 11x per week, a mix of on-the-water sessions, weight training, erging, circuits and cross-training.

The Novice squad are working hard and improving rapidly with approx. 5 sessions per week, a combination of on-the-water sessions, circuit training, and erging.

With the unfortunate cancellation of Lagan Head of the River on October 29th, DULBC instead opened their season at Erne 4’s Head or the River on November 19th, with a strong showing of entries across the U23 4-, Intermediate 4+, and Club 1 and 2 4+ categories.

The club plan on racing at the Head of the Shannon on December 3rd before moving forwards to winter training camp in Enniskillen and the approach of the busy racing season, commencing in March with

the Colours Boat Race and the University Championships.

If any current, former or novice rowers or coxswains of Trinity are interested in joining the club, please contact the Instagram page @dulbc_rowing, or email captain. dulbc@gmail.com.

DU Boat Club (DUBC)

The winter season is well under way for Dublin University Boat Club. The squads are training hard, with the Seniors training up to 12x per week.

Guided by a team of dedicated novice coaches, the novice programme is also in full swing, having hit the ground running with weekly erg sessions, circuits and training sessions on the water. The group is already showing great promise for the upcoming novice racing season.

DUBC’s new head coach, Martin Stevens, has been a great addition to the club, evidenced by the results of the past few months of training. Already this year, the

club has seen success at the annual Dublin Sculling Ladder alongside sister club DULBC, with last year’s captain Tom Stevens placing 1st, and 4th and 7th place finishes for Tiarnán McKnight and Ronán Brennan.

DUBC opened their season across the club at Erne 4s Head of the River on November 19th, with entries across the Senior 4X-, Inter 4+, and Club 1 and 2 4+ categories. Training recommenced promptly, looking ahead to the annual winter training camp in Enniskillen and the busy racing calendar postChristmas.

Any rowers with interest in joining DUBC, feel free to check out and reach out to the club’s Instagram page @duboatclub.

DU CAMOGIE

DU Camogie are back training at the regular times of 19:00 twice a week at the regular times of 19:00 on Monday and Wednesday, with a complimentary bus leaving Nassau Street at 18:00 both days.

In the League stage of the

Purcell Cup (Div. 2), Trinity won their final game with a decisive victory over DCU 2’s on November 2nd. Their 3rd place finish in the group saw them safely into the championship, which will commence on November 29th with an away game to UCC 2’s.

Any camogie players interested in joining the team should contact prendej2@tcd.ie, or contact the Instagram page @tcdgaa referring to your interest in joining the camogie team.

Lawn Tennis

Signups for the Winter league are open now. Players can sign up through the link in the weekly email.

New members can join through the link in the @trinity.tennis instagram bio.

Junior Rugby

The 3’s had a good win against MU Barnhall in Santry last Saturday, 12th. After a dominating display by Trinity’s forwards, we ran out winners on a scoreline of 29-5.

Unfortunately, the 4’s were unlucky in an away match to Athboy. 3 tries off Athboy mauls resulted in a final score of 29-14.

Training has been moved to Monkstown FC, Sydney Parade, at 18:30 every Wednesday.

The next match for the 3’s is on Saturday, 26th of November against Clontarf. Location and kick-off time to be decided.

DU Ultimate Frisbee

Training times: Monday,19:00 to 21:00 in the Iveagh Grounds

Tuesday, 08:00 to 10:00 at Trinity Sports hall Wednesday, 19:00 to 21:00 at the Iveagh Grounds Friday, 15:00 to 17:00 at Trinity Sports hall

Saturday, 12:00 to 14:00 at Santry Sportsground

These times may change due to Intervarsities on the 19th and 20th of November, so keep an eye on member’s groupchat and Instagram.

Christmas Down Under will take place on the 17th and 18th of December.

Email sport@trinitynews.ie or editor@trinitynews.ie

Want to let students know what your club is up to?

to have your club updates listed in our issues.

PHOTO BY JACK KENNEDY FOR TRINITY NEWS

Exam season

It is clear that exam season is upon us when the library begins to fill up at 9am. At this time of year, a can of Monster opening echoing through the Lecky is the biggest thrill for the majority of students each day.

The all-too-familiar anxieties and worries creep back as we enter the run-up to deadlines, assessments and tests. Academic burnout and chronic exhaustion are feelings mutually understood by the student population across campus. We need to look after ourselves and our overall well-being now more than ever since it is very easy to become overwhelmed, especially with the common culture of leaving deadlines until the very last minute (we’ve all been there). But it doesn’t have to be as stressful as we make it. By stepping back and taking small but powerful measures to ensure a healthy exam season, we are automatically setting ourselves up

take a step back and take active measures to ensure our mental and physical states don’t suffer at the hands of exams and assessments. To fuel brain power and give yourself energy it is crucial to try to eat substantial meals before, during and after the endless hours spent in the library. Drinking water and getting a good night of sleep are also key elements to help you have a productive day. I know it seems simple — we’ve been told these things since we sat exams in school — but I often find myself not bringing my water bottle, or sitting up until 3am on my phone when I need to be in the library the following morning. How are we meant to be productive when we treat our bodies like this?

clear your head and try again tomorrow. Your body will thank you for resting. When you read your exam timetable and write out the list of pending deadlines it can be easy to feel like you don’t have enough time. This is a lie. There is always time to achieve what you want to achieve. You are more capable than you think. We all need to cut ourselves some slack. While reflecting on previous exam periods can be pretty painful,

for higher chances of success. While we attempt to survive the day on four coffees, an energy drink, a few hours of sleep and a slice of toast, it is important to

Not everyone can work for hours on end effortlessly. If you feel yourself slacking, listen to your body. Go for as many breaks as you need, regardless of the fact that the person opposite you hasn’t moved from their seat for four hours. Don’t compare your own personal progress and needs to others, but instead do what is best for you. If you find yourself sitting and listening to the cogs turn in your brain, trust me when I say you’re not alone! Sometimes it is better when you feel nothing is being processed to call it a day. There is no point pushing yourself when you just need to step away,

Ria Walls highlights the importance of selfcare during the demanding exam period

“ Go for as breaksmanyas you need, regardless of the fact that the person opposite you hasn’t moved from their seat for hours.four

There is always time to achieve what you want to achieve. You are more capable than you think.

“

have a look back and remember all those times that you thought you didn’t have time. You pull through each year.

On top of this, exam results are not an accurate indication of someone’s intelligence. They show how well you can perform in a stressful timed environment. Exams don’t consider that the thousands of students being tested the same way are individuals with vastly different personalities, talents and skills. While that way may be good for some, a threehour exam does not suit everyone. For some, even just the thought of sitting in a crowded room under time pressure, trying to remember a term’s worth of work, is extremely overwhelming. While exams are important, and it’s always a good idea to work hard for them, they truly are not an accurate reflection of someone’s worth. They don’t take into consideration so many elements of your personality, inner thoughts and talents.

If you do feel overwhelmed and notice your mental health declining during this period, it is important to reach out to others. You will not be alone in this; with the nights getting darker and the weather getting colder, it is a common occurrence to not feel like yourself. Cut yourself some slack and have a break. Hell, take a day off if you need to. Your

PHOTO VIA PEXELS

Trinity Society notes

Fashion Soc

Michaelmas term has been busy for College students and Trinity Fashion Society is no exception. This year’s events kicked off in September with the Monochromatic Party in the Market Bar. This was followed shortly after with the highly successful Depop Shop in the Pav Marquee. Week 5 featured a midweek charity shop crawl where we treasure-hunted through the day and found some worthy gems.

We joined forces with Food and Drink Soc for the Workwear party in Workman’s where we donned shirts, ties and hard hats. With Spooky Season upon us, it was only right that we threw a Halloween Party in The Grand Social in collaboration with Film Soc. Before we knew it, Reading Week rolled around but the events didn’t stop there. Sustainability is a core value of the Fashion Society and with that in mind, we hosted a Swap Shop in the GMB where students could donate and trade clothes for free. The event was a huge success and proved that one fashion lover’s trash is another’s treasure.

We are so grateful to our amazing members for their support and enthusiasm for these events and we can’t wait to hold many more this term including a Ski Swap Shop with Snowsports Soc, a pop-up shop with Dublin-owned brand Francis Cult and our annual Swing Ball with Law Soc in the Shelbourne Hotel.

The College Theological Society

The Theo (College Theological Society) meets on Mondays at 6.30pm in the GMB where we discuss and debate topics including ethics, ableism, faith, social justice, and human rights. On Wednesdays we are in the Bram Stoker from 12-2pm, where we have our academic library. Speakers have included Patsy McGarry, Declan Kiberd, Kevin Whelan, the Amish community, and John DeaneO’Keeffe.

We welcome student papers and award medals at the end of the year. In the Hilary term we will welcome Michael KeeganDolan, Bishop Burrows, Professor Siobhán Garrigan and many more. Everyone is welcome regardless of their beliefs and we work hard to encourage an inclusive environment. DUBES

Do you ever just want to see some of your classmates punched in the head? Do you want an excuse to fleece some of your dad’s nice clothes? Do you want to help charity while also saving money on drinks? Stay up to date with Dublin University Business and Economics Society (DUBES) for all this and more. In collaboration with Movember, a charity which supports men’s mental and physical health, we have weekly morning swims, charity boxing, our annual Free Ride trip to Bratislava and Dad night. Dad Night, in collaboration with SMF AND TES, took place in Tapped, Nassau Street on November 15. In exchange for everyone attending dressing as a Dad, there were shockingly good drink deals on offer like €3.50 pints and 3 shots for €10. All proceeds from our ticket sales went to charity.

Our big event this month is DUBES Charity boxing on Tuesday 29 November. Watch some of your fellow classmates battle it out with some hilarious pairings in store. We promise this event is not to be missed! Stay up to date with our Instagram for all details of upcoming events or sign up to DUBES for email updates and other exclusive deals. Instagram - @dubestcd

VDP

With over 20+ hours of activities there’s no excuse to get out and about with a free (yes free) Society. New to the society? Come along to Teatime (Wednesday 4.30-5.30pm)!

Letter Writing (Tuesday 11-12) and write to folks in nursing homes who may not have the most visitors these days. Also not your scene well, how about the Foodbank, packing (Thursday 2.00 & Friday 4.30) and delivering (Monday 121.30pm) bags of groceries to families in need.

Why not get trained and vetted with us and unlock a whole new realm of activities working with children at After Schools and Sunday club (Sundays from 12.45pm), adults with additional support needs at T-Club (Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm) and those suffering from homelessness with the Street Outreach gang (Monday and Wednesday from 7pm). We’re a charity society with a whole lotta heart and a whole lot more than shaking buckets. See you there!

mental well-being is the most important thing here, not your exam results. There is no shame in asking for extensions or having time to yourself to avoid burnout and stress. It will probably even benefit you in the long run.

Why not hit up some chats, paints and pants by working on the Set (Tuesday 2-4) and Costumes (Thursday 12-2pm) for the VDP pantomime, a chance for our service users to perform on stage.

Not your vibe? Head over to

Germanic Society

We are Germanic Soc! We love to get together and learn about Germanic culture, food, and language. We host lots of events throughout the year with regular quizzes, film and game nights, stammtisch, and Kaffee und Klatsch. We welcome everyone, no prior knowledge of German is needed. We have an exciting trip to Galway coming up on December 1-3 where we’ll visit Christmas Markets, drink heiße Schokolade and Glühwein. Accommodation and transportation are all included in the tickets for just €55! You can always check our socials for all the details of our upcoming events and tickets for sale: Instagram: @du_germanicsoc, Facebook: DU Germanic Society, or email us at germanic@csc.

