The University Express Vol.23 Issue 3

University Volume 24 | Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019

Express UCCExpress.ie

Scientists in Cork Discover Aspirin-Ulcer Cure

Writes Maeve O’Sullivan, Deputy News Editor A new study followed out by APC Microbiome Ireland in Cork has shown that bifidobacteria, which is found in the guts of newborns, can prevent and heal ulcers caused by the painkiller aspirin, despite declining as age occurs.

This is a continuation of a previous study, which found the same bacteria could be found to produce a protective protein which promotes the healing of the intestinal epithelial lining.

Aspirin is a commonly used drug to help in the relief in pain and in the prevention of heart disease and strokes. However, the nature of the drug can be tough on the stomach lining and lead to intestinal damage, and subsequently, ulcers.

Lecturer Profile

Page 4 News

The research was carried out in a four-way collaboration among clinicians at the Cork’s Mercy Hospital under the direction of Dr Martin Buckley, investigators at Cork’s APC Microbiome Ireland led by Fergus Shanahan, local company Atlantia Food Clinical Trials and the multinational biosciences company Chr Hansen.

“Although prior studies have described stomach damage from aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first trial to record a detailed time-course of aspirin-induced, small-intestinal damage. Even more impressive was the subsequent reversal of the damage by the bifidobacterium that could be added as a natural supplement to the diet of patients on long-term

aspirin,” said Dr Martin Buckley.

“This case study is an excellent example of a collaboration between an SFI Research Centre, APC Microbiome Ireland, an innovative Irish SME, Atlantia Food Clinical Trials, multinational biosciences company Chr. Hansen and the Mercy University Hospital” said Prof Fergus Shanahan, Principal Investigator APC Microbiome Ireland. “The four partners collaborated synergistically to deliver a high-quality clinical study, which could not have been carried out by the teams individually.”

Erasmus Guide

How To French Toast

Page 10 Features

“Atlantia is one of the world’s leading multicentre, multinational trial facilities specialising in food and nutraceutical clinical trials. Our highly trained and experienced teams enable us to conduct and

Page 21 Byline

manage complex studies across all health areas for our growing global customer base. To be involved in a clinical programme with Chr. Hansen, that has such a potentially large benefit to people everywhere, is a great testament to the quality of the research Atlantia provided, coupled with the commitment of the Chr. Hansen team,” said Andrea Doolan, CEO, Atlantia Food Clinical Trials.

The research is published in the prestigious journal, Gastroenterology (the highest impact journal in gastrointestinal science).

Prof Shanahan said a larger study is underway and it is hoped a product containing Bifidobacterium will go on general sale within the next three years.

Cork GAA

Page 40 Sport

Editorial

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Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief – Ciaran Dineen (Editor@UCCExpress.ie) News Editor – Samantha Calthrop (News@UCCExpress.ie) Designer – Fiona Cremins (Design@UCCExpress.ie) Features Editor – Róisin O’Donnell (Features@UCCExpress.ie) Sports Editor – Jack Maguire (Sport@UCCExpress.ie) Opinion Editor – Elisha Carey (Opinion@UCCExpress.ie) Online Editor – Edel Lonergan (Online@UCCExpress.ie) Proof Editor - Chloe Jesse (Proofing@uccexpress.ie) Marketing Executive – Ciaran Dineen (Marketing@UCCExpress.ie) Webmaster – Jonathan Hanley (Webmaster@UCCExpress.ie) Photographers – Caoimhe Leahy, Eve Harrington (Photographers@uccexpress.ie) Byline Editor – Cian McGrath (Byline@UCCExpress.ie) (Deputy Editor) Eagarthóir Gaeilge – Hugh Ó Raghallaigh Mac Gearailt (Gaeilge@UCCExpress.ie) Food & Health - Katie Kelly (Food@UCCExpress.ie) Arts & Literature Editor – Fiona Keely (Arts@UCCExpress.ie) Gaming Editor – Jack Coleman (Gaming @UCCExpress.ie) Music Editor – Fiona O’Connell (Music@UCCExpress.ie) Film & Television Editor – Eoghan Creedon (Screen@UCCExpress.ie) Sexpress Editor – Caoimhe Battault (Sexpress@uccexpress.ie) Fashion Editor - Katie Burke (Fashion@UCCExpress.ie) Deputy Sports - Sam Curtin (Deputysports@uccexpress.ie) Deputy News Maeve O’Sullivan Deputynews@uccexpress.ie) Deputy Features - Molly O’Rourke (Deputyfeatures@uccexpress.ie)

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Ups and Downs Writes Ciaran Dineen, Editer-in-Chief For many people life is a struggle and sometimes, no matter how hard we try there is always something that seems to knock us for six. College life brings with it many ups and downs and it can be hard to see the wood for the trees.

Ordinarily I would not feel the need to discuss such a topic but I find myself on this occasion bleeding my heart out following a tough week where my family and I sadly lost a beloved pet. The moment has rocked all of us to our core and we find ourselves on the floor, trying to drag each other up.

Rationality can go out the window when you aren’t thinking straight and if you’re on your own this can lead you to moments where your finger is hovering over the self-destruct button. It is only at the precipice where you discover who you are and what path you will then take.

Sometimes even in these instances we fail to deliver, through no fault of our own, and having support around us in times of need is crucial. The week just gone saw World Mental Health Day come and go, and the outpouring of goodwill was striking, with an incredibly moving display from the British media during a set of ad breaks making a big impact.

Only you can understand how you feel deep down and it’s important at such an early stage in your life that you learn to be good to yourself, even though you feel like you may not deserve it. I have done that exact thing in this editorial, for anyone confused here’s a clue, Mona Simpson.

Putting yourself first may not always be the right thing to do, and yet sometimes there is simply nothing more important than doing the very thing. You may even come to realise that there are far worse ways of applying yourself.

Happiness is central to everything that is positive in our lives, so it’s time to take stock of what puts us in a space of exaltation, and try to utilise it at every possible opportunity, because…you deserve to be happy.

In this week’s edition we have another lecturer profile coming your way, with a fascinating insight into Donald Trump’s Presidency. With the World Cup in Japan in full swing we bring you some info on Japanese delicacies available in Cork, while our Film & TV Editor reviews the most talked about film out there today, Joker.

Every two weeks until December we will publishing a new edition and we are always looking for enthusiastic writers to come forward and show us what they have! Don’t be afraid to contact myself or any of our editors! We don’t bite, I promise.

Rest Easy, Love Ciaran.

editor@uccexpress.ie

Can Scientists Write?

Writes Samantha Calthrop, News Editor Quite a lot of people assume I’m studying English, or perhaps politics, as the news editor of the Express. If you care to get into student media, you find that most do arts. And it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest that arts students tend to be more enthusiastic, better writers. Not that SEFS students are less literate (I hope), simply that the arts students are far better prepared to be able to research, express and justify their opinions and thoughts. Many would disagree with me, though. SEFS students view arts as a doss that goes on the #6 of your CAO list. (I study ecology and environmental biology, if you were wondering.)

Certainly the scientific community has no reverence of the arts. Cold, hard data with cold, hard value is what the sciences are all about; the softer, wishy-washier stuff is where spare taxpayer money goes, if there is any. And I get it. I study ecology. If you ask me what matters more, curing cancer or studying the undertones of social progression in a book from 1500 AD, I’d probably go for the former. If I wasn’t interested in cold hard data I’d be having a hard time in my field of study. (It’s hard enough as it is.)

What gets me, though, is the idea that the arts doesn’t matter. Where is the role of art, literature and thought in a world full of political turmoil, climate disaster and social inequality?

The answer is everywhere. It’s impossible to study anything in the world that matters without getting to the wishy-washy questions: Is this the right thing to do? Is this worth it? Why should anyone care?

There’s just one point I can remember from college where something like this has come up; in first year, in the middle of a physical chemistry lecture on the Haber-Bosch process, used for the synthesis of ammonia. The lecturer took five minutes out of his lecture to talk about Fritz Haber, known as the father of chemical warfare, the mind behind weaponised chlorine gas and a contributor to many poisons and explosives. Our lecturer made the point of telling us: “Your work doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Whatever you discover, make sure it’s for good.”

I wonder who in the room needed those five minutes. I wonder who needed more.

For those of us who study technology or get into business, it’s far too easy to forget that commerce affects the poor, that science needs to reach the ignorant, and that the way people think and feel is going to have effects on all of us. We can’t discount the power of the arts, the pure studies of thinking and feeling.

I try to minimise the amount my personal opinions affect this news section, but I’ll tell you here in my editorial: the budget, medical research, and even new food technology all have some complicated morals behind them. Don’t forget to think about them.

news@uccexpress.ie #uccexpress

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

News

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Tyre Safety Day: Is it time to €10 million Euro given to UCC for vegan food research ‘get a grip’?

Writes Maeve O’Sullivan, Deputy News Editor

Motorists were urged by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to check their tyres as part of ‘tyre safety day’, which took place on Wednesday 9th October as part of Irish Road Safety Week. The reminder came from the collaboration with the RSA, An Garda Siochána and the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA). Motorists can call in to any ITIA dealer for a free tyre pressure check and tread depth inspection.

Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA, said, “Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car, van, or SUV and the road, and yet their importance to a vehicle’s safety and fuel economy is often overlooked. RSA research shows that there is no component in your vehicle that is as likely to contribute to a crash as your tyres. It was found that tyres were a contributory factor in an average of 14 roads deaths per year.”

She added, “Each month 8,500 vehicles are classified as being dangerously defective for ‘Tyre Tread’ and ‘Tyre Condition’ across the NCT and CVRT testing systems. Driving on dan-

gerous or under-inflated tyres puts your life and the lives of other road users at risk so don’t wait until your NCT comes around to check the health of your tyres, get to an ITIA dealer this week.”

Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan, National Roads Policing Bureau, An Garda Síochána, said: “Defective tyres are a serious risk to yourself as the driver and your passengers. Gardaí encounter many tragedies on Irish roads and have to deal with people who have suffered serious life changing injuries. Many of these can be avoided if your vehicle is roadworthy and you drive within the speed limit. Have your tyres checked regularly, reduce your speed and together we can make the roads safer. Members of the Roads Policing Units across the country will be mounting roadside checks in conjunction with Road Safety Authority Vehicle Inspectors checking tyres on cars, trucks and buses at the roadside on the 9 October 2019. If you are found to be driving a vehicle with defective tyres you could face up to 4 penalty points if convicted and a fixed penalty of up to €120.”

Writes Maeve O’Sullivan, Deputy News Editor

Between the European Commission (€8.2m) and its industry partners (€1.4m), UCC has been granted €9.6 million for research to investigate the use of by-products from crops such as grain, barley and wheat, which are often left wasted after the production of foods like pasta, bread, and beer. They plan to re-use these by-products for the creation of new ingredients.

The research, titled ‘Smart Protein’, is composed of a collection of EU initiatives such as the leading project PROTEIN (Personalized Nutrition for Healthy Living). This is an initiative to use artificial intelligence in order to assist people in making healthier dietary choices.

Additionally, the planned research will also see into CO2 and the agricultural systems that produce it and see if a reten-

tion was possible. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that in large amounts is putting the environment under serious pressure, especially in the melting ice caps and rising sea levels.

January of next year will see the research beginning, with the new foods and ingredients expected to be available to purchase by the year 2025.

Project leader Dr Emanuele Zannini of UCC’s School of Food and Nutritional Sciences spoke of the potential for the project.

He said, “Ireland is the last place you’d think of for this kind of change of direction in food production.”

“It’s the black sheep in Europe for its meat and dairy carbon footprint, but I saw that as an opportunity.”

In This Issue....