There wasn’t a wing on one side, there weren’t spotlights where we thought there were going to be, so you have to figure that out in forty minutes

“

“

If you do feel overwhelmed and notice your healthmental declining during this period, it is important to reach out to others.

“ Our big event this month is DUBES Charity boxing on Tuesday November.29 Watch some of your classmatesfellow battle it out with some hilarious pairings in store.

“ We have an exciting trip to Galway coming up on December 1-3 where we’ll visit Christmas Markets, drink heiße Schokolade and Glühwein.

GMB transforms into an artistic wonderland for Trinity Arts Festival’s takeover

Ruby Topalian takes a journey through the GMB to explore how TAF and its collaborators interpreted this year’s enthralling theme, The Hours Before Dawn

On most days, the Trinity Graduates Memorial Building, or GMB, is taken over by all things Phil and Hist. These debating societies, quintessential to the Trinity experience, operate out of this building year-around and have stamped it as a hub for riveting and sometimes controversial discourse. But on Friday November 11 the GMB became a mecca for artistic expression, engulfed in ethereal lighting and dream catchers, as Trinity Arts Festival hosted their first major collaborative event of the year.

The takeover, titled The Hours Before Dawn, offered an opportunity for Trinity’s societies, through their own mediums, to explore the world of art. 17 participating societies were given their own rooms and had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with the space, as long as it aligned with the larger theme.

Speaking to Trinity News, TAF Festival Director Clara Cronin said that “The GMB Takeover is the epitome of what TAF stands for, which is bringing a variety of Trinity’s societies together to celebrate the arts and appreciate the incredible talent that Trinity has to offer.” Cronin added that this event is “a great taster of what’s to come during our weeklong festival in February, which we will begin planning very soon.”

Walking through the grand front doors of the GMB, attendees were first drawn into the 12pm: Lullaby Room. Adorned with beautiful lace drapes and relaxing dim lights, this space offered people an opportunity to kick back and drop their bags before embarking on a night of fun. On a coffee table in the centre of the room, books of all genres ranging from Brighter Than 1000 Suns to A Path to Modern Mathematics were laid out. While stopping at the table, LitSoc invited guests to write quotes from their favourite books

for future passersby to marvel at. After stopping by the Lullaby Room, guests were taken into the iconic debate chamber, temporarily transformed into a 1am: Fever Dream. This room featured JazzSoc whose band played upbeat tunes which perfectly accompanied the excitement created by the VisArts Society as they turned a corner of the room into an art studio for intricate face paintings.

Participants became canvases and renditions of art pieces including Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night were drawn masterfully on faces, arms, and hands with nothing more than a bit of paint.

“We wanted to do something that was easy and interactive but still looked visually appealing, so face paint seemed like a good idea! It was really fun to play around with the starry night theme and to meet other creatives throughout the night,” Chair of the VisArts Society, Kyla McGowan said. DuPlayers also contributed to the captivating atmosphere in the chamber on Friday night, giving performances at regular intervals.

Before reaching the second floor, a small room, teeming with people, in the landing of the GMB’s spiral staircase, hosted by Trinity FM and the Phil. In this room, aptly titled 2am: Realm of Reflection, TFM radio presenters offered their guests the chance to talk about their lives, and more specifically to delve into their dreams.

After trudging up the stairs and reaching the second floor, attendees were met with visions of their worst nightmares in a room dubbed 3am: A Visit From the Boogey Man. Hosted by DU Fashion Soc and DU Music, this room was decorated with ‘blood’splattered dresses, skeletons, and tables covered in grim newspaper clippings. In the middle of the space, people rallied around talented singers and listened to beautiful covers of music like Goodnight Irene and Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat major, that immaculately fitted the theme of the night.

On the third floor, the Trinity Orchestra, DUPA and Du Film occupied a room called 4am: Tossing and Turning. Four brilliant musicians played the violin and cello, performing compositions that perfectly accompanied the compilation of film clips projected on the wall behind them. At times throughout the night, this space became a dance floor as the stunning decor of green vines and purple mood lighting, complete with melodious music, swept people away.

“I’m seeing most of the music for the first time and honestly it’s just fun because you’re here, people are coming in and out, and it’s an experience, an arts experience. It’s nice to be able to show off Trinity Orchestra and this side of music,” Senior Fresher Trinity Orchestraa

cellist Michael Murphy said. Next door to this musical experience, Dublin University Gender Equality Society (DUGES) and Hispanic Society co-curated a room called 5am: Witching Hour. DUGES offered tarot card readings and zine making while the Hispanic Society created an art gallery on the room’s pool tables. Plastered on the walls were large pieces of paper where people were asked to “draw something from your dreams”. This room was particularly popular amongst attendees and as it was coorganised by DUGES, held a much deeper significance.

“By DUGES being here… it’s a reaffirmation of the central role in society of women and genderminorities as creative people, a reaffirmation of their artistic work and their artistic capabilities and the history that has been erased… for example these Rider Waite tarot cards were designed by a woman [Pamela Colman Smith] and her story is hardly ever told,” Bruna Ciulli, Librarian of DUGES said.

After exploring all of these incredible rooms, guests made their way to the attic of the GMB, entitled 6am: The Dawn Chorus, for a full-on clubbing experience hosted by DUDJ. Packed with people and illuminated by strobe lights, skilled student DJs got everyone hyped up to the sound of EDM as the night slowly drew closer to dawn.

“

On Friday November 11 the GMB became a mecca for artistic expression, engulfed in ethereal lighting and dream catchers as TAF hosted their first major event of the year.

PHOTO BY RUBY TOPALIAN FOR TRINITY NEWS

Take the STI out of stigma

Anna

Lyons sheds light on an underdiscussed topic through looking at two student’s personal experiences with sexually transmitted infections

The cases of STIs in Ireland have been steadily rising recently. They are more common than ever, and it is likely that someone you know has had one right now. Having an STI isn’t a bad thing, but the lack of education and all-round negative mind set people tend to have about them is what creates the common misunderstandings and misconceptions. It’s about time we address the stigma around STIs, and how this has an effect on the negative dialogue surrounding STIs and sex.

I think that a huge issue with regards to the negative relationship so many of us have with STIs is related to the poor sex education we all received in school. Sex Ed about STIs consisted of members of the class having to do presentations on different infections. We discussed how you got one and what horrible consequences you would face as a result. Often explicit photographs were included and at the end the entire class would laugh and cringe. After that, the teacher would stand up and reinforce the idea that STIs were disgusting, dirty and should be avoided at all costs. The message was clear. It was one of shame; don’t have sex, and certainly don’t get an STI from it. We were never told that they were actually really common, that most STIs are asymptomatic and that they are mostly really easy to treat. These infections are just like getting a cold or a flu, yet why do we attach so much stigma to them?

It’s estimated that nearly 50% of adults will have chlamydia at some point in their lifetime. In Ireland in 2022 there have been over 14’000 reported cases of STIs, with the 20-24 year old age group being the highest contributor to that, and chlamydia being by far the most common. So if you’ve had an STI recently, you’re certainly not alone. However, it seems that STIs are something that really aren’t spoken about. I’m sure your friends have had no problem telling you when they

had covid, but when was the last time a friend casually mentioned that they had chlamydia? Of course, I’m not putting the blame on people for not publically announcing the details of their sex life. But I do want to shed light on why we attach so much shame to getting STIs, and why we feel like it is something we have to hide.

Sex stigma is something that is embedded in our psychology. But this is taught and learned; we don’t come out of the womb judging people for the amount of people they’ve slept with. It comes from a lot of places; our abstinence-based sex education in schools, conversations amongst peers, or perhaps from the misrepresentation of STIs in the media. How can we change the dialogue around STIs and finally create a space where people don’t experience the feelings of disgrace and embarrassment that many unfortunately have to face? Negative sex talk is simply unconstructive, and can lead to wider mental and physical health issues. So why do we continue to do it?

I spoke to a few students about their experiences with STIs. One person told me about their experience with getting tested when they started having sex with a new partner. Unfortunately, in this case, they felt a lot of shame and embarrassment surrounding the testing process, and chose to tell very few people about it. This was due to feeling ‘irresponsible’ or ‘dirty’. They didn’t feel comfortable

using Trinity services because they had heard they were slow and were afraid of “being seen by people they knew ‘’, so chose to go down the online test route. There are definitely some things to learn from this case; first of all, that the Trinity services are in fact quick, effective and cheap. Secondly, this student encouraged their partner to get tested because they were with new sexual partners, and as a result found out about their STI. They wouldn’t have found out if not making a point of getting tested, and I think that people should make a habit of getting checked when having sex with different people for the first time. Another student I spoke to took a different approach when they found out that they had an STI, and the reactions were varied. They admitted that feelings of shame were the first ones that crept up after their positive test. A lot of this is to do with the language we tend to use when discussing STIs: being negative is regarded as ‘clean’, and testing positive is labelled ‘dirty’. Upon hearing the result, this student said, “I wanted to have an eternal shower until I felt clean again”. But once feelings of acceptance replaced the feelings of shame, they told people openly about the test results, saying, “Sometimes we have to laugh in the face of our adversities.” However, not all reactions were equal, and unfortunately the news was sometimes received negatively. That being said, the test results were definitely beneficial

to some who admitted that this student’s openness was what encouraged them to get a test. Open conversations help to break down the stigma and negative associations with STIs, and perhaps through this transparency others are able to find out that they aren’t the only ones who were going through the same thing. This student told me that by not speaking about it, it only would’ve made the stigma worse, which I couldn’t agree with more.

The experiences of these students make it even clearer that the sex education in Ireland is simply inadequate. We are told not to have casual sex, to be wary of every sexual partner and that STIs are disgusting. Everyone who I’ve spoken with has gained so little from our sex education systems. Our sex education comes from a variety of sources. Most of what a lot of us have learnt about sex has been from our friends, but why can’t we be taught how to navigate such a big part of our lives? We take more information from the media; social media, movies, porn - all of which can be beneficial whilst simultaneously destructive. But why is it so hard to get information from a credible and reliable source? Why do we have to go digging to put together puzzles of mis-matched information? I consider it ambitious that Irish secondary schools call their sex education education at all. While we may not have access to adequate sex education, we do have access to resources that can

help us if we do contract an STI. First of all, a free online scheme called SH:24 - Sexual Health 24/7 - offers free at-home testing kits, getting results back within 7 days. Trinity also offers services. One student interviewed went down this route and praised the experience, saying, “The nurses at Trinity were brilliant - there was absolutely no shame attached, and I got medication instantly that cleared up the infection within a week.”

Even in 2022 there’s too much stigma surrounding STIs, and the sex education system has failed us. But there’s nothing constructive about just repeating this message. Breaking down the stigma will only come from open conversation and visibility; this includes being accepting towards yourself and others and realising that it only takes one sexual partner to get an STI. It also includes questioning the language we use, like ‘clean’ or ‘dirty. These initiatives will increase STI visibility. It should be a normal thing to get tested regularly, and the process of testing itself shouldn’t be so taboo. As a university, this could mean handing out free STI kits, or having free pop-up clinics. By making testing normal, accessible and regular, and by remaining open and non-judgemental, we would be taking some valuable steps in the right direction towards de-stigmatising STIs, and creating a safe, sex-positive space.