Features Final Year Fears Page 7 Music Luke Faulkner Review Page 25 Sexpress Sex History: The Curragh Wrens Page 29 Fashion Hannah Ennis Interview Page 32 Arts & Literature Seen Not Heard Page 35

News

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Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Lecturer Profile: Dr Vittorio Buffacchi Dr. Vittorio Buffacchi is a senior lecturer of political philosophy at UCC, researching the political philosophy of issues such as social justice, inequality, and democracy. However, Dr. Buffacchi is also a prolific writer, writing for RTE, the Irish Examiner, and the Guardian on the topic of modern politics. As an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, I reached out to Dr. Buffacchi to talk to him about the most recent scandal: the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

Writes Samantha Calthrop, News Editor A leaked phone call between Trump and the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, had Trump urging Ukraine to investigate his rival in the upcoming presidential election, Joe Biden; shortly afterwards, Trump withdrew military aid to Ukraine, thought to be a threat to Ukraine to encourage them to comply. A whistleblower report implicated Trump in a widespread abuse of power, backed and corroborated by ‘half a dozen’ US officials. The White House has formally refused to cooporate with the inquiry, leading to the current frenzy, with Trump throwing allegations of ‘witch hunts’ and bias on twitter as his government largely rallies around him. The mounting evidence of Trump’s attempts to coerce Ukraine are undeniable, but supporters argue that his actions were, and have been, entirely justified.

I wanted to ask you about the impeachment, and what you think.

There is a risk with impeachment. I think it’s a necessary tool, but you have to be judicious in how you use it. You’re not just attacking a person, you’re possibly attacking an office. Democracy only works if there is trust in the system. Impeachment is saying, ‘We don’t have trust in the president’. There is a risk that that is interpreted as, “we can’t have trust in the [position] of the president”. Trust is extremely fragile; we need it, and it can be undermined overnight. There is a risk that, by trying to impeach an individual, you’re harming the architecture of trust in a democracy. It should be there, as a last resort.

And it really needs to be a last resort. If people think it’s being

used to score political points, they’re going to lose faith in politics. So there is a bigger question here, I think, right now, with populism— with people like Trump and Boris Johnson— you want people to trust the system.

There seems to be a lot of evidence against Trump in this case. Do you think this might actually be the end of him, or will his denial win out again?

There is going to be a presidential election in the US in November 2020, 12 months from now.

My theory is that Trump will be re-elected. This is not as surprising as it may appear, after all, no-one thought Trump was going to make it in 2016, but he did. And if he can do it once, as an outsider, he can certainly do it again, from the privileged position of being in the White House.

I don’t know whether it will go through or not. I think it has more to do with presidential elections.

Last time there was an impeachment inquiry was with Bill Clinton, who lied to the American people…In fact, Clinton gained from it. His popularity went up, rather than down, as a consequence of the inquiry. So impeachment can backfire. It can fire up people to come and support the power base.

With Clinton, we see an interesting example of when an inquiry, led by the republicans, played into the hands of Clinton, who was re-elected. A lot of people think he will be re-elected; I mean, it’s outrageous, but it’s outrageous he got elected in the first place.

It seems to be controversy that got him elected in the first place, so it makes sense that controversy would prop him up further?

We must brace ourselves for four-more years of White House madness. But on the positive side, there is a new generation of politicians in America who are formidable, fearless, and overall fantastic. One above all the others: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

I recommend everyone reading this interview to remember her name.

With the American electorate, the turnout is low, usually below 50%. Elections are won or lost on the ability to get new people to come out. Obama did that very well. He managed to get the African-American vote, and the young vote, and by doing that, he brought a new slice of the electorate, and that got him over. With Trump, there is a big section of American society that has never voted because they felt they were not represented. That’s kind of the nasty side of America. And those are people that, before, would not have voted, because they would have thought, “There’s no point. There’s no one that speaks our language, our language of anti-immigration and of white supremacy.” And it’s a big electorate. So he’s managed to get them out to vote. The more you impeach him, the more they’ll come out and vote. Which is why I think he’ll be re-elected.

You say you don’t feel the impeachment will go through.

The other thing is, and this is Clinton’s famous quote, “It’s the econ-

I think the Democratic Party also knows that he will be re-elected, hence the impeachment inquiry.

It is a last, desperate attempt to derail the inevitable. I don’t think it will work, in fact ultimately it may even be to Trump’s advantage, as it will fire-up his power base. You could almost say that a lot of people in the US voted for Trump precisely because he is not afraid to do or say the things that other presidents would not dare do or say, so again this impeachment could play in his hands.

omy, stupid”. If the economy is strong, the president will be re-elected. And the economy is strong. Now, people are saying it’s about to tank, but it hasn’t.

Between now and next November, anything can happen.

He’s de-regulated the economy, which is what people want.

But, as I say, I have great faith in AOC. I think she’s phenomenal. She’s a voice we haven’t heard in a long time in politics…I mean, we’re talking about the social vote, and how big is that in America? But people like her give me hope. Not just in American politics, but generally. As a new way of doing politics.

Trump is where we are, but the fact that someone like her can be elected gives me hope.

It gives you more hope about the voters than the politicians themselves, then?

At the moment, people look at the extremes. It was always an assumption-- that has been true, certainly of Irish politics-- that the votes are in the middle. It’s a bell-shaped curve. In the middle you have a lot of votes, centre right, centre left, and then not many at extremes. But it’s almost upside-down at the moment. I think Hilary Clinton was the wrong candidate for the election. She was too moderate.

If Sanders had a go, he might do better. Oddly, people who wanted to vote for Sanders voted for Trump. They represented a radical change. You can be radical in either way, and people wanted a radical change.

Clinton really represented the status quo, and this idea of political dynasties, which doesn’t go down well with people. She’s very competent, but the wrong person at the wrong

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

time. In a different time, we’ll never know. But because it’s a question of extremes at the moment. AOC has people because she speaks to a certain extreme. I think the reason I think extremes are becoming more relevant now is because we have reached the level of equality that pushes people.

The economy has changed fundamentally. Even one generation ago, [anyone] could have a full-time job with a pension.

Now, it’s all contract positions.

People will have many different jobs and they’re all going to be precarious. That’s a fundamental change. And it’s scary.

It’s taking a total gamble.

You write about the age of “post-truth” in modern politics, which ties in very much with the current scandal. Could you explain a little more about that?

Post-Truth is a murky concept.

It refers to a dismissive attitude towards objective facts.

The ‘post’ in post-truth does not indicate a chronological sequence, a moment after a specified situation or event, as in post-natal or post-surgery, instead ‘post’ here indicates that a certain idea or phenomenon (in our case ‘truth’) has become redundant and therefore can safely be discarded. In politics, Post-truth is a deliberate strategy aimed at creating an environment where objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion, and where historical and scientific truth is delegitimized. In this sense post-truth is much more serious than a lie. We know that some politicians lie to us, but whenever someone tells a lie, they know deep-down that there is a truth, although they choose to ignore it. Post-truth is an attempt to delegitimize truth altogether, which makes it much more dangerous than a lie.

You’ve tied Trump to Brexit and to the climate crisis in a culture of misinformation.

How did we get this far?

How indeed. Clearly the rise of populism has contributed to the present culture of misin-

formation, and it is not a coincidence that the political Tsunami of Trump and Brexit on both sides of the Atlantic are prime examples of populist politics. But to explain why post-truth is so prominent today we first need to explain populism. In other words, populism has provided fertile ground for post-truth to grow, but what is the cause of populism in the first place? Following in the footsteps of Marx, I think we should look for an answer in changes in the economic base of our society.

Over the last 70 years inequality has increased exponentially, the gap between the ‘have’ and the ‘have-nots’ becoming wider every year. And on top of that, the nature of our labour has changed.

Zero-hour contracts are the norm today, people live a much more precarious existence, because they have precarious jobs. Populism is the political manifestation of desperation, and posttruth the off-spring of populism.

Does the truth have any place

News tyrants and other unscrupulous politicians rightly fear the competition of a coercive force they cannot monopolize. Persuasion and violence can destroy truth, but truth cannot be replaced.

You’ve made comparisons between Trump and the writings of Cicero, a research speciality of yours. Could you explain a little about that?

Not many people have heard of the Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43BC), let’s just say he is not a household name. Cicero is not even taught in many philosophy departments around the world, but I believe he is seriously underrated, and that today we need him more than ever. Which is why I teach a 2nd year undergraduate course on his political thought!

Consider this: populism was rampant in Ancient Rome at the time of Cicero, and Cicero rightly considered populism the major threat to the Roman Re-

“The more you impeach him, the more they’ll come out and vote.

Which is why I think he’ll be re-elected.” here— and, indeed, in modern politics any more?

Truth always has a place in politics, and America is not an exception. And while truth has taken a bit of a battering in recent years, this should only alert us to the fact that we must never take anything for granted in politics, and that we have to fight for what we believe in. The enemy of decency in politics is not Trump, or right-wing extremism, but political apathy.

On truth and politics I think the philosopher Hannah Arendt is unsurpassed. She says that those who preach post-truth feel threatened by truth, therefore they go out of their way to undermine or emasculate truth. She has a wonderful way of putting it: “truth has a despotic character”. What she means by this is that truth cannot be controlled, cannot be tamed, which is why

public - Rome’s own attempt at a democracy. Cicero defended the rule of law, the separation of powers, and he fought against those populist adversaries who tried to usurp power and turn Rome into a dictatorship. In some ways history risks repeating itself. Our modern democracy in the West is very young, if we consider the end of the second world war as its starting point. A mere 75 years. The Roman Republic lasted more than 500 years, and yet it came to an end during Cicero’s lifetime, notwithstanding his efforts. We must not make the same mistake, we must not let populism and post-truth win, and Cicero may just be the person to help us defend our democracy.

You’re a professional academic; what draws you to write for newspapers?

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If I write an academic paper, it takes… anything between 18 months and 5 years. And then you publish it in a philosophy journal, and realistically, it’ll be read by...10 people? 20, 30? I can write a piece for the Examiner or the Times that takes me 2 hours and it’s read by thousands of people. So it’s instant gratification! What I do is I summarise, in simple language, the stuff I work on academically, so the piece in the Sunday Business Post (on inequality in ireland) is a summary of an academic paper I’ve been working on for two years, so I just stepped away the footnotes and just summarised.

So as far as im concerned im not doing extra work but I’m reaching a wider audience.

Now, I also think that there is a duty to do something like that, because I am paid by the taxpayer, that’s where my salary comes from. So the question is what am I doing for the taxpayer, so I am doing my teaching and research, but if I can circulate my research more widely and give back to the taxpayer…. you know.

What would you say to someone who argued that philosophy is not useful, not relevant?

Even though it’s invisible, the way that society is shaped, it has a philosophical connotation. Just this morning I was giving a lecture of neoliberalism. The free market taking over society, that starts with a philosopher in the 1940s who was a big influence on Mrs. Thatcher, just like the Chicago School was an influence on Regan, also influenced by this philosopher. People don’t realise it, but the way that we think about society, that way that we organise society, our expectations for a just society… It was a philosopher that got the ball rolling. I think we fool ourselves if we believe it’s all a technical matter, we’re economists who decide on purely mathematical grounds… There is philosophy in economics, there is a philosophy in mathematics.

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Features

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Is The Standard For Women in Technology Dropping?

Writes Róisin O’Donnell, Features Editor This is a controversial question but one that needs to be asked. The tech industry despite being one of the most innovative industries in the world is stuck in the 1900s.

Only 7% of tech positions in Europe are filled by women there has been efforts to change this statistic. The diversity movement surrounding the Technology field is focused on finding women – any women and multi-cultural men.

This is a contrast to industries that came over the gender hurdle a decade ago and are consciously trying to find both men and women from different backgrounds.

Science, the leaving cert showed no evidence of interest in tech.

The piece of paper highlights an examinee’s memorisation of secondary school subjects, most of which will be never touched on in a technology degree again.