Behind the Screen with EAT DRINK DUB

Ella-Bleu Kiely speaks with owner of the EAT DRINK DUB Instagram account Claudia Surya

You’re in a city. You’re looking for tasty, trendy and affordable places to eat. Where does one’s research begin? Instagram of course. We are living in an age of reels showcasing quick and easy recipes, newly opened food joints and reviews of dining experiences.

Claudia Surya, owner of the EAT DRINK DUB (@eatdrinkdub) Instagram account with a following of over 41K and growing, is a prime source for hungry explorers, local and visiting, in and around Dublin city. I went behind the screen with EAT DRINK DUB, your Dublin Food Guide – 24/7 hungry.

Before EAT DRINK DUB, there was EAT DRINK JAKARTA. Claudia, hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, began sharing food recommendations for her hometown in 2011 on Instagram. After moving to Dublin in 2016, she says it was her “love of food combined with my other hobby which is taking pictures that inspired me the most to set up the page.” Claudia wasted no time in delving straight into the multicultural sphere of dining here in Dublin.

Her distinguished and variable

palate is clear from her favourite cafés and restaurants in and around the city: “Two Pups Coffee (their mushroom french toast is unreal). BSkewers for a wonderful BBQ experience. Meat lovers must visit. Full Moon Thai; I am addicted to their Fermented fish and crab papaya salad. Alma Café is a little charming café in Portobello serving delicious Dulce De Leche pancakes. Nomo Ramen! They recently opened this year but already easily became one of the best ramen spots in Dublin.”

When asked what she believes to be the top student-friendly spots in Dublin, she returned to her passionate love of hot noodle soups: “When I was a student, my go to places which are budget friendly would be Aobaba (Capel Street), you can’t say no to Pho Noodle soup, especially for Dublin weather, it’s a perfect meal.” So, put that pot noodle back up in the cupboard for now and head

out. “Hansung is also great, you can have three dishes with rice and soup for eight euros. Sano (Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar) is also a great option; they serve delicious pizza under ten euros.”

Taste is what is really required to impress Claudia throughout any dining experience. “It needs to be super good… Uniqueness comes next, it needs to be different or one of a kind,” she shares. “Impeccable service is also important. It does not need to be a five-star service kind of type, if the staff are nice and friendly I’m sold.” From the EAT DRINK DUB account, it’s also clear that aesthetics and the presentation of foods are

important to Claudia. These are features which enhance the overall atmosphere. “Everything from food to experience is curated specifically for my followers,” she says, and explains that she must first go and enjoy a meal before deciding to share online or not. Other than the capital of The Emerald Isle, somewhere else which has significantly impressed Claudia food-wise is Spain: “Especially Barcelona. Not only do they offer a variety of cuisines, but their tapas are incredibly good.”

One of EAT DRINK DUB’s most recent posts is a guide on where to eat in Barcelona, with several recommendations listed along with an insightful message and

a video of each place. Claudia shares eating recommendations for all her trips abroad. Some recorded include Milan, Paris, New York, Greece, Japan and The Netherlands. For these, check out the EAT DRINK DUB highlights.

Choosing where to eat can be hard. Finding somewhere new to eat can be even harder. Having a food guide in your pocket is exactly what EAT DRINK DUB takes pride in. Claudia is here to help. She’ll keep you updated on what’s trendy and cheap, and also the traditional classics. However, take Dublin’s rise in food prices with a pinch of salt.

VIA EATDRINKDUB

Unravelling the journey of chunky yarn

In short, ‘chunky’ yarn is thicker, made clearer yet through scrupulous examination of your grandmother’s knitting basket. The natural thickness of wool places it in those warm categories of yarn most easily made ‘chunky’ through spinning.

But where does ‘chunky’ wool originate from?

If you have ever been to a fabric store or a hobby website, you will have noticed the vast array of yarn and wool varieties. In particular, you will have noticed what knitting hobbyists call ‘chunky’, a term loosely and frequently used in the world of yarn that describes the grey space between worsted and super bulk. The term’s technical use allows a certain flexibility, referring predominately to any yarn thicker than aran with a weight of five. Thanks to the Craft Yarn Council of Ireland, a scale exists to measure yarn using keen empirical methods.

Irish wool has a long historical relevance: from the political to the economic and social. It begins its journey after it is sheared from a sheep. A kind of sweet reciprocity occurs between person and sheep during the shearing process, wherein the person collects a valuable textile for keeping warm in the winter and the sheep loses a dense and irritating weight from its physical corpus. When wellloved and tended to, a sheep is more than man’s best friend; for a man cannot wear the coat of his dog, except under the most unusual of circumstances.

After the shearing, the wool undergoes a sequence of sorting and carding procedures, typically done by hand to separate the

cleaned wool into locks and rolls which are then fit for spinning. There is, in the art of spinning, some delicacy and patience required for clean skeins; threads are eventually turned into yarn. The ‘chunky’ variety of wool yarn develops a characteristic thickness while undergoing the spinning process. This ‘chunky’ yarn is processed and sold across the globe to weavers and entrepreneurs who, following trends, sometimes produce and sell ‘chunky’ socks, legwarmers, mittens and gloves. But this ‘chunkiness’ is not limited to these articles of clothing. ‘Chunky’ wool can be used to make jumpers, jackets, beanies, balaclavas and more, suggesting that a degree of practicality does pair with fashion, which many of us may have previously doubted. In addition to offering a fashionable alternative to plain woven articles, these ‘chunky’ wool pieces offset the banality of wintertime wardrobes. When matched properly with colour patterns, these wools reinvent visual depth and texture, hinting

at their own warmth and the figure beneath them. Moreover, these statement pieces create a nostalgia for the craftsman: the obsession of knitting not just for application and survival, but also for focused entertainment. In an age of increasingly mild winters, induced by climate change, one must ask if wearing these accessories even has a practical use anymore.

Still, a person wearing ‘chunky’ wool articles should always try to appreciate some aspect of the craftsmanship that was necessary for their creation, from the artful shearing of the sheep to the delicate needlework, by person or machine, to weave them into something worn.

Founded more than a decade ago, the Trinity Knitting Society provides a cosy atmosphere for knitters and obsessive stitchers from all across the Trinity College community. For any and all knitting or yarn-related needs, or to join the society, do not hesitate to drop them an email or pop them a DM on Instagram (@tcdknitsoc).

“

“Everything from food to experience is curated specifically for my followers”

Matthew James Hodgson discusses the growing trend of chunky wool knitting

“

There is, in the art of spinning, some delicacy and patience required for clean skeins; threads eventually turned into yarn.

PHOTO

Kitchen Companions: A Roundup of my Favourite FoodTube Personalities

my favourite YouTube cooking personas. You may or may not know some of them — most are still active, others more quiet now — but they’re still some current favourites to check out!

For the beginner student cook–It’s your first time living alone, and you have no clue how to make anything less boring than beans on toast.

If you have ever thought of snooping on my laptop (I do computer science, don’t even try), you wouldn’t really find much. However, little do you know, hidden away in a closed group of tabs lies a concerningly large collection of YouTube videos, loaded and ready to watch at a moment’s notice (thank you TCDwifi). Please, don’t get the wrong idea. They’re actually cooking videos.

As a university student, much to my parents’ dismay, my life would be incomplete without YouTube. I use the platform to watch anything and everything — commentaries, makeup tutorials, film reviews, Excel tricks, etc. — though more and more frequently, I find myself bringing my laptop to the kitchen. I pick a recipe from the cluster of saved cooking videos I mentioned earlier and off I stroll to the kitchen, laptop firmly in hand.

I believe that YouTube is the best free resource for learning how to cook; this is a hill I am willing to die on. Nothing beats the audiovisual aspect of a cooking tutorial: your instructions are said out loud on top of real-time visuals of ingredient preparation and the actual cooking. Above all, the most valuable aspect of YouTube cooking is the addition of live commentary — the tips, tricks and alternative ingredients or techniques shared by the host along the way. YouTube can teach you a whole roster of culinary feats, from how to properly cut an onion to cooking a whole Christmas dinner. It is an invaluable teaching aid for the beginner cook, but also the experienced meal-prepper (I see you Leo Varadkar), the university student, or the stay-at-home parent.

The cooking scene on YouTube spans a vast territory. At the top of the trending page, you’ll typically find the likes of Joshua Weissman, never without his mouth-watering b-roll; Andrew Rea, from the Babish Culinary Universe, recreating yet another pop culture dish; or familiar faces from larger food networks such as Bon Appétit, Tasty, or Epicurious, always with their high-budget production levels. Celebrity chefs have found their way to the platform too: Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay now produce fresh cooking content directly on their channels. Listed below is a roundup of some of

J Kenji Lopez-Alt: I’m a sucker for visually compelling videos, so naturally, I had to include Kenji in the list. His narration tells you all you need to know behind the dish and how best to avoid mistakes, with informational comments rooted in food science. His videos don’t always include talking, but he films himself cooking with a GoPro mounted to his head, making it very simple to copy his techniques. His scrambled egg video is my favourite!

Not Another Cooking Show, hosted by Stephen Cusato: This channel is quite popular with just under 1 million subscribers and is one of my favourites for classic dishes. Cursato is very informative in his cooking instructions and never skips a detail. He won’t just tell you to get the good quality eggs, he’ll tell you why and how it affects the final dish. His videos are fast-paced and very dynamic, taking his filming inspiration from Casey Neistat. Cusato covers various cuisines, but specialises primarily in Italian foods. His Meatless Carbonara (cacio e uova) recipe is a wonder.

Cooking and Culture–Slice-of-life cooking with a bit of history.

Townsends, hosted by Jon Townsend: If you were ever curious about 18th-century cuisine, Jon Townsend cooks 300-year-old dishes weekly. Some of these meals still exist and have since evolved, like his macaroni & cheese or fried chicken, while others are stuck in the past, like his pemmican (dried meat and berries). The production team consistently delivers. The background, costumes, and kitchen equipment are always historically accurate and each dish is accompanied by historical context: where it originated, how it evolved, and who ate it during its time. I highly recommend checking the channel out if you were a Horrible Histories kid! (Especially if you want to learn how to roast a chicken completely submerged in clarified butter.)

Pasta Grannies: A comfort watch, Pasta Grannies find and film Italian nonne (grandmothers) across the Italian peninsula who still make pasta by hand. Vicky Bennison started the channel to capture the longlost art of traditional pastamaking. Pasta Grannies feels more like a documentary than a cooking tutorial, with each video accompanying a different nonna into her home, as she makes pasta while answering questions about her life.

De Mi Rancho en Tu Cocina: De Mi Rancho en Tu Cocina (“From my ranch to your kitchen”) accompanies Doña Ángela, a 71-year-old grandmother living in rural Mexico. Doña Ángela lives on a ranch with her husband.

She grows her own vegetables, raises her own animals, and makes her own tortillas. Doña Ángela specialises in traditional Mexican food and her slowpaced, appetising videos are filmed by her daughter. Check out her huevos rancheros. De Mi Rancho en Tu Cocina is a Spanish channel, but English captions are always available.

will cover everything you need to master a new skill, teaching you basic shaking techniques, and simple 3-ingredient cocktails. If you’re looking for inspiration to spice up your parties, impress a partner, or already have experience but want to learn more, Steve will show you how. Your vodka-dash days are officially over, so leave ample room for the Appletinis, Cosmopolitans and White Russians he’ll teach you in his Easy Vodka Cocktails series.

Fine Dining Lovers: For the adventurous and experienced, Fine Dining Lovers will take your student cooking skills to professional cooking wonders. Focusing on caramelisation, the Maillard effect, umami, and flavour enhancers, their Flavour Hacking series takes simple ingredients like eggs or rice to restaurant-level deliciousness. Hosted by Massimo Bottura, another popular Fine Dining Lovers series Why Waste? focuses on reducing food waste. Bottura and his guest chef teach you how to make the most of your cut-offs, turn leftovers into haute cuisine, and share tips on how to preserve and store your ingredients for longer.

Learning New Cuisines –If you’re sick of the vodka pasta Stephen Cusato taught you how to cook, you’re ready to try something new.

Steve the Bartender: This is mixology more than cooking, but Steve’s Bar Basics playlist

YouTube is without a doubt a haven for chefs of any level. Hopefully, this helpful guide will help you elevate your simple weeknight meals, inspire you to get out of your comfort zone, or simply give you a little more to watch than that Mukbang channel that always pops up on your recommended. Bon appétit!

Maile Monteiro de Rocha ventures through the YouTube culinary world.

“

I believe that YouTube is the best free resource for learning how to cook; this is a hill I am willing to die on.

PHOTO VIA PEXELS

Community and connection at Dublin Art Book Festival 2022 Sex in the city: The

Ciara Chan examines the events held at this year’s Dublin Art Book Festival, which has as its theme A Caring Matter

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Dublin Art Book Festival (DABF). Advertised as Ireland’s only art book fair and held at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios from November 24 to December 4, this is not an event to be missed. Now, I know what you’re thinking… Temple Bar? No way! I lose money just walking past it! In fact, the only safe way to engage with it in any capacity is by observing it from campus with a telescope. But before you speed past on a mission to find more affordable options, consider this: free tickets! Need I say more?

talks, tours, and book launches are all integral aspects of this unique event. It is a celebration of artists and their publications from Ireland and beyond. Each year the DABF presents limited edition artist books, and 2022 will be no different, with over 500 newly published and rare books on display. Each year the DABF commemorates art’s impact on society and the continuous conversation between art, societal change, and development. This year’s theme is focused on care and building a society through care.

worthwhile venture. The Temple Bar Gallery + Studios will, in fact, also be presenting a new work by Marielle Macleman: Care Quilt and Moral Boundaries I, in which Macleman uses plant dyes and tumble dryer lint to highlight dementia caregiving and the labour behind it that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

In a world where care labour is often overlooked, be it a mother caring for her children or caring for a house, the DABF 2022 is choosing to shine a light on these essential building blocks of our society. The parts of society that act as an invisible string holding us all together. Art, like care, is an undervalued aspect of society. It is a form of connection that allows us to engage with the world and better understand our experiences. In this way, the theme of care for the DABF 2022 is very apt when we consider the festival an act of care toward the community. Art holds a community together and builds it up the same way that care does. It has this way of expressing ideas and emotions in a way not always available to us through words. The DABF offers an immersive experience that allows people to better understand and connect to their community. Most of the weekday events will be presented in the evening and last around one to two hours.

It is no surprise to anyone that Ireland’s relationship with sex and the general discourse surrounding sex is lacking, to say the least. With engrained societal Catholic guilt and a general lack of sex education in Catholic schools, it is not uncommon for some Irish people to feel discomfort in openly discussing their personal sexual desires with their peers, and they definitely do not often admit to searching for sex clubs and spaces to explore swinging, polyamory, and more. This absolutely does not mean that there isn’t a significant demographic of Irish people seeking safe, open sex spaces. So, in this light, why is it that when we think of sex clubs and open attitudes to sex, we think of other European capitals like Berlin and

Amsterdam? Does Dublin have a gap in the market for clubs and spaces like Berlin’s infamous KitKat and Amsterdam’s Red Light District?

In short, yes; Dublin has a sizeable population interested in open sex spaces and the purchase of sexual experiences. The rapid rise of OnlyFans has opened up an entirely new dimension of transactional sexual encounters and has in turn encouraged people to explore the world of sex work. However, there is also evidence online, mostly on anonymous threads and Irish swinging websites like fabswingers.com, that there are many looking to buy into in-person sex experiences as well. Whether you are looking for a swingers club or just a sex club, one issue is common: how does one find reputable clubs that are guaranteed to be safe?

The 2 Johnnies Podcast, one of the most popular podcasts in Ireland, reached out to their listeners in 2021 to ask if their listeners engage in polyamory or attend swingers parties. In response, their audience helped to shed light on the numerous private swingers clubs around Ireland, while many reported that there are plenty of parties privately hosted in Dublin and elsewhere. Despite this open discussion, information is difficult to find without being

So you think you can DJ

DABF 2022 guest curator Rosie Lynch and sponsor Henry J. Lyons are to present the theme A Caring Matter, which will explore how communities of belonging are created. The works put together for this event use the very singular perspective of the artist to observe society and the environment.

Founded in 1983, Temple Bar + Studios provides affordable studio space for artists to foster their creativity and presents five exhibitions each year in an old shirt factory. Since June 2006, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios has been home to the annual Dublin Art Book Festival. Carefully curated

Each day of the eleven-day festival will feature an event of some variety highlighting different artists. A few of the events set to take place at this year’s DABF include a screening of FALLOUT/falling out/a cinema of work injury, to be held on November 25, and focus on feminism, the body, class, and labour. The Online Talk: High Street Multiverse, on November 29, uses art and creativity to explore how care builds a city and how a city cares for its people. A talk on A Table in Ballybeg, an art book by Simon Cutts and Erica Van Horn, will be presented on December 1, and the book launch of The Story of Castalia, a new graphic book by Brianna Hurley, will occur on December 2. Don’t forget that browsing artist books and gallery exhibitions is also a

Needless to say, that annoying 5pm lecture won’t get in the way of heading down to Temple Bar for an event or two. Come for the art, listen to a talk, experience a walking tour of Temple Bar, or maybe just browse through some limited-edition books. Whatever you decide to do, DABF 2022 promises a unique experience in Dublin’s Cultural Quarter.

As we look forward to a dynamic change in Dublin nightlife, it’s important to recognise those who have been trying to keep this culture alive over the past few years. Bringing new tracks and sounds into everyone’s night out, DJs are an integral part of the club. Catherine and I decided to chat to two members of DUDJ to find out more about their experiences in the scene in Dublin, and what it takes to be a DJ.

“People say I’ve had it really easy, but no, I’ve worked really,

really hard,” Sahana Sridharr, PRO for DUDJ confesses to me over the rumble of people in the Arts Block. Sridharr mentions this in reference to her fast rise into the Irish DJ scene. In her past year in DUDJ, Sridharr has graduated from hosting Trinity Events and mixers, to performing at Electric Picnic and hosting her own show on Dublin Digital Radio. Arriving in Dublin as a first year, she started off in DUDJ with basic knowledge of how to operate the decks, and has since then made a name for herself in the Dublin scene. Ashling Smith O’Connor, OCM for DUDJ, shares a similar journey. O’Connor is one of the members of the group Puzzy Wrangler, known for breaking onto the Dublin scene with their funky mixes and crowdpleasers. In explaining the group’s success, an important factor for O’Connor has been the unlimited practice time which they have been able to avail of in the DUDJ practice room.

O’Connor admits that DJing “can be extremely intimidating and quite inaccessible,” and that individuals looking to get involved need to “overcome the fears in your head. It’s not really something that you can get into if you aren’t

“The works put together for this event use the very singular perspective of the artist to observe society and the environment.

Art, like care, is an undervalued aspect of society. It is a form of connection, allowing us to engage with the world around us and better understand our experiences.

“

The DABF offers an immersive experience that allows people to better understand and connect to their community.

“

Laura Shannon explores why sex clubs are so hard to find in Dublin and whether or not there is a market for them

Catherine Grogan and Elisa Eckstein chat to DUDJ committee members Sahana Sridharr and Puzzy Wrangler’s Ashling Smith O’Connor

Irish and their lack of sex clubs

invited into or already existing in the community. The podcast mentioned the popular website www.killingkittens.com as a frequent organiser of sex parties all over the world, with a recent event being held in Kildare.

When you search for sex parties in Ireland online, it can be difficult to find trustworthy websites with genuine reviews; many organisations and pages lead to dead ends, with users reporting them as scams or generally unsafe. It seems to be that, in Ireland, the closest place to find sex parties that are open to the public and advertised online is often the UK.

Evidently there is a market for sex parties and clubs alike in Ireland, so why has Dublin not indulged in that market? In 2017, Ireland introduced the so-called “Nordic model”, criminalising the purchase of sex but not prostitution itself, while increasing the penalty for brothel ownership. One can receive a €5,000 fine or a yearlong jail sentence for such an offence. Prior to this, paying for sexual services was only punishable if the sex worker was a victim of trafficking or underage. While the criminalisation of purchasing sex was meant to protect sex workers, it has instead pushed the job into an underground market where events and organisations are often private. While technically sex parties are not illegal, as the customer is not purchasing sex but purchasing entry to an event that allows public sex in a private space, they are still generally kept under-wraps with little public information being released about

the event. If a haven of sexual liberation and a saturation in the sex market is what you’re looking for, Dublin is certainly not the place to find it. While the industry obviously exists, sex parties are happening, and, of course, people are a part of this scene, the information is mostly shared through word of mouth or found after hours of reading different anonymous threads online littered with vague information. If you do so desire to live out sexual fantasies in a culture unashamed of having sex parties open to the public, Berlin and Amsterdam are just two European cities of many leading sexual liberation, with open sex happening in every corner of some popular nightclubs.

The key difference between Dublin’s underbelly of debauchery and the culture of open sex in cities like Berlin and Amsterdam lies in that Berlin and Amsterdam’s night life is not an underbelly. Information is public, reviews on sex clubs are plentiful and unashamed, and German and Dutch people are not so shrouded in shame of sex that they cannot openly advertise and attend sex parties. Of course, this does not mean that all sex work in Berlin and Amsterdam is completely safe and vetted; while prostitution is decriminalised, it can still be a dangerous industry particularly for women, transgender and gender non-conforming workers. Though, as a nation, we have made massive moves to adopting a better, healthier relationship regarding sex, we are nowhere near close enough to the comfortable discourse needed to have an openness to sex clubs and swingers’ parties. With contraception becoming free, the criminalisation of image-based sexual abuse, and the influx of conversations around consent, Ireland’s attitude to sex has been forcefully put under scrutiny. Why is it that, even with these important steps made towards a more sex-positive country, we are still so behind? The answer is simple; Ireland as a country is

still shrouded in shame when it comes to more liberal ideas of sex.

Opportunities to engage in sex in safe spaces are hard to find because people aren’t talking about it in open spheres, leading to a small window of exposure regarding the topic. In order to become a more sex-positive country, laws around prostitution need to change and the stigma needs to be broken. It’s imperative that people have a safe space to express their interests and explore their sexuality without being judged by the toxic standards of a shamed society.