Returning to image, the data cannot be disputed. According to a survey by the Guardian, 73% of workers in tech fields believe the technology workplace is sexist. Getting the job is not the real challenge for women. It is staying in the role, facing the maternity leave issues and facing the obvious gender gap every day. In colTech is a male-dominated indus- lege, most women studying tech try, that’s no secret. In the last get introduced to this male-domfew years measures have been inated culture taking place, the taken to change the image of the elite brogrammers’ club. With workers inside the walls of a bi- the high makeup of computers nary factory. No more very male course being male, it is not sursweaty geek with glasses, right? prising a guy can move through Images are hard to shake, espe- his degree without working or cially ones that have been built chatting with a female in his disup by years of media typecast- cipline. And that coupled with ing, lack of role models and the the programmer image painted diluted facts surrounding what onto men equates to some men mysterious magic happens at the walking out of college not sure hands of a ‘computer magician’. how to interact towards and work In the college environment, it is with women in their field. This not a surprise for any female who isolating bubble has contributed walks into her latest Java lecture to reports and rumours around to see rows and rows of guys and Technology courses such as those maybe one or two girls, if every- in UCC and CIT of inapproprione decides to show up. There ate sexual behaviour – not just are not a lot of us female types. to girls but to other males too.

Due to that small percentage that What prompted this Feature was make up those types companies the questions rotating like a carare lined up outside the campus ousel in my head. These questions door waiting to fill the gender were brought to light for me at a gap in their business. All they Woman in Tech event that I atneed is the word female and a de- tended, run by a high-ranking gree. This is very apparent in the company that will remain namescholarships given out in insti- less. At the start of this event, I tutions like CIT from big named stood in a group of other young companies. The requirements for women eating triangle sandwichthese scholarships often are be- es, mingling. One of the workers ing female and having the highest from the company running the leaving cert points in the college event approached us. She was in IT class. It is not a hard feat when support and after the usual pleasthe competition is against your- antries of ‘What course are you self and a handful of others. Up doing?’ she had this piece of ‘wisuntil the latest addition to the dom’ to pass onto us. ‘Women are Irish Leaving cert, Computer better at programming than men.’

I froze, not out of excitement like some of the girls making up the group but out of disgust. That was the last thing I wanted to hear at a Women in Tech talk. I wanted to be equal, not better. And if I was going to be better, I wanted to achieve that status based on how hard I worked and the knowledge I built up, not with something I had no control over like what gender I identified as. It felt like a slap in the face to my modules.

what I was expecting. Women who worked in the building as human resources and secretaries populated the panels as women in tech, bar one that spoke about her programming experience and achievements in her field. The event, it soon became clear, was pushed towards uncertain Arts students not studying tech. The majority of the panel’s histories and their five hour championing of Arts degrees pointed to this.

One of the highlights was supposThat woman’s statement is part edly, a human resources woman of the huge issue when it comes telling her backstory: turning her to blurry descriptions of the effort unrelated degree into an opporinvolved in a technology course. tunity to work in a tech building.

It is not just pushing a button and She then went on to tell a story hoping something will work – about her interviewing people most of the time. A girls who code for a position at company. The blogger puts this perfectly, ‘Cod- female interviewee was applying is a lot of work, so get ready to ing for a technical role but when develop some grit… as I listened asked did she know about this to the students complain about concept, this method she said no, the workload, I realized that many and when asked could she do this had not been prepared for this.’ or that, she replied the same, no.

Most importantly, whatever hard The interviewee then added what work anyone puts into their course we all do when our experience should be acknowledged awarded does not fit the part-time sales and encouraged. It is about what job we are applying for during the you put into your course and how summer break, ‘but I could learn much of yourself you give over. it.’ The human resources woman interviewed a man for the same The day at the tech talk did not role. He knew all the answers to get better. The freebies on offer the questions, he had the experithat everyone brings a second ence. So who do you think, reader bag for, was just pink makeup got the job? He didn’t. The womwith the company’s logo slapped an did because she was honest. across it. I understand a lot of Was the man honest? He knew girls liked this, but I could not the answers to all her questions… shake wanting to be equal. I did and therefore was not honest? not want to be different. Why So what does the tipink? Why makeup? Because we tle woman in tech mean? are girls is the only answer that A woman under the roof of a can be given and that is weak and tech building? A woman that pathetic. At other tech events, works with technology? A womthe company notebook is a stable an who knows how to code? freebie, pens, rulers, brochures Or one that proudly sports the – but when women go about ‘I-can-not-be-bothered’ badge? their studies, I guess lip balm helps more than a pen and paper.

The line-up of speakers was not

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Features

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Final Year Fears Writes Molly O’Rouke, Deputy Features

Ah, final year. It represents many things; the end of an era, the start of our next adventure, a time to knuckle down and actually start studying. Above all though, it marks a time of stress and uncertainty for the future. Gone are our carefree days of skipping lectures, attending every social event possible and banging out essays the night before they’re due. Now our lives consist of grad fairs, applications and the dreaded question of “what are your plans for next year?”. These seven words are enough to strike fear and panic into the hearts of many final year students. We are on the cusp of making a significant life transition, from student to fully-fledged adult (apart from those going straight into a Masters). It reminds me of the transition from secondary school to university; although there is still one major difference. While the sixth year to college change is definitely an overwhelming time in many lives, there still remains an element of certainty, a path to follow. Most students arrive into college with a clear route – attend some lectures, answer some MCQs, have a busy social life and maybe even go abroad for a year.

ture of final year. One such panic that seems to revel in my fear is the thought “Am I even doing the right degree?”. Never mind that I have loved the last three years of my degree, or that I am sure in my module choices for fourth year. None of that matters when this thought rises up, crushing all possibilities of productivity for a while. As if these fears weren’t enough to be coping with, final year students still have to juggle all the other aspects of college life. Assignments, part-time jobs, extra-curriculars and Netflix are all fighting for commitment, battling it out with online aptitude tests and recruitment fairs. A research survey conducted in Scotland showed that, for 75% of final year students, career prospects after graduation were the biggest source of stress, second to 90% who say dissertations and final year projects are the main sources.

the salary offered? Or my parents’ expectations? Or do I take the easiest option? It is ultimately a huge decision to make, and I sometimes feel that twenty-one is too young to be making such a life-changing decision. This time next year I could be working for a huge multinational firm, making strategic decisions that could have a significant impact on the company’s performance; yet right now I still call my dad when the engine light comes on in my car.

Our early twenties are a strange time in this respect; we are not planted firmly in the adult world yet are expected to be wholly independent and responsible.

talks from established firms and advice meetings. All these tasks accumulate into a constant, nagging fear in the back of our minds; a voice that rejoices in making us feel lost and helpless. We look on with envy as first-years chatter about County Colours in The Rock or student Race Days, remembering a time when we were so flippant about attending lectures.

While the final year fears are an inevitable part of your degree, it is important to enjoy your last year as a student too. Meet with the UCC Careers Office to talk through your options and get valuable advice. Attend recruitment events with an open mind.

At this time of year, many final Stick with your friends, that asstudents spend their precious signment will still be there if you time researching and applying to take an hour off to grab a coffee, grad schemes. We fill out form af- and they are probably experiencter form, spouting all sorts of non- ing the same stress. If you do find sense to prove we are the perfect yourself feeling completely overcandidate for this highly sought whelmed with stress and anxiety, The multitude of options avail- position. We battle it out online, do not hesitate to contact the UCC able to graduates is a sign of the answering real-life questions and Student Health Centre to make growing economy and Irish stu- aptitude tests, all in the hopes an appointment and talk to somedents are fortunate to have so that we will have a defined plan by one. Remember, every graduate many different choices available. the time our exams roll round in out there has gone through this, Completing a Masters, work- May. The desire to work in a large and it will all come to an end! ing with a leading Irish or in- multinational is often overshadternational company, or head- owed by the overwhelming need UCC offers a free counselling sering abroad to work, there are so for certainty after graduation. vice in the Student Health CenThis time, however, that single path many opportunities for graduates No, I don’t see myself climbing tre. To make an appointment has turned into a terrifying maze, nowadays. This is another fac- the corporate ladder of an Italian you can drop into their buildwith multiple paths to be chosen. tor that contributes to the final analytics company, but I’m still ing on College Road or contact How do we know which path is year fears; we are torn between going to apply for the position! them on +353 (0)21 4902311. best? What if I choose the wrong a few different choices, unsure On top of these applications, we one, and it’s too late to go back? All of which is the best one for us. are expected to attend job roadthese questions are a common fea- Do I make my decision based on shows and graduate fairs, career

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Features

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Climate Change: Going Beyond Reusable Coffee Cups Writes Molly O’Rourke, Deputy Features Editor

I’m sure I don’t need to go into much detail on the current climate change issues affecting Ireland and the world. It’s not possible to live in this day and age without hearing about our environment and the danger it’s in.

Whether you believe it or not, take action or not, climate change is an unavoidable topic. With the recent Global Climate Action strike, this topic is now in the news more than ever. The general consensus around the world is that our planet is in a critical state and something needs to change, but that is where the single message ends. There are multiple arguments and opinions presented on how best to tackle the issue, as well as new approaches seeming to appear weekly. From banning single-use plastics to promoting a global shift towards plantbased diets, it is difficult to know which approach is the “best way forward”. Different organisations and experts all have an arsenal of research and evidence to back up their suggestions; yet some seem to be contradicting each other.

Just last week I read two opposing articles; one claiming recycling was the only way forward while the other stated that is takes more energy to recycle plastic than to produce it in the first place.

With all of these messages floating around social media and the news it can become confusing for an individual to know what they can do to help. As the old proverb goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. This is definitely applicable to climate change propaganda and information. But when there are multiple wheels needing oil, which one do we prioritise? The seemingly easiest approach for Irish people is to make small changes to their lifestyle to help the cause. Ditching single-use plastics, for example, will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill every year. Stop buying cling film, invest in some quality Tupperware and get yourself a pretty reusable coffee cup while you’re at it. For the more invested, there are hundreds of eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items available online and in certain shops. The bamboo toothbrush trend has now expanded into Q-tips, straws, lunch boxes and cosmetic tools (to name a few items). Businesses in Ireland are jumping aboard the sustainability train too; replacing plastic cutlery and containers with compostable alternatives and many supermarkets ensuring the packaging on their own-brand products is 100% recyclable or compostable. Com-

green energy campaign, have earned UCC its status as one of the world’s leading environmentally conscious universities. The move towards sustainability doesn’t end with our physical campus though; in 2018 the University committed Take our own campus in UCC, for to investing €44 million in enviexample. Following on from the ronmental and sustainability fopublication of the University Sus- cused research projects over the tainability Strategy in 2016, the next three years. With the numeco-friendly and sustainability ber of students and staff passing agendas are deeply embedded in through UCC daily, waste manUCC, with the University Strate- agement was a key issue that was gic Plan 2017-2022 highlighting highlighted for change. According the importance of sustainability to the Green Campus 2017-2018 and a Green Campus. From the Annual Sustainability Report, introduction of a university-wide there was a 25% reduction in tomodule in sustainability to be- tal waste generated since 2012, ing recognised through different as well as 10,000 less plastic bags awards, UCC has made excellent used due to the new ‘bin-less’ sysprogress in becoming a greener tem in the library. We must, of campus. In September 2018, we course, also mention the openwere the first University in Ire- ing of Ireland’s first “plastic free” land to be awarded a rating under café in the BioSciences Institute. the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher While all of these policy changes Education’s STARS programme. and strategies are undoubtedly This award came with a gold rat- helping, Ireland is still known as ing; the first of its kind given out- a climate “laggard”. In its Annual side of Canada and the US. This Review 2018, the Climate Change sustainable and green approach is Advisory Council, the indepennot a new culture in UCC; in 2010 dent body assigned with evaluit was the first third-level institu- ating progress and advising the tion to be awarded a Green Flag. Government on climate policy, reThese awards, as well as the huge- ported that Ireland “is completely successful “Love our Library” ly off course” to meet its 2020 panies are encouraging employees to walk, bike or use public transport instead of commuting by car every day, while Irish schools and universities are pursuing greener, more sustainable policies.

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

and 2030 emissions targets and to decarbonise the economy by 2050. This was again confirmed at the start of this year when the Environmental Protection Agency published data proving Ireland won’t meet it’s 2020 goals. With this in mind, the government does seem to be scrambling to implement policies and carbon-reducing actions. Richard Bruton, Minister for Communication, Climate Action and the Environment secured a plan that will involve every government department and body taking action. This was a welcome announcement, although critics were suggesting it would take far too long for the commitment to translate into physical action.

ing their governments to court in an attempt to force them to take more decisive and urgent action.