(here’s how you can)

somewhat invested because you have to be constantly on it — it’s a very proactive hobby.” In terms of tangible steps that individuals can take, O’Connor’s advice is to “text DUDJ about the practice room and come to tutorials. It’s all about persistence and practice makes perfect so you really have to want it.” In efforts to inspire others to overcome the intimidating and inaccessible aspects of DJing, the two decided to hold DUDJ’s first tutorial for female and non-binary identifying students.

The turnout was one of the highest either of the members had seen for a tutorial. Myself and Cat tried to learn the basics; while the actual practise of DJing requires a lot of effort and knowledge, the environment we found ourselves in was incredibly welcoming and educative, and raised hopes of changing the demographics of the industry in Dublin.

As Sridharr notes, DUDJ is reflective of the DJ scene in Dublin: it’s dominated by white Irish men. While the demographics for DJs are slowly changing, Sridharr wants to speed up the process; especially within DUDJ. Their first tutorial for female and nonbinary identifying students was

an unexpected success and raised hopes that there could be more diversity and inclusion within the society. Sridharr strongly advocates for this change to happen, and invites anyone who is underrepresented in the industry to come to tutorials and run for positions on committee “We definitely need more women, more people of colour, more gender minorities — I want that to be the headline”.

Sridharr also explains this in reference to club safety. Audience demographics tend to differ enormously depending on the performer, “when there’s a man playing, it’s mostly men who show up”. Female and queer-led events and club nights tend to foster a more safe space, and have a more inclusive environment.

In fact, this was a feeling that was shared by myself and Catherine when we took part in the tutorial. Being in a space that felt free of judgement allowed us to get rid of the fears in our head, and I have the feeling that it also lit a spark in many of those attending. Many present at the tutorial seemed more than eager to take their shot at mixing tracks, and worries about judgement and capabilities seemed a distant thought. At the end of the day, DJing is about having a good time playing mixes. This form of tutorial more than encouraged this.

Both Sridharr and O’Connor have found that their experiences as female DJs have been more than positive. “People are really gagging to have women behind the decks,” says O’Connor.

Sridharr also adds that she feels she has also received numerous

opportunities at only the beginning of her career. This has, at times, made the two question whether it is just a matter of “ticking the boxes” for diversity, or whether such enthusiasm is welldeserved. However, Sridharr is completely against this mentality, citing both of the members’ hard work and passion when it comes to the subject “I’ve worked really, really hard, and it shows.”

Having spoken to both Sridharr and O’Connor, the picture they paint of the industry in Dublin is that most people are supportive and want to see others succeed. However, there are those who may be intimidated by the success of others, specifically women. This unresolved toxic mentality has been lingering over the scene for a while, and should be addressed. However, this doesn’t matter too much to performers: the successful female DJs out there know they’ve got the right stuff, and are very good at it. Sridharr’s and O’Connor’s hope is that they can help more people realise they, too, can be behind the decks, and at that point, the opinions of others won’t matter.

DJing takes time and patience, but having access and an encouraging

environment can certainly inspire many who had previously thought it to be too complex or intimidating. Sridharr and O’Connor have shown that talent and dedicated practice can take you a long way, all it takes to start is a willingness to learn and a DJ deck.

People say I’ve had it really easy, but no, I’ve worked really, really hard

“

“

We needdefinitely more women, more people of colour, more gender minorities — I want that to be the headline

“

It seems to be that, in Ireland, the closest place to find sex thatparties are open to the public and advertised online is often the UK.

“

The information is mostly shared through word of mouth

“ Ireland as a country is still shrouded in shame when it comes to more liberal ideas of sex.

Clubbing in Dublin

Greg Cusworth’s guide to Dublin’s clubbing scene

Clubbing in Dublin has always been a matter of great dispute. It’s like marmite: some love it, others hate it. It all depends on your attitude; Do you let the €12 entrance fee (plus drinks) and the 2am closing time get you down?

Or are you content with a heavy pre-drink and a few hours of boogying, while still getting home early enough to make it to your 9am lecture?

The way clubs are laid out in our city makes a pre-drinks more difficult to balance than one would first imagine. All the major clubbing hotspots in Dublin seem to be within a twentyminute walk of each other and, unfortunately for most people, these discotheques all happen to be in the north and south city centres, where no one really lives. So, we seem to resign ourselves to a predrinks starting at 9pm, followed by a seemingly never-ending and, more importantly, very sobering Luas or bus journey into town. It’s either that or jumping off the Luas at Westmoreland to chuck up your guts and hop on the next one back home. The excuse is always something along the lines of “the Luas gives me motion sickness,” but we all know that you just went a little too hard to avoid paying €6 for a shot, which is an admirable attempt and nothing to be ashamed of, but not a prerequisite for a great night.

So, where’s the balance? Do you splash out on a taxi to the club or on drinks at a pub before going out? Unfortunately, both these options are very expensive and, having already paid at least €12 for a ticket, no expenses can be taken lightly. Perhaps you could sneak a bottle of that tasty nectar Buckfast to swig on the back of the bus or have just the one drink at a bar to de-sober yourself after the Luas. Or, god forbid, you go to Spoons. Once this balance is struck, you are undoubtedly in for a good night. The next question is; where to? You could choose south city centre clubs like Tramline, O’Reilly’s or D2, where you’re more likely to hear a Katy Perry remix than anything that resembles Techno or House. If you’re really lucky, and I mean really lucky, they might throw on some Dizzee Rascal towards the end of the night. Many here (including me perhaps) believe these kind of old-school banger remixes, sing-your-heartout tunes are what you really want to hear after a few swigs of that tasty Huzzar vodka we all know so well, or a fair few of the €1 “Bungalow” shots in O’Reilly’s. If this is you, I advocate these places

to you. However, if you’re not one for sticky floors and an aura of teenage discos, I’d say head elsewhere.

“Everyone seems more invested in the social side of clubbing than the actual clubbing.”

You could venture a little further north along the river, and this club I will dedicate a whole paragraph to. Yes, you guessed it, the College haunt called The Workman’s Club. Going by many aliases, you may be confused if not versed in the lingo of the Arts Building student, so I’ll fill you in; “Workman’s”, “Works”, “Workies” or just “going clubbing” is, to some, the only place they’ll ever step foot in during their time at Trinity. Having been refused entry at the door for wearing trackies, I suggest you dash home and put on some more fitting attire for this fine establishment. Once you’re in your chinos or black tie trousers, you can enter the home of dyed hair, mullets, piercings in places that seem impossible to pierce and what seems like the entirety of DU Fashion Soc. However, this is not to say that Workman’s is not a fun night: recognising half the people in the smoking area from the smoking area just outside the Arts Building doors, the music is a refreshing change from the B.O.T.A style bops of the other south city centre clubs; a bit more funk and a bit more original. So, Workman’s

Wednesdays are undoubtedly a place for making new course friends and having a great dance. However, be warned, do not get The Workman’s Club confused with Workman’s Cellar and, if

you have bought the wrong tickets, just go home — trust me.

“Why does average techno have Dublin in a chokehold”

Head north of the river to places such as Yamamori Tengu, The Grand Social, Index, Wigwam and Soundhouse, and you’re more likely to spend your time clubbing, rather than standing around and discussing your History of Art lecturer. The music here will consist of a lot — and I mean a lot — of techno, but all in all a much better night out than one in Tramline. The DJs are, albeit very similar to each other, a nice change of pace and have their own mixes which you can really get behind and, more importantly, these clubs tend to stay open past 1.30am, so you are actually able to have a night, rather than an evening, out. In addition, the crowd here is friendlier: the people are there to enjoy the music and have a good time. You’ll find yourself caught up in their enthusiasm and having a great dance to some (after a few drinks) great techno!

“Dublin is a pub city rather than a club city.”

If you are not a fan of the sweat, crowdedness and constant standing but still want a night out, you could head to one of Dublin’s “club-pubs”. Removed from the cosy snugs of Mary’s Bar and Hardware and Mother Reilly’s, head to places like Bruxelles, Chaplin’s, Doyle’s, Ryan’s or

Flannery’s for a great night out. They offer a fine combination of a nice pub, lovely outdoor area and dancefloor. Yes, the music may be similar to that of your aunt’s fiftieth birthday bash, but wash it down with a pint of Guinness from an actual keg and you’re in for a really fun night of dancing, drinking and belting out the lyrics to Love Yourself by the Biebster, actions you’ll certainly regret in the cold light of day, but that are nonetheless fabulous at the time.

“Everyone needs to stop sh**ting on nights out in Dub, they’re not that bad.”

To finish off this article, as a fellow student of mine said, “Everyone needs to stop sh**ting on nights out in Dub, they’re not that bad” and I am inclined to agree. Dublin’s nightlife tends to get bad press, but there are usually a large variety of events that you can enjoy and, even if it isn’t quite the Berghain you were hoping for, you can still have a blast, really good drinks and a boogie.

On a personal note, I think the best nights out in Dublin are the live music performances. This city is full of up-and-coming musicians and bands, so head over to the Celt, Fibber McGee’s, the Grand Social and even (dare I say it) the Academy on gig nights and expand your horizons. Find your new favourite band that you can claim you “listened to before they were popular” and have a really, really fantastic time.

“

You could choose south city clubscentre like Tramline, O’Reilly’s or D2, where you’re more likely to hear a Katy Perry remix than anything resemblesthat Techno or House.

PHOTO VIA PEXELS

Today’s Special:Prawn Curry with Rice/Chips

The second she left to attend the other tables, loneliness hit me all over again because there had just been something about her. Something that made me forget what it felt like to feel dreadfully lonely all the time. I started to feel as though I might choke on it.

Maybe it was the mention of my comfort books from eighth grade or the way she talked to me like she’s known me for years, but it felt like talking to a best friend. The next five minutes we were on the topic of our shitty exes, mine especially.

After an excruciating, but somewhat thrilling, third day of my first year of college, I planned on spending the evening bingewatching a show that reminded me of home. I decided to watch it in the shared lounge of my dorm, and not in my room, because I thought I might run into one of my roommates and wouldn’t have to be alone. This was the moment I should have realised what was coming. The inescapable feeling of loneliness that moving away from the only place you’ll ever love (and hate with the passion of a few burning suns), the only place you’ve ever called home, brings. I, however, hadn’t realised it. Instead, I switched on the TV and opened a bag of chips. Crisps.

The moment I tried to open the bag of crisps by tearing one corner of the packet (the way we always do back home) instead of pulling on both sides (the way you’re supposed to here) was another significant moment. That’s when I realised that it wasn’t the confusing directions, or the bad network calls with my mother, or the accents I don’t understand, or the newness of it all that would bring me to tears; it’s the fucking bag of chips. Crisps. Fuck.

That bag of crisps was soon finished, and my cooking skills end at pasta and instant noodles, so I decided to eat out.

By the time I dragged myself out of my dorm, McDonald’s was closing up. I continued the walk down Dame Street, hoping to find some familiar fast-food place open. And that’s when I saw it. “Ireland’s Best Seafood” in giant golden letters on a red board. A small chalkboard next to the door read, “Today’s Special: Prawn Curry with Rice/Chips”.

Maybe I was so hungry that I couldn’t walk any further, or maybe I was just supposed to go in there that night, but I walked into Ireland’s best seafood restaurant, even though I’m vegetarian, and sat down at the table. The waiter walked up to me with a giant menu in his hand. Or a regularsized one, I guess. They’re all this size here.

Seconds later I heard someone ask “You ready to order honey?” in a thick Croatian accent.

“Um…Yeah. I’ll have the Veggie Curry and chips?”

Soon the meal was in front of me. That’s when I realised that chips were what I’ve always called French fries. But what I didn’t realise was how incredibly hard it would be to eat this dinner alone.

I did realise, however, that it tasted … new. Everything did. Even the water. Three bites in I was ready to leave some cash on the table and run back to the relative comfort of my dorm room.

That’s when she walked by my table. Maybe she stopped and asked me if I needed anything else and if my dinner was okay, as that’s what she did with every customer, or maybe my loneliness was just so obvious that she saw it on my face and wanted to be nice.

I tried to ignore it all and stabbed a chip with my fork, trying to take another bite. Seconds later she was walking past my table again. The choking seemed inevitable and I was so desperate that without caring about how pathetic I sounded, I asked, “Hey would you…um sit with me for a minute? I... uh... I don’t think I can eat alone.”

“Oh, of course. Well, I can’t sit because my manager is right there.” She gestured towards the counter and rolled her eyes. “I’ll just stand right here though. We’ll just pretend you’re ordering more food.”

She smiled softly then and asked if I was okay.

I told her I was. She could tell I wasn’t. So, I explained how I’d just moved here, and how I didn’t know anyone, and that I hadn’t realised eating alone would feel this weird.

“Ahh, it gets better I promise. I moved here a few years back. So I know what you mean. Well, I came with my ex then. But that relationship was ending. Ran its course.”

“Oh.”

“Well, why’d you move here? For work?”

“Oh no, I’m a student. At Trinity.”

“Trinity huh? That’s a good one. So, Hogwarts, no?”

“Oh yes. Beautiful. The dining hall seems like it is right out of the books.”

“Hopefully, I’ll find a nice guy here.”

“Oh yes. Just be careful. You’ll find so many people here. Just weeks from now you’ll be going

out with friends.” I’ve been working here for three years. But the first few months were hard. But then I found people. You will too. Might even find a guy soon. But till then enjoy this. The freedom. The spontaneity. You can go anywhere, see so much, make mistakes, kiss a random guy, have fun. You know?

You’ll have fun by yourself too. It’s hard but you’ll learn to enjoy it. You’ll learn to be on your own.”

“I know you’re smiling but you look a little sad.” She smiled sadly too this time, and moved to my side to hug me.

After she hugged me, we talked for a while longer. Before leaving I told her I’d come see her again. This time with friends I’m sure I’ll make soon. The last thing we did was exchange names. She could barely pronounce mine, but said I can teach her again when I see her next time if she still can’t.

Maybe it was the older sisterly advice she gave me, or the reassurance that it gets better, or the fact that she stood there while I finished my dinner, but I didn’t feel as lonely anymore as I walked out of the restaurant.

I haven’t since. And I don’t now, sitting here in my dorm room, and not the shared kitchen area, writing this.

A conversation with people like her and a bowl of curry and chips can cure a lot, even the feeling of adult loneliness. Next time it hits, know that it gets better, because as soon as I’m done writing, I’m going to get dressed to go to the same restaurant, with my friends from College this time.

Like I promised her I would.

Ps: I’m not saying this is an elaborate ad for the curry and chips that they sell but I’m not saying it isn’t either.

Akshita Hunka tells of her first time eating out alone in a new city

PHOTO

I did realise, however, that it tasted new. Everything did. Even the water. Three bites in I was ready to leave some cash on the table and run back to the relative comfort of my dorm

“

Maybe it was the older sister-ly advice she gave me, or the reassurance that it gets better, or the fact that she stood there while I finished my dinner, but I didn’t feel as lonely anymore

“

Irish dancing: The Triquetra of Sport, Art and Irish Culture

Fern KellyLandry interviews Trinity student and professional Irish dancer Anthony O’Connor about his experience with the world of Irish dancing

Irish dancing plays a principal role in modern and histori cal Irish culture. Many Irish people have either been di rectly involved in Irish danc ing or know someone who has, but what starts as a rite of passage for Irish children rarely matures into a lifelong passion. For the dedi cated few who take it to the next level, it can become a fundamental part of their life and identity. This is especially true for Trinity Stu dent and professional Irish dancer Anthony O’Connor, who defines Irish dancing as where “sport and art combines.” O’Connor has been involved in the sport since he was four years old, ranking highly on both national and international stages throughout his career. With a glowing resume and an unwav

ering passing for the art form, O’Connor offers many valuable insights into the contemporary world of Irish dancing.

As Irish people continue to em igrate across the globe, the profes sional Irish dancing circuit pro vides an opportunity for the Irish diaspora to remain connected to their cultural heritage. It is clear that Irish dancing is both a uniting force and an important element of identity for the Irish people, some thing highlighted annually by the World Championships, whose participants span from Australia to America.

Loved and Lonely

tired or hungry. We push ourselves to be the best, and in these mo ments we forget about the love and the companionship, suddenly you feel alone, and have to figure out how exactly loneliness fits in with everything else.

The Irish language plays a cen tral role in all competitions with dancers’ identification numbers being called out as Gaeilge first and in English second. O’Connor stresses how integral the Irish lan guage is in solidifying Irish culture and tradition within the circuit: “I definitely feel like there is a strong link with the Irish language and the Irish dancing communi ty itself.” An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha’s small integrations of Gaeilge feed back into the overall air of appreciation and the pro motion of Irish culture. Due to the globalisation of the Irish dancing circuit, English translations only enable accessibility for those who do not encounter the Irish lan guage natively or through formal education.

However, at a professional level the art form extends beyond a cul tural rite of passage and demands an immense amount of training, discipline, consistency and above all else, sportsmanship. O’Connor recounts how “sportsmanship is a really, really big thing. Not show ing good manners on stage will affect your overall marks from the judges. You have to be amicable as well as competitive.” Despite its global span, the Irish dancing circuit is still tight-knit. O’Con nor continues: “If you are friends with someone the same age, there is a chance you will be competing against each other. But you have to remember why you’re there. Com

petition comes first, but amiability and respect are implicit always.” With this sportsmanship comes an intense reliance on friendship and the connections you make with your peers.

In Anthony’s experience, burn out can be a big concern dancers face. In his own experience of trav elling across Ireland and spending several weeks stationed in the Gaiety Theatre after being scouted for Riverdance, emotional strain is inevitable. “You have to travel with a group of people for a long time, they are your only support. You have to face being in unfamil iar places, hotels and buses, all on a continuous loop. You build really intense relationships and connec tions with those people.” O’Connor jokes about the sheer number of “Riverdance Babies” sure to come.

Although most professional dancers work towards bigger com petitions which boast the highest acclaim, it is regional competitions that are integral to maintaining consistent skill, stamina and per formance ability. O’Connor is cur rently immersed in his training for the Leinster Championships in Mullingar, rehearsing four times a week for a minimum of three hours at a time. This does not in clude the weekly “feising” required for his stage practice. Without commitment to the craft, it would be impossible to be successful in any regional, national or world circuit. “Training is sport; it’s all

fitness and discipline. It is just as intense as with any sportsperson.” Skill, discipline and commit ment of course play an enormous part in O’Connor’s success. Yet his passion for performance has been one of his key motivations, as he notes “the music, the costume, performing. That’s art. At the end of the day the sport and discipline is just preparation.” As his relation ship to Irish dancing has changed throughout his life, Anthony ad mits he finds himself drawn back to the art of the dance within his performances. He reminisces on always loving the intricacy of steps, the upbeat music and above all else, his committed teachers. Today, every time he competes “in [his] heart [he] is creating art.”

It is inspiring to see someone so passionate about the commit ment to discipline and the com mitment to performance. From an unassuming Riverdance DVD in his bedroom to Anthony O’Con nor taking the stage himself in award-winning productions, Irish dance has become a passion and profession for the Trinity student. As post-pandemic life returns to normal, the Irish dancing circuit can once again foster immense talent and explore Irish identity on the world stage. If successful in the Leinster Championships, Antho ny will progress onto the World Championships which are being held in Montreal, Canada in April 2023.

College life provides a unique set of experi ences and emotions.

You’re often halfway through an experience before realising this is something your 18-year-old self could have only dreamt of — whether it’s fancy black tie balls, or going swimming with your best mates at 6 am, or even just being able to sit with your friends for the evening and talk. College gifts us a pervasive sense of companionship; you are never too far from friends, and there’s a tangible feeling of we’re-all-in-ittogether. But we soon feel the need to keep up, to do well, to not be the one left behind. We become our harshest critics; for sleeping in, for procrastinating that assignment, for not staying in the library long enough because God forbid we got

Our twenties are scary; we’re confused and excited and worried and young. We’re so young. And yet it feels like this is it, like every thing has to be done right now or else we’re going to be too late. Jobs, exams, internships, relationships — we’re racing against a clock that isn’t even there. Life isn’t set by the time you turn 25, and yet it feels like there are so many milestones to achieve before then, before they disappear and we spend the rest of our lives in regret. However dra matic this may be, it has a very real impact on us and our mindsets. These pressures to have a perfect life are especially intense in col lege, and in final year. Your plate isn’t full unless it’s overflowing. It seems like everyone else is doing it all so much better than you. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by seeing those people who are doing well in their classes, and leading a society, and doing all of their readings, and posting Instagram stories from Vico Baths once a week, and who

party but never seem hungover, and going on dates, and, and , and.

We’re always told to focus on our own path, especially in final year. “Don’t compare yourself to others” we’re told, “everyone’s doing their own thing” they say. But this doesn’t always bring the comfort it is intended to. Having your own path is good, it’s good to be focused and do things dif ferently from your friends. But it can be lonely. When everyone else is seemingly ahead, and there’s no one who knows exactly what you’re feeling, or there’s no friend to turn to and ask how they’re han dling it all, because no one is doing what you are doing. Suddenly you feel strikingly alone. It’s a unique feeling, to be so surrounded at all times, to be so loved and to love so many, and yet to feel so alone.

It’s not loneliness in the typical sense, it’s not sitting in the corner of a dark room not speaking to anyone for days at a time. It’s sit ting around a table with all of your friends and wondering who will stick after college ends, it’s not be ing able to go out because you have a meeting for a society that no one else seems to be involved in, it’s lis tening to everyone talk about their plans for next year and wondering

where on earth you might end up. Will you be starting again, in a new city, with new friends? Should you worry about that? I mean you’ve done it before and it worked out, but you can’t help but worry about it just a little bit. You don’t have to

be alone to be lonely.

This feeling of loneliness is dan gerous, it makes us think back to the what-if and the if-only. If only I had told them how I felt, may be then I’d have someone to talk to now. If only I had started this reading earlier, I would be better at this class. If only I had figured out my career path earlier, I would have better chances for a job now. We torment ourselves because we’re too late, we’re behind. It’s ri diculous. I’m going to say it again but we’re so young. Life isn’t over once we leave College, we will find new people to love and new people to love us, we will find new career paths and new jobs, we will find new reasons to be lonely, but far more reasons to be happy.

I have loved my time here, I am grateful to College for all it has given me. I have wonderful friends who love me, and whom I love so much, even if they are all massive overachievers. Maybe they don’t understand all of what stresses me, but they care enough to try to. That’s what it’s all about, to be loved through loneliness is a remarkable thing. Being on your own is tough, but you will figure it out. And anyways, nobody does all of their readings, right?