The most significant of these cases is the Dutch Urgenda case. In 2015, the Urgenda Foundation, a non-profit, went to the District Court on behalf of 886 Dutch citizens, claiming that the government has a legal duty to prevent dangerous climate change.

The Court ruled in favour of the foundation and established that the government must cut its greenhouse emissions by at least 25% by December 2020. After being appealed twice (the second of which was in the Dutch Supreme Court), the Dutch State announced that it would uphold the order of the ground-breakIreland is not the only country ing judgement. During the apwhose government is failing to peal process, the court accepted meet climate change expectations. that climate change held a real Climate litigation has become an and dangerous threat; and that increasingly popular movement, according to European Conwith people around the world tak- vention on Human Rights, “the

Features State has a duty to protect against this threat”. The success of the Urgenda case has inspired other litigation cases around the globe, including here in Ireland.

It has now become evident that, while it certainly does not harm, making changes at an individual or community level will not keep us on track to meet climate change goals and standards.

Changes must be coming from the top, from our governments as well as powerful organisations.

Just 100 companies in the world are responsible for 71% of industrial greenhouse gas emissions (since 1988), while it is the US, Chine and the EU who contribute to more than half of all global emissions. Surely it is these corporations and industrial groups who need to be making changes?

As a population, citizens can join together and lobby these groups into making changes. Look at the number of people who participat-

9

ed in Friday’s protest; the majority of whom were students. While many people rely on the belief that we can’t make governments or powerful corporation change, history begs to differ. It was mass public interaction that propelled the campaigns for women’s rights, the abolition of slavery and the fall of Apartheid in South Africa. It is now time to take it upon ourselves to make these changes happen. Get in contact with companies, government ministers, TDs, MEPs; write to them outlining an issue, why it is important to you and what you would like them to do. If you don’t fancy the idea of taking on the powers that be along, consider joining a local environmental group. UCC’s EnviroSoc is an active part of our sustainable campus, while there are plenty of other groups on Facebook that you can look into.

We owe it to ourselves, our ancestors and our descendants to fight

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Features

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

A Rough Guide to Erasmus Writes Ciara Desmond, Staff Writer

There are one hundred and one things that I was completely oblivious about before I went on Erasmus. For sure, figuring most of it out along the way was all part of the adventure. Some things, however, would have been great to know about or perhaps read about in a handy article in the UCC Express before I left. So here we are.

was for me when I arrived in Copenhagen, but the task of homeware shopping – now that’s a universal process. It’s also where I entirely lost the run of myself.

Let me tell you now that you really don’t need all the things you think you’ll die without such as bed throws and cute decorative ceramics that truly don’t have a purpose. The key thing that I First of all, when it comes to prepa- learned is to start off with just ration there are a couple of things buying what you need – a bin, that will be at the top of your some towels, a laundry basket and agenda. Surprisingly, it wasn’t of course fairy lights – we’re not the packing but rather the paper- heathens after all. Leave the rest work that was my greatest enemy. of it behind until you find yourself There is a phenomenal amount actually needing it. I threw away of it to be done and believe me money on household items I nevwhen I say that procrastination er once used. That’s money you’ll is not your friend here. I learned really be needing further down that one the hard way. Having ev- the line for food, fun and travel. erything signed off and squared away before you go provides great On the subject of travel, this is peace of mind and lessens what something that is not essential can seem like one big daunting on an Erasmus. Exploring your move. I made the mistake of not new home turf could take up the checking up on my rent payments 6 months all on its own. Howevbefore arriving into my accom- er, if travel is a viable option for modation on moving day and was you, I would highly recommend flatly denied entry by the polite it. The Erasmus Student Network Danish lady at reception. This (ESN) organises sensational trips led to a stressful sixty minutes of and they make it entirely hassle me desperately trying to make a free to travel to places like Russia, payment with all of my worldly Iceland and Lapland; places that possessions blocking up the lob- you may never think of going to by and my parents thinking I was on your own. Also, since you are now homeless. You just don’t need going with a large group of Erasthat stress in your life, so as a word mus students it is something that from the wise – stay on top of it. you can join in on alone or with friends. There is an array of difOnce you actually arrive, your ferent destination packages and next step will be settling into your all of them are available on their new place. I know not everything website. This means that you will be the same in every city as it can research ahead of time and

maybe start saving your pennies.

However, those weeklong holidays aren’t the only way to go. I managed to partake in a trip to Norway on a surprisingly pleasant overnight ferry for €7 return.

A little research goes a long way.

I know an Erasmus on its own is already a big cost but don’t rule yourself out just because of the price of a package holiday.

fun. In any case, it is nothing more than a momentary feeling and it will go as quickly as it came.

One day without even realising it, you’ll start calling your new place home and truly mean it. New friends that you didn’t know mere months before become the family you can’t imagine living without.

You forget that you ever had any worries about moving away. Then, in the blink of an eye the whole When it comes to attending class- thing is over and you’re walking es and taking exams, I recom- away, waving back at the gang and mend looking at your University’s blinking really fast to avoid hyswebsite. In their book of modules, terics/people on the metro thinkyou’ll be able to see what kind of ing you’ve lost the plot. Coming assessments you’ll be facing be- back to ‘real life’ can be weird cause they can run things very dif- since your life has changed an ferently depending on the college. awful lot. You have new friends, Entering a new learning environ- unique experiences and a coument is truly very interesting and ple more life lessons under your it is incredibly easy to give it your belt. I found that having plans full attention as the chaos of your made or trips arranged kept the normal everyday life – i.e. part momentum going and lessened time jobs or society commitments the feeling that life had come to – are removed. Everyone around a screeching halt – that this huge is new just like you and so meet- adventure I had been looking ing people is not so bad when ev- forward to for so long was over. eryone is eager (if not bordering on desperate) to make friends. I know we all joke about those people that say, “Erasmus Home sickness wasn’t really changed my life” and maybe that something that I experienced too is dramatic, but it was undoubtmuch while I was away (sorry edly one of the best things I have Mum and Dad!). However, any ever done. If you are someone day that you do have a bit of a going abroad this year or considtug on your heart, those are the ering it in the future, I can only days to spend a tiny bit extra on say to you to just do it. No matter the groceries and buy yourself the what worries or concerns you may chocolate or the ice-cream that have, they are not insurmountyou usually consider for a minute able. Once you push through all but leave behind. Indulge your- of that and are sitting on that self in a movie in bed or rally the plane – you’ll never look back. troops to go out and do something

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Opinion

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Women are too much drama!

A love letter to female friendships Writes Elisha Carey, Opinion Editor For my J1 a couple of summers ago, I was a camp counselor at an all-girls sleepaway camp in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. I was just after a breakup at the time and craved the support and comfort the ‘all-girls’ environment promised. The experience proved really good for me. The place was kind of like a weird utopia with healing powers in the small creeks flowing through. It brought together women from an array of different backgrounds and I went on to form transatlantic female friendships that I’m confident will last a lifetime. Not everyone felt the same way as I did though. One night one of the girls spoke about how she was surprised she liked the experience at all as she wasn’t “friends with women because they’re too much drama”. I’d like to think that it takes a lot to make me truly angry. I can stick people mispronouncing my name, sitting next to mouth-breathers in the library, and even slow walkers on the stairs in the Kane. But when I heard this girl, I swear I looked like one of those little cartoons with the red face and steam erupting from both ears. See, this wasn’t my first time at the internalised misogyny rodeo, and it wasn’t to be the last either.

For nearly every girl there’s an age where you renounce the colour pink, skirts and romance movies in a bid to fit in. When I was around 14, being labelled a “girly-girl” was worse than a death sentence, it meant you were weak and lacked intellect, or more detrimentally, that you weren’t “cool”. Girls in my all-girl friend group at the time would often openly declare that they

preferred the company of the boys because they were “so much less drama”. Behind quoting the Fault in Our Stars and wearing see-through black leggings with Ugg boots, girl-hating was one of the biggest trends. This was peak internalised misogyny-where a woman enacts learned sexist behaviours towards themselves and other women. Nobody wanted to be the girl who was only friends with other girls, who wore frilly dresses or believed in the soppy notion of love. That was just lame.

You know what’s actually lame though? Prescribing one common personality trait to a whole gender and being so deep in your own internalised misogyny that you utter something as nonsensical as “women are too much drama”, seemingly forgetting that you, yourself, are a woman and by default are painting yourself with the same patriarchal brush. It’s ludicrous and it’s toxic and women get too much of a hard time already for us to be turning against each other. Women make for amazing friends, they take you to buy pregnancy tests, hold your hand and refrain from slagging you off when you cry over your ex for the umpteenth time. They send you for a warm shower when you’re feeling down, bring you cupcakes on your birthday and don’t complain when you invite them for dinner and it’s pesto pasta again.

a girl friend” and that “girls are drama” while men, on the other hand, “say it how it is”. Her comments caused a sort of social media cyclone. Many viewers of the show agreed with Lucie’s standpoint, taking to Twitter to proclaim that women were in fact, much worse friends than men.

Others rightfully pointed out that it’s nobody’s business who Lucie chooses to be friends with.

Which of course is true but writing off the whole female gender is beyond problematic. The support for Lucie’s comments online is worrying. It shows that a vast number of people have fallen for the age-old narrative that women are bitchy and dramatic whereas men are more simple and upfront. This just isn’t how things play out in real-life. I’ve found the male friends in my life to be enormously more “dramatic” than my female friends and I know a lot of people who would say the same.

Internalised misogyny was fed to us ripe over the summer on tv hit Love Island. Love it or loathe it, Love Island was a huge deal for a huge number of people. Although I lowkey have a moral objection to the show, I must admit I did tune in to a couple of episodes. One of the contestants on the show, Lucie, caused quite the stir when she claimed she has “never had

Love Island isn’t the only culprit here, other “reality” shows like the Real Housewives-of-wherever-the-hell, try to shove this idea down our throats, that women cannot be pleasant with each other for any meaningful lengths of time as they constantly engage in bitchy and dramatic pursuits.

As we keep teaching each other these harmful narratives, we are inhibiting healthy relationships

between women from flourishing. By fighting each other, we are distracted from the real enemy: the patriarchal structures that are in place that impact everything-from whether we get home safely on a night out to how much we are paid in comparison to our male counterparts. It’s not just a shame, it’s a damn tragedy!

We’re all negatively affected when broad assumptions are made about us just because of our gender. We see this with men and toxic masculinity. Society, in general, expects men not to express their emotions as freely or openly as women are allowed to. This societal stigma is often blamed for the proliferation of male suicide and a male reluctance to visit the doctor when feeling ill. I love my friends for a beautiful variety of different reasons and none of them pertain to their gender. In order to undo the damage done by generations of sexism we have to understand that personality traits are not gendered. We are the product of our upbringing, environment and decisions and that shouldn’t have anything to do with our gender. Besides, these across the board “I won’t be friends with women because all women are dramatic” proclamations are a bit, well, dramatic, no?

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Opinion

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“City in a Garden” Writes Aoife Gleeson Last summer I was extremely lucky to be accepted onto a 5-week study abroad course in Singapore.

The exact, rather long-winded title of the course (for those of you who might be interested next summer) is…deep breath…’Science Biodiversity Summer Study Abroad Programme, National University of Singapore’. This was my first time ever in Asia and wow, what an amazing and futuristic place Singapore is! Never before have I been in a place where environmental relationships are at the forefront of the government. In her recent passionate speech to the U.N., Greta Thunberg exclaimed how her “dreams and childhood have been stolen by empty words”. This powerful and profound statement is what is needed for governments around the world to emerge out of their trance-like state and to take definitive action once and for all. However, Singapore is already one step ahead in taking these definitive environmental actions. Since gaining independence in 1965, Singapore has gone from having “gardens in a city” to being a “city in a garden” in just 54 years.

First things first though, where on earth is this Singapore I speak of?