Emma Gallagher explores what it means to be lonely in college, and why it’s entirely okay

It’s a unique feeling, to be so surrounded at all times, to be so loved and to love so many, and yet to feel so alone

“

O’Connor stresses how integral the Irish language is to Irishsolidifying culture and tradition within the circuit

“

Too straight for some, too gay for others; A bisexual conundrum

Holly Thompson explores the stigma surrounding bisexuality in Ireland through examining the variety of prejudices members of this community face

There seems to be a myth that bisexual people have the best of both worlds, provided their attraction to men and women simultaneously. Combin ing my own personal experience with the opinions of others who identify with bisexuality, I not only strongly oppose this myth but feel a need to express the contrary. Even in 2022, stigma and stereo types still exist; those who identify as bisexual in actuality are often demonised, face homophobia and/ or are fetishized by heterosexual (and even homosexual) men and women.

It is vital to dispel these myths and prejudices, and this can be achieved through examining the modes of stigma that bisexual peo ple face throughout their life by confronting comments often made regarding their sexuality.

1. Demonisation

“They are doing it for attention”, “They don’t want to admit they are gay”, “They aren’t capable of seri ous relationships”, “They just want to sleep with everyone”.

Bisexual people are met with remarks like these when it comes to their sexual preferences. All of these comments are extremely homophobic and unfortunately far too common. These phrases demonise the bisexual person as an attention-seeking liar or an im pulsive sex maniac, which in turn creates a stereotype that bisexual people are disloyal partners or are incapable of engaging in long-term or monogamous relationships.

2. Ignorance

“You’re confused”, “But I’ve nev er seen you with a boy/girl”, “When did you decide? Are you sure?”

Sexuality can be confusing, there’s no doubt about it — but these questions are never posed to someone who identifies as het erosexual. When directed at those within the bisexual community, re marks regarding lack of assurance on someone’s sexuality are nothing short of ignorant. They also imply

that sexuality is a choice and that it can be measured by assuming one’s sexual experience.

3. Fetishization

“I bet I could change your mind”, “Can I join?”, “You don’t act/look bisexual…”

Objectifying comments with fetishisation in mind can lead someone to question their sexual ity, and in turn their entire iden tity. They also suggest that sexual orientation has a specific look or set of manners that accompany it. These stereotypes are not only frustrating for the individual but are borderline disgusting, and can be uncomfortable for someone to hear when it comes to their sexual preference. It also puts the person under a pressure to look and act a certain way to be validated, instead of promoting a variety of bisexual identification and expression.

I asked a selection of people living in Dublin—what one could consider to be a rather progres sive and liberal capital city—aged between 18 and 24 about their ex periences with openly identifying as bisexual. They were candid and explicit in their personal feelings regarding the topic.

One girl expressed how bisex ual stigma often makes her doubt herself and the legitimacy of her sexual orientation, claiming: “I feel like people don’t take my sex uality seriously because I’ve never slept with a girl.”

Many women from the group in particular mentioned how they felt their sexual identity labelled them as a target for men to ob jectify and fetishise, with several

saying: “I’ve been sexualised my entire life; I just want a serious re lationship” and “when men find out I’m bisexual they always ask if we can have a threesome with an other girl.”

Multiple members from the group recounted times when part ners and strangers alike had made them feel as though their bodies and desires only existed to play into the sexual satisfaction of oth ers. Someone said that they “had friends make homophobic com ments and then try to kiss me at parties.” This occurrence seemed to be a common experience among the group, with another member sheepishly admitting they too “had mates ask to do things with me but promise not to tell anyone after, I hate feeling like an experiment or a secret.”

Most men from the group spoke about feeling a need to prove or justify their sexuality, with one member revealed his frustration in saying that “People don’t take my relationships with women serious ly, they think I’m afraid to come out as ‘fully gay’.”

Some of those discussing bisex uality eloborated on their personal experiences. One girl described a sleepover from her secondary school years: “I was on a sleepover with a friend, we were only 15. We were lying in bed on our phones like we did every sleepover. She told me someone in school told her I was bisexual and then asked me if it was true. I admitted it was and asked if it bothered her. She said no but that night for the first time she slept on the couch. She also never had me over for a sleepover again. She completely stopped talking to me shortly af ter.” This is a prime example of the passive homophobia that Ireland endorses. Are we really as progres sive a country as we think if we still feed into the stigmas that the bisexual person is hopelessly at

tracted to everyone they befriend? This seemingly harmless narrative has catastrophic effects for the sex life of the bisexual individual; their sex life is overshadowed by sexual fantasies and stereotypes, leaving no room for a genuine romantic or sensual connection with their partner and completely dismissing their own sexual needs as they be come a sexual object instead of a sexual being like their partner.

Another member from the group told her tragic story: “Last summer there was this big party. One of my friends was flirting with me. I remember being shocked; I really fancied her at the time but never expressed it assuming she was straight. After a while of backand-forth flirting she finally kissed me and I was thrilled until later that night our friends came up and told me she was only doing it to get her ex-boyfriend’s attention. I asked her if it was true. She said that it was, but I shouldn’t care be cause at least I got to kiss her.”

The bisexual person is often labelled as promiscuous, backed by the strong stereotype of the sexual persuasion of heterosexual friends. Not only does this demo nise the bisexual person but it also transfers the blame from the het erosexual opportunist to the bisex ual target. Stories such as this are often twisted, painting the bisex ual person out to be a womanizer or sexual deviant when the reality is that opportunism is what lies at the other end of the homophobia spectrum.

Others in the group also re counted stories of times they were used by heterosexual people as an instrument to extract jealousy or attention from voyageurs. The men in the group often expressed sentiments of secrecy and shame in their sexual encounters. One guy said: “After spending the night with this guy, I asked him where he saw things going from here.

With complete apathy he told me that although he fancied me back, he would never be seen in pub lic with another guy and asked if we could just sleep together from time to time.” How can the bisex ual individuals take pride in who they are when they are shamed and blamed by people within their own community on top of facing both passive and active homopho bia from heterosexuals? How can they engage in a healthy romantic relationship or respectful sexual relationship when they find them selves being taken advantage of and ultimately alienated?

Enough is enough. Stigma and stereotypes relating to bisexuality need to be abolished in Ireland; these jokes and supposedly harm less stories not only destroy the security and spirit of the bisexual person, but it teaches the younger generations in Ireland that abuse, manipulation and exclusion are acceptable if delivered through the means of a joke or if it is brushed over by being labelled as a norm in our country.

Bisexuality strays away from the idea of having the best of both worlds; instead, many feel as though they are on a different planet altogether. This planet is lonely — people don’t believe you but instead objectify you and de mand justification or evidence of your sexual orientation. No one should ever have to prove or de fend their sexuality, certainly not in this day and age. These stig mas and stereotypes only feed the outdated and perverted narrative that the bisexual exists to sexual ly satisfy others and not to have meaningful relationships of their own. Demonisation, ignorance and fetishization all fall under the umbrella of homophobia. Bisexu ality should be allowed to exist as a valid sexuality, not a shameful conundrum.

Many women from the group in mentionedparticular how they felt their sexual identity labelled them as a target for men to objectify and fetishise

“

PHOTO VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Unravelling the Relationship of Sex and Shame

Cillian Walsh discusses the importance of sexual positivity in conversation with Hollistic sex therapist Jenny Keane

Despite sex being such a common pleasure for many, it isn’t always the most comfortable of topics to discuss openly. This is especially true if you grew up in Ireland, despite sex being a natural human impulse. From a young age this hush-hush attitude surrounding sex only im pairs us from further discovering its powers by attaching feelings of guilt and shame around our sex uality. Whether we like it or not, an active air of silence lingers to avoid judgement from others on what is one of the most personal aspects of ourselves, which in turn only isolates people further. When one experiences sexual issues or questions sexuality, a perception of intolerance results in deep feel ings going unacknowledged, and eventually people feel compelled

to silence, dealing with their issues alone.

Sex is one of our innate human desires. But what happens if you live in a culture that neglects your sexuality? Worryingly, many peo ple learn very little about sex in school or at home.

Trinity News spoke to Jenny Keane, an Irish holistic sex edu cator who hopes to combat this by actively creating open and au thentic conversations surround ing topics such as self-pleasure, sexual well-being and exploration. Known for her engaging work shops, she uses her knowledge and experience to help people connect more with themselves and their bodies. Keane bestowed her ad vice to students in the hope that we can begin to take a more open approach to this core topic.

There are two main approach es to sexual education according to Keane: fear-based and plea sure-based. Unfortunately for us, Irish culture seems to fall into the category of fear. The fear-based approach is centred on risk; be it the risk of catching an STI, or the risk of an unwanted pregnan cy. The underlying emotions at play here are fear, giving impres sionable youth the impression that sex will ruin your life. The underlying message in our culture today is to avoid sex, be scared of sex and know that in your lust and desires, there is something inher

ently wrong. There is no direct ac knowledgement of how to handle sexual issues or deal with risks in choosing a partner.

However, countries like the Netherlands seem to take a dif ferent approach to sex, opting for a pleasure-based view instead. In a positive environment there is a lot more awareness around sexual skills, such as negotiation and em pathy. Keane highlights that ”what empathy does is it allows you to understand another person and the harm that your words could cause to another person.” Delving into the importance of emotional awareness when it comes to sex, Keane says: “It’s really important to be able to look at the whole hu man and see that we aren’t just the physical body; we are emotional, we are social.” This approach helps in turn to create a welcoming, un derstanding society where peo ple feel comfortable in discussing their sexual desires without the stigma or shame that so common ly goes hand in hand with chatting about sex.

Keane opens a much-needed conversation about sex through the work that she does on both social media and in her work shops. Lack of awareness and stig ma against our sexuality means that people don’t even know their options in a lot of situations; as Keane observes: “ [with] no op tions, we discount whatever it is

that we’re feeling because we don’t know how to solve it.” This is a natural human tendency. We all avoid things that we find uncom fortable, in turn undermining our own fears around sex and intima cy as there are no solutions given by anyone to us growing up.

Keane emphasises the reality of Ireland’s sex education as largely fear-based, focusing on inducing fear rather than the actual inter action between people and how to feel pleasure, which involves many valuable skills we neglect to teach. “Sex is all about skills,” she says, and these skills are crucial for a “great sex life.” She continues: “It is not something that we are born with. Communication is not something that we are born know ing how to do. We have to learn those skills. And when we learn those skills, we learn how to apply those skills effectively.”

The nature of how sex is taught and approached in education con tinues to be a controversial issue. In many countries, the roots of sex ual education are firmly stemmed from religious institutions. As is quite clearly the case in Ireland, this approach is often grounded in fear. There is never any acknowl edgement or acceptance of having sex for recreation, which in an era of contraceptives and rapid STI testing is simply anachronistic. Instead, sexual education received in our younger years completely

neglects the rise in sexual positiv ity in the world we are living in. Ireland is, unfortunately, failing to change and adapt with the times.

What makes Keane’s workshops so insightful is her candid ap proach to sex; she thinks of sex in terms of sexual practices, and she teaches this amongst other vital lessons in her workshops. She says: “It’s up to the individual to engage in practice. Nobody is taught how to have sex. We all have innate sex ual desires, but how we deal with them is something we are taught.” When we completely neglect to talk about these topics openly, we interpret sexual messages wrong.