Well, if you have ever looked at a map of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the miniscule dot at the bottom of the Malay Peninsula, just one degree north of the equator to be exact. This island city-state has a population of 5.5 million people living in a tiny landmass of just 700km (smaller than County Louth). It has the second busiest port in Asia and is one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

Most importantly, it is a biophilic city. This means that Singapore is not only environmentally sustainable, but also that it lives in harmony with its environment. The word “biophilia” literally means “love living systems”. As soon as I stepped off the plane, beautifully jet-lagged and dishevelled after 15 hours of travel, I was amazed as 2

to how green Changi Airport was.

The Jewel of Changi is a brandnew arrivals terminal which is literally an indoor rainforest. As myself and my oversized luggage lugged our way through to find a taxi, cascading waterfalls, sky trains, trees and flowers greeted me as I wondered on by. If this was only the airport, I knew that even greater things were to come!

Another fact about Singapore (one of the last ones I promise), is that for such a relatively small area with an extremely high population density it still manages to have four nature reserves and over 300 parks…mind-blowing!

One nature reserve that I was fortunate to visit was Bukit Timah.

This is Singapore’s only primary rainforest and holds a wealth of animals and plants. Beware of the macaques though. They are very fond of plastic bags, but that shall be another story! These parks and reserves serve to protect the last remaining wildlife in Singapore. They are also an important tool that the government uses to promote and educate environmental awareness amongst its nation. Gardens by the Bay and SuperTree Grove are Singapore’s biggest tourist attractions. They consist of enormous glass biomes housing flower pavilions and cloud forests. SuperTree Grove consists of gigantic man-made mechanical trees completely enshrouded by all types of plants climbing up along its sides. These impressive attractions are all cen-

tred around Singapore’s idea of “City in a Garden” and drive forth the eco-awareness initiative.

What makes Singapore a biophilic city though isn’t only its futuristic attractions or parks and reserves, it is its insightful incorporation of all things green into everyday life of a city. As I slowly strolled around the city (walking was near impossible for me as the extreme humidity and heat clashed with my ill-adapt Irish hereditary), I couldn’t help but notice how I was surrounded by greenery, constantly! Every path, bridge and road were enveloped in a canopy of trees, flowers and vines. Green roofs seemed to be everywhere as well as green walls, green balconies and indoor and outdoor hanging gardens. I was so mesmerized by this cloud of green (Singaporean bridges of all things to be precise), that weeks after I returned home, I was still rambling on about it to my friend while we were travelling back from Cork. Absorbed into a world of green memories, I lost my concentration and missed the exit off the motorway adding on an extra half hour to an already long and delayed journey…sorry! Moving on swiftly, did you know that chewing gum is illegal in Singapore? Strange I know to us, but I swear that I have never seen cleaner footpaths and roads in my life! Drains are everywhere too. I was told that every drop of water that falls on the ground in the city is channelled into these

drains, which is then brought to the many lakes, ponds and reservoirs where the water is filtered and cleaned and then pumped and recycled back around for use in the city. So basically, not a drop of water is wasted by this amazing feat of clever engineering.

Singapore is an awe-inspiring and encouraging example of how relatively simple design and thinking can literally make the world a better place. Making urban areas greener have a long list of positive effects on the environment and us as humans. Biodiversity levels rise significantly. The urban heat island effect is greatly reduced as cities become cooler.

This in turn reduces the need for air conditioning which decreases our energy consumption and inevitably leads to saving money.

Storm water surges are reduced so flooding is therefore also lessened. Human health benefits rise as air quality is improved and or general wellbeing is enhanced.

All these benefits from ‘just’ a few plants! Since the Irish government declared a climate emergency this year, almost no definitive environmental actions have taken place. Greening our urban areas is such an easy and simple solution. How many years will it be before we envision our own city in a garden? It’s time we create dreams and childhoods that are fulfilled by meaningful words for a change. What better way to start than from the ground up?

Photo: Jim McCarthy Photography

BYLINE

Editorial

16

Usually, when I sit down to write this, I am scrambling to find something to write about, clutching at each and every moment that I have experienced in the past two weeks for something of minor interest, or else finding a way to shoehorn in a Netsoc plug (Discord.netsoc.co). The past two weeks have been quite trying for me, more so than any other in my two- and a-bit years of college. After coming out the other side though, I’m in a good place, and had someone told me that I’d be this happy this time last weekend, I don’t know if I would have laughed or cried!

Luckily, I’ve a fairly strict college routine, and time waits for no man! I was able to bury myself in work for the paper on Monday, and again on Tuesday with Netsoc. This week also happened to be my 21st, and for a while, I really was not in the mood for it, but it turned out to be a great night. So I guess this is just a good way for me to give thanks to all those people who’ve been there for me over the last few days, and encourage anyone who feels a bit lost to reach out to other people in your life, even if it’s just to go for a coffee!

This week’s Byline has some real treats for all you guys! It wouldn’t be me, without having a little West Cork smatter somewhere, and thankfully Fiona Keeley knocked it out of the park with her insight on the stage adaption of the novel ‘Asking for It’- by West Cork’s Louise O’Neill. Fiona’s piece on musical persona’s is absolutely fantastic too! I won’t spoil it for you guys, but it’s a great piece about the likes of Ziggy Stardust and Lady Gaga.

I also witnessed something as rare as Rocking Horse shit on Friday night, Cork City winning a game while I am in attendance! I’ve proven to be something of a bad luck charm this season, attending 16 games, but seeing the lads only win twice all season. Neale Fenn deserves huge plaudits for the job he has done so far, transforming City slowly but surely into a far more entertaining team. It’s a big winter ahead for Fenn, who’ll have a massive job rebuilding his squad, this week saying that there are only 4 lads tied down until next season. As he continues to make the right noises, he will know that he has all of Leeside behind him!

Thanks to anyone who checked out my interview with Garry last week, the reception I got was fantastic, and be sure to check out the film if you get the chance. Also keep an eye out on twitter for the results of UCC’s Esports team ‘Netsoc Rebels’. Our games will be kicking off any day now!

Another edition down and another spiel of my inane ramblings. Cheers again for checking us out!

Contributions and complaints can make their way to; John Cian McGrath byline@uccexpress.ie

Gaeilge

Hugh Ó Raghallaigh Mac Gearailt

17

Múinteoirí agus na Meáin Shóisialta – Áis Foghlama nó Féiníní amháin atá i gceist? scríobhann Kate Fleming Nuair a smaoinítear ar an ullmhúchán a bhaineann le scrúdú na hArdteiste, nó le scruduithe na hOllscoile, samhlaítear gur drochrud é a bheith gafa le Snapchat agus Instagram agus tú i mbun staidéar. Bheadh an tuiscint ann i measc an phobail go gcuireann na meáin shóisialta isteach go mór ar dhaltaí agus a gcuid oibre, agus gur cur amú ama é a bheith ag féachaint ar an bhfón póca nuair atá carn oibre le déanamh agat.

Bhuel, tá athruithe ag teacht ar an scéal sin, agus níl aon dabht faoi sin. Tá saghas réabhlóid oideachasúil tar éis tarlú, agus ní mór duit logáil isteach ar Instagram chun na fianaise a fheiceáil duit féin. Bhí an deis agam bualadh le Michelle Ní Mháirtín chun an t-ábhar spéisiúil seo a phlé, agus léargas a fháil ar cad é go díreach atá ar siúl aici ar líne. Is múinteoir meánscoile í Michelle, ach ní hamháin go mbíonn sí ag múineadh na Gaeilge sa seomra ranga; is sort “blogger” í Michelle chomh maith - cuireann sí ceachtanna agus scrúduithe ar fáil ar a leathnach Instagram. An t-ainm atá ar an leathanach ná “GripswitGaeilge,” agus tá thart ar 11,000 leanúnaithe aici go dtí seo. Tá aithne mhaith ar Michelle i gCorcaigh ach go háirithe, ach bíonn sí i dteagmháil le múinteoirí, daltaí agus Gaeilgeoirí timpeall na tíre tríd an aip Instagram. Obair dheonach atá ann, agus is cinnte go bhfuil morán á dhéanamh aici do stádas na Gaeilge – obair an-thábhachtach, gan amhras!

Nuair a shuíomar síos le chéile, cupáin tae ós ár gcomhair, is iomaí ceist a bhí agam di. Is bean gealgáireach, cairdiúil í Michelle, agus bhí a fíorghrá don teanga thar a bheith soiléir nuair a thosaigh sí ag caint liom. D’fhreastail sí ar bhunscoil Mhuire Gan Smal i nGlaisín, agus b’shin an áit ar thuig sí go raibh rud speisialta i gceist lenár dteanga náisiúnta. Cé nach raibh an Gaeilge á labhairt sa tigh, is cuimhin le Michelle go

raibh an teanga an-láidir ar scoil, agus cuireadh an-bhéim uirthi.

Bhíodh an Gaeilge á labhairt ann an t-am ar fad. Ansin, d’fhreastail sí ar Mheánscoil na Toirbhirte, Baile Feitheán, agus thuig sí rud éigin eile. “Sa mheánscoil, bhraitheas go raibh Gaeilge anlag ag na daltaí nár fhreastail ar bhunscoil cosúil lem’ cheann féin, agus thuigeas ansin go raibh an Gaeilge go maith agam,” a d’admhaigh sí dom. Thóg sí an Gaeilge ar aghaidh go dtí an tríú leibhéal, agus bhí sí ar bharr an ranga i gColáiste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh.

Bhain sí céim amach sa Ghaeilge, agus ansin rinne sí máistreacht san aistriúcháin i nGaillimh.

Chuir mé an cheist uirthi an fiú céim sa Ghaeilge a dhéanamh, agus d’fhreagair sí go tapa, “Ó, is fiú gan dabht!” Ansin, i ndiaidh di machnamh beag a dhéanamh air, dúirt sí go cúramach, “Ach ní mór duit a bheith go maith agus torthaí maithe a fháil sa chéim, mar tá sé ró-chúng…ní hé go bhfuil cuid mór roghanna agat i ndiaidh céim mar sin. Bheadh ort, i mo thuairimse, iar-chéim a dhéanamh i ngné éigean den Ghaeilge a thaithníonn leat agus dul ar aghaidh ar an treo sin.” Chomh maith leis an múinteoireacht, chaith Michelle seal sa Bhruiséal ag déanamh aistriúcháin.

Gan dabht, is bean ghnóthach í.

Dár léi, is cosúil go bhfuil post sa bhreis i gceist lena ról ar Instagram, agus bhíos fiosrach faoin tslí a láimhseálann sí na cúraimí a bhaineann lena cuid oibre.

Mhínigh sí dom go mbíonn teachtaireachtaí ó dhaltaí ag teacht isteach ó mhaidin go hoíche, agus gan amhras d’fhéadfadh éinne eirí gafa leis an bhfón sa chás sin. Bíonn uirthi a bheith dian uirthi féin, agus an aip a úsáid go cliste. “Ar maidin, bhféidir go gcaithfinn daichead nóiméad ar Instagram sula eiríonn m’iníon, agus ansin nuair atá sí ina luí arís téim thar n-ais agus freagraím na teachtaireachtaí,” a d’inis sí dom.

Ba léir go raibh sé thar a bheith tábhachtach di nach mbeadh an aip ag cur isteach ar a cuid ama lena hiníon. Nuair atá sí ar scoil agus rang soar aici, ullmhaíonn sí ceacht gramadaí don leathanach Instagram, agus ansin beidh sé sin réidh don chéad uair eile a bhfuil ceacht ag teastáil uaithi. Is annamh a bhíonn am saor ag an mbean seo! Ní call a rá gur chóir do dhaltaí agus mic léinn a bheith dian orthu féin nuair atá siad ag baint úsáide as na meáin shóisialta agus iad i mbun staidéir. Is iomaí buntáiste a thagann leis an oideachas ar line, ach ní mór duit é a úsáid go críonna. Áfach, tá an cuma ar an scéal go bhfuil todhchaí na Gaeilge ag braith ar na meáin shóisialta, agus go mbeidh ról tábhachtach acu amach anseo ag coimeád na teanga beo i measc daoine óga na hÉireann. “Gan amhras, tá na meáin shóisialta ag cabhrú go mór leis an nGaeilge,” a dúirt Michelle liom go cinnte dearfa. “Tá daoine ag teacht thar n-ais go dtí an Gaeilge, i ndiaidh dóibh post eile a dhéanamh ar feadh na mblianta. Feiceann siad go bhfuil an Gaeilge ar líne agus go bhfuil sí beo, agus bíonn siad ag iarraidh dul leis an nGaeilge arís.” Is léir ón méid sin go bhfuil

idir óg agus aosta ag baint tairbhe as na leathanaigh trí mheán na Gaeilge cosúil le “GripswitGaeilge”– leathanaigh a gcuireann an teanga chun cinn, agus a dtugann beocht nua don teanga.

Ní gá ach sracfhéachaint a chaitheamh ar phróifíl Instagram Michelle chun an éifeacht agus an tairbhe a bhaineann leis a thuiscint. Clúdaíonn sí réimse leathan ábhair le soiléireacht agus le cruinneas, agus is áis den chéad scoth é atá ar fáil ar bharra do mhéar agat. Anuas ar sin, bíonn comórtais ar siúl aici go rialta, le nótaí den scoth ar fáil mar dhúiseanna. Is cinnte go bhfuil an áis nua seo thar a bheith úsáideach do dhaltaí meánscoile agus do mhicléinn na Gaeilge. Má tá tú ag streachailt leis na briathra, nó muna féidir leat bun nó barr a dhéanamh den tuiseal ginideach – nó bhféidir gur duine tú atá ag iarraidh tabhair ar ais ar an nGaeilge – is fiú go mór súil a chaitheamh ar cad atá á phóstáil ag Michelle ar Instagram. Mar a scríobhann Michelle mar chur síos beag ag barr a leathanach Instagram – “Gaeilge do Gach Duine!”

Fiction

18

Lunacy

By Holly Buckley

Set in an unknown time in an unknown world.

Night in the city. The streets illuminate a potion-like purple glow from the dingy streetlamps. The buildings are tall and thin due to the fact that it is cheaper to build them this way – it crams more people, saves more money.

There are no cars but trains and buses. The trains fly across the sky like a witch on her broom, up high behind the top floor of houses, and every time they pass the houses jump with a fright. So, the buses are called zippers and they make this obnoxious noise.

See, they are attached to electric cables, so they bounce along the street straining and straining the cables. You can hear it when the bus takes a sharp turn or goes down a steep hill because it usually crashes into the streetlamps or buildings. Mrs. Lemon, the idle-eyed chemistry teacher lives on the corner of Glassy road. It’s called Glassy rd. because it only consists of five houses and two sharp corners on each side. Imagine it like the handle of a mug – a quick swoop! You can imagine the damage that happens to the first and last house on Glassy rd.

Now, Mrs. Lemon. She lives in the first house. About two years ago she came to the local council complaining about the persistent damage done to her home by the zippers. She quickly realised they didn’t care and wouldn’t help her. The official would say “The houses are cheaper on that street for that reason. Just move out”. It wasn’t always that way.

Instead, Mrs. Lemon picked up her dignity went out and invented this special rubber to cover the front of her house. Her idle eyes became fixed to the world and for months she spent hours and hours and long nights working until her baby was born. The pro-

tector of the house, and it was a hit! So now she can use her front room again without the fear that a bus is going to burst through mid the season finale of Hairy Girls.

Now, I guess you’re wondering what happens to the other

was asleep. But the second time, he decided to take action! He truly believed we were back to war so now each day he sets up with his helmet on behind mountains of sandbags in his house of ruins and waits for the zipper to bounce towards him. He has started

“Next she locks away her little teacups in their cupboard and kisses them goodnight...” house? Well, Mr. Nocturne lives across the way from Mrs. Lemon, and when she got the rubber built into her home Mr. Nocturne’s house started to get the brunt of the zipper. It bashed up his 1000 euro bust of Aristotle and his collection of world war spoons.

Yes, spoons he collected from the trenches during World War One. He believes that he fought for the worms but the whole time his narcolepsy got the better of him and being the only man to survive in his squad, he was actually awarded the medal of bravery…for sleeping… but they didn’t know that. Nonetheless, he’s a fairly jovial man. When the zipper hit his house and smashed through the front of it… well the first time he

building trenches in his house and only cooks his dinner at night.

Seven floors up from Mr. Nocturne is Ms. Le Boo. Ms. Le Boo hums and whistles when she cleans. Her house is a jungle of books and old magazines, so old they’ve started to grow mould and legs. She lives on the top floor with her purple lion cat Jesus. She is rarely seen on the road during the day because she is a creature of the night. She sleeps until sunset and stays awake until sunrise – when the first train passes and her house jumps with fright. She doesn’t mind it though.

As a creature of habit and routine every night she takes in her little flowerpots from the windowsill.

The lilac one, the strawberry one and the lime one. Next she takes in her tomato plants. She puts the hoover out the window and in they pop. She gives it a little hug and rub and says, “You’ll be out again in the morning little ones”. Next she locks away her little teacups in their cupboard and kisses them goodnight, folds her lacey pink napkins and hangs up Jesus’ toys.

She looks at her clock. Yawns.

It is nearly time for sunrise.

Now this must seem like a lot of preparations just for a train to pass her house. But you see, on Glassy Rd the trains pass frequently with a lot of force and power. So much power that the houses on top bend at a 90-degree angle over the fright and stay that way until the last train leaves at 11:59pm. Ms. Le Boo finally attaches ropes to her window and Jesus jumps on her laps. She pulls herself back like she’s going to slingshot herself out the window. The rumbling of the train is heard in the distance. Her clock rings. The sun rises. She only sees it for a split second and it’s beautiful. The train passes and her house flings backwards although she is not phased. She remains dangling in her little swing bed until the final train leaves and her house bounces back to normal.

19

The Little Red Hen – a Cautionary Tale of Freedom

By Maria O’Donovan

Louisa loved nothing better than a high-quality cigar. ‘Ah yes, the peace and quiet at last’ she whispered. She looked out over the square and gazed at the Cuban Art. Art full of geometric designs which appealed to her artistic, distorted view of her world, freeing her mind of the great stresses. It felt great to be in Havana once again. Her hot spot, her safe place. Louisa started to play with the ends of her curly blonde hair when she felt that someone was looking at her.

Louisa looked up shyly and caught sight of a handsome man in a black and white suit, he was casually dressed in the top button open. She felt something deep inside her and was immediately attracted to him. A different type of man, she thought, and she enjoyed watching him from a distance. Eventually, she went back to daydreaming and gazing at the geometric shapes, when suddenly she felt a presence. He leaned towards her with a cup of coffee in hand. ‘May I join you?’ Louisa nodded, all the seats in the restaurant seemed to be occupied. She didn’t feel nervous at all, no time to react.

‘You are not from around here, are you?’. The handsome stranger smiled at Louisa, intrigued by her sexy appearance. She coughed awkwardly. ‘No, no, no, I’m a Montessori teacher (by trade) and I am on holidays, I come from Venice’. Louise started to blush and play with the handle on the coffee cup. Clearly very embarrassed now, the stranger looked away. Louisa could smell his cologne; it was slight but enough to tempt her. ‘Oh dear,’ she thought, ‘what am I doing now?’

The stranger gazed back at Louisa. ‘Senortia, my name is Fergio and I am from the continent of South America, and I’ve come for you’. Louisa’s mouth dropped, she sat upright and was now giving Fergio her full attention. She began to think of all the possibilities, starting to sweat profusely, moving uncomfortably in her seat. Her calypso dreams were coming true, here in Havana.

She held her rose quartz crystal again in her hand. It’s a sign!

‘Look, this is not exactly what I had in mind’. She handed Fergio a cigar, he smiled knowingly, and she decided to tell her story, the cautionary tale of the Little Red Hen. ‘Once upon a time, there was a large plucky hen, quite bothered, running around a small garden with nothing better to do. One day she set out on ambitious project but grounded in the hard reality of the garden. She was going to make bread, white crusty bread, bread like you have never seen before. Her ambitious plan would involve toasting it and having melted butter all over it. This melted butter was life itself and she couldn’t wait to have it on her beak and dribbling down her feathers.

Penny, this pretty, plucky hen, set about the enormous task of making bread. She decided to ask her good friend, the pig, would he like to help her out – just a little bit. He laughed cruelly into her face, ‘Not I,’ said the pig.

She subsequently asked the cow. ‘Not I,’ said the cow.

‘You are a silly, silly hen.’

The little red hen was very, very annoyed. She detested

the word silly. ‘How dare they call me silly’. It did not deter her from her plans or flaws for that matter. The bread would be made, and it was going to give her, her freedom back.

The bread would free her, but not make her rich. So, she went about making the bread and eventually she would have the last laugh.

Well, so she thought anyway.

She made her way to the shed in the garden and gathered all the grains with her beak, this was a painstaking task. Afterwards, she found some water, a bowl, spoon and some lard. The hen worked day and night to make this bread, but it was made in a loving way.

It’s a shame that she never managed to find a suitable cockerel.

The little red hen, although she was generous, did not share the bread once she had made it. Yes, she enjoyed having the last laugh, but she knew deep down that the pig and cow would not be able to handle the little red hen’s success. It was best off if they were left alone.

They had suffered long enough.

Fergie moved by this story, put down his cigar and stared at Louisa, wondering who she really was. ‘Louisa, what does success mean to you’.

Louisa looked out over the square. ‘Success for me is getting as far away as you can from your enemies’. Then, Louisa opened her leather satchel and took a large book from her bag. It was Ulysses by James Joyce. ‘Let me read you my favourite line’ Success for us is the death of the intellect and of the imagination. We were never loyal to

the successful. We serve them.

Louisa explained that she never wished for success, she enjoyed her nomadic life a lot and it had, in a way, served her well.

Fergio took her hand and led her out into the square. Louisa felt so sad and worthless after being fired from her teaching job in Venice. She told too many communist injected fairy tales to the teenagers. Creativity is both an art and a science. But for Louisa, it had been too much of an art, she got too carried away.

She felt the hot sun on her face and arms, hotter that she had ever felt before. She looked around at the Cuban Art, its geometric designs and gazed at the square and the people. She felt Fergio’s hand in hers and she was glad that she had found happiness at last.

Later that evening, Louisa lay in bed in the arms of Fergio. A slight wind blew through the window and the long white curtains moved slightly. As she lay silently, touching Fergio’s hair, she began to think back.

The same night, 100 years ago, Louisa’s grandparents who were from the island made their way to Venice. They were madly in love.

Louisa admired her grandparent’s communist traditions which she kept alive in her mind and wallet.

What Louisa didn’t know was that they were not just communists but once upon a time they had been ambitious merchants, who wore a mask the whole time, while in Venice. Fergio was an ambitious merchant too, she wondered was history repeating itself, at long last.

Food and Health A Snappy Guide to Sushi Writes Laura Ann Edgerton, Ballymaloe Graduate

If you’ve noticed the growing Irish sushi trend, you’re spot on. Since the beginning of 2018, there has been an 80% increase in the number of restaurants offering sushi on their menus.

If you haven’t had any exposure to sushi or have only experimented with a few grab-and-go maki rolls, the lingo may seem a bit daunting. Get to know a few different styles and you’ll be unsheathing your chopsticks with confidence.

• Sushi (rice) – If rice isn’t in the dish, it technically isn’t sushi. The word sushi refers to traditional shortgrained rice prepared with salt, sugar and rice vinegar.

• Maki – A rolled sushi with a seaweed wrapper on the outside, a layer of rice, and a filling of any combination of cooked or raw ingredients.

• Uramaki roll – A rolled sushi that is the inside out version of a maki roll. The rice is on the outside and seaweed wrapper is on the inside, holding the middle fillings together.

• Tekka Maki – A mini maki, able to be consumed in one bite and generally with only one filling.

• Gunkan Maki or Battleship Sushi – Oval shaped,

with an outside seaweed wrapper, rice on the bottom and typically topped with roe (fish eggs) or other delicate ingredients.