Finally, Keane emphasises the importance of acknowledging your sexual self as much as your emo tional and mental states. She spoke about how in times of emotional or mental stress, “from something as simple as exam season”, the sexual self may experience a lower libido. Keane elaborates: “This is com pletely natural as your sexual ener gy is moved elsewhere. This simple fact combined with the inability to express this feeling can lead people to isolate themselves and internal ize their issues as something wrong with them.” Think to yourself, are your friends feeling the same way? These feelings are entirely normal, and it is vital that we address them in open conversation if we are to move towards a pleasure-based approach to sex.

Dating Apps: the positive and negatives when it comes to the world of online dating

this clumsy dance of courting is made ten times worse by how we originally met.

Ihate online dating. I do not believe that there is anything more soul-crushing than swiping, swiping, swiping, becoming more and more dejected in your search to find The One. Or in some cases, company for the night. Conversations on dating apps are painfully dry and any date that I have gone on that has made it out of the talking phase has been an abject failure in human connection. This complete stranger and I, who have only exchanged awkward pleasantries, must now spend two hours asking about the other’s family and pastimes. For some reason — in my experience anyways —

Running the risk of sounding prudish, I do think that dating apps have led to the proliferation of hook-up culture, which has in turn completely ruined dating in your teens and early twenties. Sex and reciprocal emotional intimacy have become almost mutually exclusive, often at women’s emotional expense. It is not uncommon to experience ghosting after several dates and sexual experiences, which can lead to a lot of hurt and confusing feelings. You’re left questioning what you did wrong. Sex and intimacy are available at the click of a button, leading to more reluctance to commit.

Even though there is always a risk when meeting up with someone that you do not know, this risk is heightened when you are meeting with someone who you have never met face to face before. You haven’t had the opportunity to read them and their vibes, or to see how your gut reacts to them, which is something that is hugely important to listen to. A good rule of thumb is to meet

in public places — tell your friends or family where you’re going and if you get an uneasy feeling, remove yourself from the situation immediately.

Dating apps are helping to create a more superficial world; after all, you mostly swipe left or right based on appearance first, rather than what someone’s biography says. This can lead to self-esteem issues as users may struggle with not feeling conventionally attractive if they find that they are not meeting people on these apps. There is already a huge problem in society when it comes to self-esteem and unattainable beauty standards, and this is made entirely worse by the internet and social media. It can be hard to feel attractive when being bombarded with pictures of beautiful (albeit face-tuned) people and ads for plastic surgery.

Although opinions are mixed on this issue, some say that dating apps are an improved twist on classic dating.

Even though it can seem that dating apps are hindering romantic connections, some people have found success on them. Some of the most solid, loving couples that I know met on Tinder. Amongst

all of the catfish pictures and unsolicited sexual comments, there can be a few hidden gems. In order to avoid the disappointment that seems to plague modern dating, it is important to be honest and open about what you are looking for with your romantic partner as dating is more fluid and subjective than ever.

There are also advantages for marginalised people looking to date. For example, it can be much

harder to meet someone in person if you are a wheelchair/mobility aid user as there are many bars, restaurants and other venues that are inaccessible. For those in the LGBTQ+ community — especially those still in the closet or who are only just out — it can be a good way to further explore their sexuality and to ease themselves into the community rather than immediately going to bars or clubs. People who are more introverted may also find it easier to talk to people online.

All in all, the idea behind dating apps is a noble one. The pursuit of love and connection is never easy and the idea of being able to find it from your couch is especially appealing. Much of technology was created to improve our lives — whether or not this has actually happened is an open question. It can also largely depend on people’s intentions when using these apps. Simply because these matches are available at the touch of a fingertip does not mean that finding love has become easier — after all, finding that someone is only half the work. A true, meaningful connection takes time and effort to form, no matter how you met.

Emma Whitney explores the conflicting feelings that arise from using popular dating apps

People who are more introverted may also find it easier to talk to people online.

“

“ Are Faraway Hills Greener?

Eoghan Conway reviews the vegan and vegetarian dining institution that is Glas

I’ve always been somewhat of a carnivore. Vegetables were reserved as a side dish, the supporting acts to the main feast. If I was to condense my culinary caveats down to two words, they would be carveries and cream. My draw to Chatham Street would be Neary’s pub or as a byroad to head to Bambino, Metro Cafe, or some other institution that can give me greasy gratification.

My menu decisions usually revolve around chicken or beef, never chickpeas or beetroots. That said, I’m not averse to vegetables –well, not totally averse.

My relationship with vegetarianism and veganism is like that of many I feel. Veganuary, maybe I should give that a try, my red meat consumption probably isn’t helping anyone. Sure I can just get my iron from spinach. Should, could and would. Conditionalities, and my love of butter for that matter, always stopped me from making the change. Despite this, to celebrate World Vegan Day, I sent a tokenistic message to my vegan cousin, “Dinner in Glas?”

For those who don’t know, Glas is considered to be the cream of the crop when it comes to vegan and vegetarian dining in Dublin. A slight oxymoron of a sentence, I know. After a swift affirmative response, I had a partner-in-dine acquired and a table booked. But did it meat my expectations?

The three-course set dinner menu costs €49 excluding sides. Sides are an additional €6. It’s somewhat reasonably priced, I feel, for a Michelin guiderecommended restaurant. The drinks menu at Glas is an extensive one: cocktails, cognacs and cabernet sauvignon, they have it all. A cheaper three-course early bird is also available, providing serious value for a locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal spread. Yet I was there for dinner, sides included, no half measures.

Glas is unapologetic when it comes to its decor. Fake candles and false ferns in a place that prioritises produce are an interesting choice. Posters displaying leaves, shrubbery and foliage greet you as you enter. One thing is for certain: this is no steakhouse. A gaudy, boho-chic petal-patterned wallpaper decorates the back wall. This is contrasted by a slick underlit black marble bar top, one manned by a collared mixologist. The toilets are home to a selection of Edward Hopper prints — the

Nighthawks of New York at odds with the diners of Dublin. I don’t know what it was about this Manhattan meets Monaghan garden centre vibe, it shouldn’t really have worked, but it kind of does. Sort of.

My first course was a Beetroot Tartare, one presented in a nouvelle cuisine manner. This was served with a chilled celeriac dashi, a fried seaweed fritter, and a ginger

aioli. The earthy and bitter notes of the beetroot were cut pleasantly by the fiery aioli. The umami-packed dashi provided good soakage for the fritter. The fritter itself added a much-appreciated crunch to the plate, diced beetroot can only do so much. My dining buddy remarked, “Damn, tastes like a spring roll”. Can’t argue with him there. Overall, my starter was very pleasant. Conflicting textures and tastes was the main takeaway. Within minutes our mains arrived. I had opted for the BBQ celeriac. This was served on a bed of sauerkraut with two smoked potato dumplings on each side and a dressing of mustard “caviar.” It was apparent from the get-go that the celeriac was a clear imitation of a steak. If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, this statement, when applied here, does neither fillet steak nor celeriac justice. My main had a distinct and saporous flavour. One I presume imparted using a marinade to give more flavour to the chunky pieces of celeriac before it was seared, giving it this faux meat-esque crust. The mild smoky flavour was ever so slightly overpowered by the acidity of the pickled cabbage and the popping grains of mustard. The potato dumplings added a nice bit of substance to the main course, yet fell victim to the sharp juices of the sauerkraut. If the intention was smoked potato dumplings, the end result was ones that were sour and saturated. Side dishes of patatas bravas, tossed in a paprika salt and served with saffron aioli, as well as sautéed chard with smoked almonds, were hard to fault.

My dessert was a multi-faceted plate consisting of poached quince, a coffee crémeux, a ginger sablé and a chestnut caramel bonbon. It was clear that each element, when tasted alone, had been thoughtfully constructed. Rich quince, bittersweet crémeux, crumbly sablé and a textured bonbon. However, when tried together, the dish was elevated. Each element played its

part to deliver a showstopping performance. We knock back the rest of our screw top pinot noir and bounce.

I think Glas is a bit like that vegan mate after a heavy night out of drinking as they sit in a McDonald’s. Looking on as their mates devour chicken nuggets, unsure of where their priorities lie. Should Glas stay true to its literal and metaphorical roots, valuing produce and a commendable ethos, or is Glas a chameleon, there to mimic non-vegan/vegetarian dishes offering viable alternatives to their meat counterparts? The words caviar, carpaccio, and terrine wouldn’t spring to mind when I think vegan or vegetarian, yet they all appear on the menu.

At the end of the day, it is a Michelin guide-recommended restaurant for a reason. The experience, the motivations and the level of experimentation are all highly commendable. It’s a green flag for Glas in this department. More places need to try and appeal to the masses and ensure that vegan and vegetarian dishes are not just a side thought for that one customer who is viewed as difficult and virtuous. As I tap my phone to pay for the meal, the Revolut notification bings, “Paid Just Legumes Ltd.” In fairness, I think to myself, they have done those legumes justice. Did I leave looking like the Michelin tyre man, elated and full after a big feed? Not exactly. But would I go back? Probably. Maybe far-away hills are greener after all – even if those hills are right on your doorstep and are more like vegetable patches.

“

My menu decisions usually revolve around chicken or beef, never chickpeas or beetroots. That said, I’m not averse to vegetables – well, not totally averse

More places need to try and appeal to the masses and ensure that vegan and vegetarian dishes are not just a side thought for that one customer who is viewed as difficult and virtuous

PHOTO VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Crossword

CROSSWORD BY RANDAL HENLY FOR TRINITY NEWS

Across

1. It’s at the North side of Front Square (6)

4. It’s at the South side of Front Square (4,4)

8. University town in Co. Kildare (8)

9. An Irish county from Yoma (4)

10. Such a centre is vertically above the focus of an earthquake (3)

11. The god of love found in London’s Piccadilly (4)

12. The mighty biblical hunter who was changed into a constellation at his death (5)

13. Dublin’s tram system (4)

15. Thomas Alva, renowned American inventor (6)

16. English inventor of the atmospheric engine, and after whom a Dublin canal bridge is named (8)

18. An admiral at the back (4)

20. A vein of metal ore, which with stone is magnetic (4)

21. Own up and allow in (5)

23. From Scenese, it’s an extract from plants and used as flavouring (7)

26. Planetary or satellite paths (6)

27. Relating to the capital of Greece (8)

29. Information technology in Trinity (2)

30. Such a gas was discovered by John Dalton; alternatively a bishop after whom a library near St Patrick’s Cathedral is named (5)

32. Seaport on the coast of Morocco (6)

33. Charles Stewart, Irish politician of Home Rule League leader, and after whom a Dublin street is named (7)

34. A door lock from a famous American university (4)

Down

1. Off which is the main entrance to TCD (7,5)

2. You’ll find the the side entrance to College here (6,6)

3. And you’ll find the back entrance here (7,5)

4. The gradual destruction of something by natural elements (7)

5. Very pale from shock or fear and strangely also from Hanes (5)

6. The book repository at the far end of College (8,7)

7. An Irish county from Solia! (5)

14. Short amusing or interestingstories about a person or incident (9)

17. Ernest, Nobel recipient and long-time professor of physics in TCD (6)

19. Morning time in the campus (2)

22. The hospital on 3 down (6)

24. It’s represented in Roman mythology as a man with goat’s ears, tail, legs and horns (5)

25. Ammonia’s formula (3)

28. Jelly-like substance obtained from seaweeds and used in biology department (4)

30. 1001 in 6 down (2)

31. An informal greeting in an achievement (3)