• Temaki – Hand rolled sushi cones, made of dried seaweed that are typically stuffed with similar ingredients to a maki roll.

• Nigiri – If you don’t like seaweed, this may be your sushi. Nigiri is simply sliced fish, laid or pressed on top of a hand formed ball of sushi rice.

• Aburi – Almost always in the form of nigiri, the fish is often coated in a sauce or mayonnaise then flamed or torched.

• Sashimi – Not technically sushi, as there is no rice, but simply high-quality fish sliced with precision, which is typically raw but can also be cooked.

• Aburi – Almost always in the form of nigiri, the fish is often coated in a sauce or mayonnaise then flamed or torched.

• Chirashi – This traditional dish is served in a bowl, starts with scattered sushi rice and is topped with slices of fish and vegetables.

20

Culinary Cork: Japanese Edition

Writes John Anthony Barker, Head Chef

Despite the recent Irish Rugby World Cup loss to Japan, we’re still emerging as winners in Cork with five top-rated Japanese restaurants in the city centre. At first glance, Japan and Ireland may have little in common from a cuisine perspective but consider the abundance of fresh fish and seaweed in both countries and you’ll see why Japanese food has found a home away from home in Cork.

Miyazaki on Barrack Street is a 15-minute walk from UCC. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or newbie, walk over and pick up one of the generously portioned, ready-to-go sushi rolls that range from €10.50-€12.50.

If you eat at the restaurant, be prepared to queue. There are only 6 seats inside. But, many Corkonians are happy wait for a seat if it means getting the opportunity to taste chef Takashi Miyazaki’s notoriously innovative and delicious food for a fraction of the price versus a visit to his haute-cuisine restaurant Ichigo Ichie (more on that below).

Sakura Cuisine is located in the restaurant rich, Victorian Quarter of Cork. With bento box specials (think Japanese sampler plate) and plenty of great non-sushi options, there is something to suit everyone. On a cold, rainy day head in for lunch and try the chef’s special beef hot pot or a filling bowl of ramen noodle soup, each €9.90.

With a modern, cool aesthetic and a hot, richly steeped mug of green tea in your hand you’ll be feeling warm and full in no time.

Wabisabi Sushi and Noodles Bar offers six different bento boxes during the restaurant’s busy lunch service for €11.90 and a daily special Monday – Thursday for €9.50. The service is attentive and the kanso décor creates a calming experience at this Oliver Plunkett St. location. As a diner you’ll be provided with your own boxes of standard utensils, as well as chopsticks and a Japanese soup spoon – so have no fear if you’re a chopstick novice. Whether you’re ordering sushi or noodles, you’ll find the plates of food incredibly fresh and artfully presented.

Ichigo Ichie is the only restaurant in Cork City with a Michelin star, awarded in 2019. Dining at Ichigo will take some planning and saving as you need to book a reservation weeks ahead of time for the €120-€135 per person meal. The dining experience is kappou-style, which means multiple courses will be served with all food choices left up to chef Takashi Miyazaki. The great news for foodies on a budget is that you can access the chef’s food at his namesake restaurant, (mentioned above) at a much, much lower price.

Dashi Deli Sushi & Noodle Bar is located in Cook St, in the city centre. Sushi can be ordered the piece which allows customers to experiment. For value under €10 you can choose from a variety of platters: raw or cooked fish, futomaki, chumaki, uramaki or salmon. And if you’re home and get the urge for sashimi, Dashi Deli uses both Deliveroo and just-eat for delivery.

Editor: Katie Kelly

How to…

French Toast

Writes John Barker, Head Chef

As we desperately search for new ways to ‘pimp my brunch’, where I begin with my recommendation is to open your cupboard. In the vain of waste reduction; see what it is that lurks at the back of your fridge threatening an onslaught of mould and rescue it in a most glorified way, all the while telling no-one that you are just winging it.

One such item which seems to often leave us with the predicament of either hastefully stuffing ourselves or being thrown into the bin is, of course, bread.

Whilst there are options aplenty as to what to do with your stale bread, I suggest a Sunday morning indulgence of French toast as the optimum choice; henceforth making ‘saving that bread’ much less of a mission.

So how to… make French toast.

•

First of all, you will need bread: even better if it is slightly stale, and the ultimate in decadence if it’s a brioche. Slice your bread accordingly (as you like it in thickness): personally, I teeter on the brink of being almost an inch thick.

• Next take a medium sized bowl and whisk together 2 eggs, 250ml of cream, 100ml milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon brown sugar.

• Heat one tablespoon of neutral oil in a frying

pan.

Once the oil is hot, submerge your bread slice-by-slice into the egg mixture before placing it onto the hot pan. Allow any excess mixture to fall back into the bowl before doing so.

• Fry for two – three minutes on each side, until golden brown and not liquid.

• Et voila: French toast.

•

Part of the reason I chose French toast today is because it is also an awesome way to boost your fruit intake. We all have sporadic notions of a full fruit bowl every now and again, but best intentions often fall flat. However, adding any fresh fruits and a drizzle of maple or honey on top of this base recipe is pretty close to perfection: particularly if you get plums right now as they reach the peak of their season.

It doesn’t stop at fruit. French toast is such a versatile dish and can be topped with a number of things from chocolate sauce to ricotta cream to granola and even Parma ham (trust me!). Get creative!

Unleash your inner chef!

Sprinkle things from a height, make smears across the plate, whatever it takes to impress your roommates or even dates.

It makes for the most delightful lazy Sunday treat, and is a guaranteed happiness on a plate. Delish!

21

Film & T.V.

22

Joker: An Entertaining Descent into Madness Writes Eoghan Creedon, Film & TV Editor

Joker is the highly anticipated film which sees Joaquin Phoenix take on the iconic role of the clown prince of crime. Todd Phillips, who is most well known for directing The Hangover trilogy, is at the helm in attempts to provide some levity and a better understanding of the infamous Batman villain, who has remained an enigma for most of his history.

This ‘Comic Book Movie’ is a much-welcomed treat from the usual generic format, villain of the week, superhero movie Marvel and Disney love shoving down consumers’ throats. You will not find one mention of a ‘superhero’ in this film. There are no superpowers, no CGI villains, no gadgets. There’s barely any action in this film, and that works completely in the film’s favour. This is a ‘Comic Book Movie’ in name and in name alone. As mentioned previously, it does away with all the bog-standard aspects a typ-

ical ‘Comic Book Movie’ has. Instead, Joker takes a deep dive into the psyche of a mentally unstable man, driven to the edge by society and the abusive treatment he receives, both mentally and physically, by his fellow man.

Joker follows Arthur Fleck, a formally institutionalised clown who struggles to deal with the aspects of everyday life. He regularly sees a state assigned therapist and is prescribed numerous medications in order to help treat his mental illnesses. Phillips and Phoenix do an excellent job of making us feel sympathy for this man who we know will go on to become one of the most brutal villains in Comic Book and entertainment history. They take us through his monotonous, agonising days, only to come home to what can only be described as a kip of an apartment where he must act as the sole carer of his mother. We get a decent understanding of Fleck’s everyday

life, which makes the witnessing of that life slowly unravel all the more satisfying. Satisfying from a film making perspective, not from a sadistic perspective.

At lest for most people anyway.

Joaquin Phoenix gives the performance of a lifetime in this film.

He single-handedly carries this film. He is in every single scene; we are seeing the world through his eyes and his eyes only. There is enough pressure with being the lead of a film in general, but when the entire movie’s success relies on the lead actor giving a convincing performance, that’s when it is time to bring out the big guns. Phoenix does just that.

He tells a tale of a man’s demise so effortlessly. He immediately gets the audience on his side, making the viewer feel his pain and his struggles, only for the viewer to take time out to realise that they are in turn routing for the bad guy. But there lies the

excellence of Phoenix’s performance, if this film wasn’t called Joker, we wouldn’t know he would turn out to be the bad guy.

We would be feeling sorry for this mostly innocent man who has been dealt a terrible hand in life and who is doing his utmost best to make the most of what he has.

Seeing Phoenix portray Fleck’s slow decent into madness is awe inspiring. You truly believe him as a man struggling in life and struggling with his illnesses. You also truly believe him as an unhinged menace to society and all those who are unfortunate to cross paths with him, once his downfall has been complete.

Fans and critics online are campaigning for Phoenix to be given an Oscar for this performance.

To be frank, it is extremely difficult to disagree. I personally have not seen and do not predict seeing another performance in

Editor: Eoghan Creedon 2019 as captivating, emotionally draining and overall entertaining as Joaquin Phoenix’s in Joker.

However, we all know the Academy absolutely hate to recognise ‘Comic Book Movies’ at the Oscars, and Phoenix will probably be ‘snubbed’. At the end of the day, the Oscars are meaningless crap for the rich & famous and the self-proclaimed important people in the utter madhouse that is Hollywood. Phoenix has given a career defining performance, which is adored by legions of fans. Oscar or no Oscar, absolutely no one can take that away from him.

It is inevitable that people will start to compare Phoenix’s version of the Joker to other famous portrayals. Most notably Heath Ledger’s from 2008s The Dark Knight. However, it is near impos-

sible to compare Phoenix’s Joker with any other on-screen adaption of the character. In previous portrayals, we get to see the Joker be the Joker i.e. commit heinous crimes, cause chaos, attempt to foil his arch-nemesis Batman etc.

This is not that type of performance and not that type of film, however. The different performances share a name in Joker and have similar aesthetics, but that’s just about where the similarities and comparisons should end. In films such as The Dark Knight or Batman (1989), we see the finished product. The Joker in those movies is in his final form. In Joker, we only see the beginning of what is to come. The Joker is only in his infancy. The character has a long way to go and a lot more anarchy to cause before he can even hold a flame to other versions.

The character of the Joker throughout the years has been shrouded in mystery. With most versions of the character, no one truly knows who he is, where he comes from, or what he wants to achieve. The mystery surrounding the character has always been enticing for fans.

It has led to countless theories, discussions and debates throughout the years. So, for Joker to give the Joker an outright origin was a bold call. But it has proved to have paid-off. For all we know as well, the Joker we see in this film may not be the Joker that goes on to be the relentless foe of Batman, if there were to be future films in this universe. Hopefully not though. It was a much-needed breath of fresh air to have a ‘Comic Book Movie’ not be enthralled in a convoluted, entangling cinematic universe.

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Stand alone movies work too.

This is a prime example of it.

In closing, if you have not seen Joker yet, I would strongly recommend you do. Even if you don’t like ‘Comic Book Movies’ you will be pleasantly surprised by this film. It is the least ‘Comic Book Movie’ ‘Comic Book Movie’ out there. If you are any way interested in sublime acting, magnificent story telling and excellent film making, then it will be hard for this film to disappoint you. Joker is a slow burning, self-reflecting, stress inducing decent into madness. But most importantly, it is a damn good film.

(Picture: Warner Bros)

Music

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‘Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes; The Construction of a Persona in Popular Music Through the Years’ Writes Fiona O’ Connell, Music Editor The idea of constructing a character for the general public whilst holding onto more personal aspects of one’s character is not a new one in the pop music industry. This trend can be traced back into the 1950’s and 60’s with the likes of Elvis Presley and The Beatles creating these wacky, over the top personas for public bemusement and entertainment.

Some pop stars, however, have taken the idea of the persona a little further than others. For some a persona is merely an over-thetop version of themselves, acting as a metaphorical shield against the media’s constant delving into their personal lives and private circumstances. For others, the creation of a persona opens up a realm of new musical and artistic possibilities, offering artists a chance to re-invent both their sound and themselves with every aspect of this fictional persona. Distancing oneself from their art with the creation of a fictional yet completely authentic persona, may be one of the most ingenious inventions of the modern pop star - revolutionizing both the way in which we, the general public, view these musicians as well as how they view themselves.

The easiest way in which to display the effectiveness of the creation and evolution of a persona for musicians is to home in on a particular example, and analyse the way in which they created not only an image but an entirely new persona for themselves. There is no better place to start than David Bowie. Not only did Bowie create an artistic persona that he channeled through his musical and public life; as he grew and changed, his persona did too create multiple personalities, possibilities, and lives which he channeled into the telling of his

story through his music. Some may argue that a huge aspect of his success is down to this idea of his ever-changing persona.

From Ziggy Stardust to Aladdin Sane, The Thin White Duke to The Goblin King, and last but not least The Blind Prophet, Bowie found ways in which to reinvent himself consistently and regularly physically, creatively, and musically. With each changing persona, came a unique sound, maybe not a million lightyears away from what came before, but certainly not the same. These personas were all-embodying and quite far removed from anything pop music had ever seen before.

An excellent article in The Daily Review cited Bowie as a star who ‘totally exploded the notion of self. Self-became an amorphous, androgynous, contrived persona’. Quite certainly ahead of his time, Bowie’s contrived personas became iconic for the likes of the LGBTQ community who viewed the star as an ally as well as a role model in the form of an eccentric, androgynous Rockstar. From one glittery stage outfit to heavy on-stage make-up, Bowie knew exactly how to draw attention to himself without a single care in the world. Whether it was easier to portray this level of nonchalance when in persona-mode is hard to tell, but one thing is for sure - through the creation and presentation of each persona, Bowie ensured his legacy as both a revolutionary popstar as well as an icon for the LGBTQ community.

A more modern example of a popstar who has created a public persona is Lady Gaga (or Stephanie Germanotta) Gaga first broke into the realm of pop superstardom in 2008 with hit singles including ‘Just Dance’ and ‘Pokerface’.

However, it was not just Gaga’s

banging tunes and stunning vocal range making headlines. In fact, Gaga’s wardrobe seemed to have more of an impact on the world than any of that. You never forget where you were on the night Lady Gaga sported a dress made out of actual meat on the red carpet at the VMAs in 2010. Gaga’s extravagant persona - platinum blonde hair, enormous diamond-covered sunglasses, and wacky outfits have allowed the star to express herself comfortably and flamboyantly. Unleashing one’s inner diva is much easier when you feel so far removed from yourself; the most vulnerable parts of yourself are perfectly concealed under heavy eye makeup and a meat dress. For Gaga, the creation of her alter-ego, if you will, has been nothing but constructive and only beneficial for her career.

She has found herself representing certain minorities, in particular the LGBTQ community who view Gaga as an icon of a sort (her onstage costumes and makeup bear a striking resemblance to that of drag for which the star has expressed her love for).

musical ideas without question because hey, they’re an entirely new person now, remember!

Taking hold of a blank canvas and starting again can mean wiping the slate clean in terms of expectations and any anxieties regarding new music. This alleviation can and has allowed for some of pop music’s best and most inventive work. Let’s take Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely-Hearts Club (you knew it was coming). Pioneers of this trend, John, Paul, Ringo, and George wrote one of their most loved albums to date by completely abandoning the idea of ‘themselves’ and creating fictional characters from whose point of view they could write from. We have the taking of this huge artistic liberty to thank for the gorgeous ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ and ‘She’s Leaving Home’ to name but a few. The album was not only a change of musical direction but the establishment of a new era for the band which marked the end of The Revolver era, soon to be capped off with the White album era.

When speaking of the construction and evolution of the pop persona, it is important to recognise the ways in which the persona grows and changes. One of the most common ways in which this occurs is with the release of each new album, which in turn becomes a new era for the pop persona. With each new album comes an entire re-invention of oneself. The appeal of this idea is obvious; an escape from past work which the musician may not feel as connected to anymore, a chance to explore new genres and

The construction of the persona for the modern popstar is not only an interesting if underrated move, but also a truly tried and tested one. The likes of Bowie and Gaga have proved the effectiveness of this method through the longevity of their massively successful careers. If anything, its surprising that more popstars do not choose to create such alter egos. Allowing oneself to essentially start from scratch in terms of constructing a new ‘self’ under which to produce art and music is the most liberating form of artistic freedom.

Editor: Fiona O’ Connell Painkiller - Luke Faulkner Review Writes Jack Wrixon

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With all this talk about Pop Personas..

Writes Fiona O’ Connell, Music Editor I thought it only fair to include some of my favourite tracks from some of my favourite artists who have shown exactly how to create thought-provoking art and music through the creation of a character.

Painkiller is the latest release from Dublin native Luke Faulkner, alias PureGrand, and let me tell you synthpop has never felt so good. Combining the beats of the eighties with a modern scope, the entire EP opens a kaleidoscope of emotions, and lets the listener experience queer life and love, even just for a minute.

The EP opens with Last Bus, and the style, beat and content are a direct reference to Shannon’s 1984 hit ‘Give Me The Night’, telling the story of a lover who is tired of playing games but can’t escape that attraction to that certain someone. The chorus echoes the question of what happens after, while a synthesizer beat keeps the listener contained, trapping them in a loop they can’t escape.

Trust and attraction are like oil and water, and this is very clearly communicated in this three-minute journey. Both lovers are clearly damaged but the force dragging them together against their will is too great to deny.

Crush encompasses the same themes as Last Bus but from an earlier perspective- Here the idea

of power dynamics is brought into play between the lovers, and the intoxicating nature of crushes.

The reference to it being a ‘Toxic Friday Night’, and the singers desire to “swallow the faces of our counterparts” add a monstrous, more sinister element to the song, something that remains throughout the song. The constant repetition of the line “Watch your back” really connects the tune to the paranoid classic “Somebodies watching me” released by Rockwell in 1984. The use of the dual vocal tone adds a gendered depth to the midway point to the song, indicating that anyone can be swept under the cloak of a crush.

The final track on the EP ‘Heartburn’ describes a relationship that is doomed to fall apart- a concept that is not new, especially in music but the lyrics and the sound of this track are something refreshing, putting a new, necessary spin on a familiar concept. The references to the artists corporeal form give the song a sensory aspect that others often lack, and it adds to that innate human desire we all possess to dive into something with someone we’re smitten

with, especially something that we know will only result in mutually assured destruction. Human weakness stops us, yet our hearts yearn for more like an addict.

Overall, this EP spectacularly shows the reality of being a queer millennial by overlaying the themes with sounds that wouldn’t be out of place in Ryan Murphy’s Emmy nominated POSE, which is an important part of Queer history in its own right. This sort of reverence is one that can be and is often lost on younger generations of queer people, so it’s invigorating to see that our history is still being echoed through modern mediums and reminds us how far we have come. Alongside this, the direct influences from the ‘Gay Sirens’ of the seventies and eighties such as Sylvester and Patrick Cowley make listening to this EP nothing but an aural treat. It doesn’t shy away from showing the dark reality that can occur in situations like these, if anything it embraces the darker side to love and sheds light onto the topics nobody wanted to hear.

1. When I’m Sixty Four - The Beatles Childish ponderings of the love-stricken quartet. The innocence of this song both in its lyrical quality and simple, yet completely effective vocal melody and accompaniment, is striking and provides for an utterly joyful listen. Probably one of my favourite songs of theirs.

2. Starman - David Bowie A classic for a reason.

Ziggy Stardust transports us to an alternate universe in one of his wackiest, yet utterly perfect pop songs to date. Everything from the rocketing (excuse the pun) chorus to the infectious melodies throughout provide for one of Bowie’s strongest singles.

3. You and I - Lady Gaga This was one of the first songs I heard that left me in total awe of Gaga’s vocals.

Hearing her perform a tune as simple as this one whilst clad in a male suit and wig is something that really opened me open to this lady’s electric performances. It is worth noting that her most famous performance of this song at the VMAs featured the introduction of one of her male alter-egos Jo Calderone.

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Photos

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Above: Feminist Soc’s ‘EqualiTea’ event last month in the SU common room Below: Students playing in Sunday’s well/UCC Music Department

by Eve Harrington, University Express Photographer

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

University Cork Campus

by Caoimhe Leahy University Express Photographer

Photos

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SEXPRESS

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Anal Sex: What the Fuck

Let’s face it: we all have a bum. It’s a biological fact of life. Regardless of gender, race, class or anything else, something we all have in common are the two perky cheeks that sit above our legs. Thankfully as evolved humans, we’ve realised that there is more to life than excreting and that when done correctly, anal sex can be quite fun. Welcome to the crash course.

Anal sex is officially defined as any penile-anus sexual interaction.

Boring, we know this already.

BUT Anal sex and anal intercourse are also SO much more than just penile insertion. Before you stick anything up there though, it is important to note a few things that can stop some risky and nasty situations from occurring.

Firstly, if you want to have anal sex with someone communication before, during and after is key. It may be a damper on the mood, but in any sexual situation communication is key. Before, you need to check your partner even wants to try anal (Remember! Consent is OMFG: Ongoing, Mutual and Freely Given).

Even if it’s a green light now, be aware that that may change later on. Anal intercourse can be quite painful, so there needs to be constant communication between the giver and the receiver.

If you are receiving: You are a true hero. Really, hats off to you. You may have heard of douching or doing an enema. Basically, this is flushing whatever is in your anal cavity out so there can be clean insertion and extraction. Douching is a personal choice, but it does make the sex more enjoyable and less shitty. Literally. Most sex shops sell douching equipment, but always do your research into brands and types and shapes. Different enemas may also be cheaper and more readily available but look for reusable ones because we are on that environmental grind.

Douching is a whole lot easier with little to no dairy in your system and a high fibre content, but I am in no way telling you what to eat. Eat that chocolate bitch, you deserve it for doing this.

People have different ways of douching, but the main principal stays the same: Flush that sucker out. It may not work properly the first few times, or it might take a while but that’s okay! Nobody is an expert the first time they willingly flush the shit out of their body, and it gets easier with time.

Something to remember is that everyone’s body is different, and so are the intricacies of everyone’s bowel movements so what may work for one person may not work for another. Relax into it, take your time and have confi-

Writes Sexpress Writer Jack Wrixon

dence. Unofficial anal sexpert and OnlyFans star Damaged Bottom (@DamagedBttm on twitter) has a master thread on twitter of how to douche and be prepared for all eventualities. This thread is the best instruction manual for those looking to try it and is definitely worth a check out if you have any questions. An important one is to shower once you have finished because you don’t know what could be hiding where on your body. Plus, it keeps the exterior of your butt smelling sweet. For both partners, being clean helps stop the spread of STDs and keeps this activity as clean as it can get.

If you are giving: It takes two to tango, but it doesn’t take a penis to perform anal intercourse.

You’re all replaceable, but this section will teach you how to perform in a way that benefits both partners. Or if your using a sex toy, how to get those good vibes with no emotional attachment.

Firstly, wash yourself. Should be an obvious one, but you’d be surprised. Clean every inch of your penis, all the flaps and folds. You don’t know what could be hiding where and you do not want to pass that on. If it’s a toy, wash it as thoroughly as you can, even if it’s new. Unfortunately, anal sex is never a case of just “sticking it in”. This takes TIME, so be pre-

pared to wait and always check in with your partner. If there has been an issue with them douching, or they have not done it at all, be nice about it. They’re letting you go Willy Wonka on their whole chocolate factory and it’s not a decision made lightly. Offer to clean up, be ready to provide support and most important be ready to STOP. Anal sex is not for everyone and should never ever be forced (OMFG Remember?).

Something that is important for both parties? The usage of condoms and lube. Condoms help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and with an area like the rectum extra care is needed. Lubrication is essential. If you’ve been having anal sex regularly and can figure out what you like, that’s great! But if it’s your first time, lube that sucker up. The hole and whatever is going into it, be it a penis or a sex toy. It’ll make insertion easier and open up a whole world of pleasure.

Having a nice bum is subjective, but it’s how you use that bum you have been given is what makes life beautiful. Hopefully this crash course will provide you with some wisdom and insight into this magical experience and if there are any other issues, google is your best friend.

Editor: Caoimhe battault

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Sex History: The Curragh Wrens

Writes Caoimhe Battault, Sexpress Editor

The Curragh Wrens are not widely discussed or perhaps even know about, but their existence may be one of the most upsetting parts of the history of Ireland. A product of the Great Famine, the Wrens were women who gathered on the plains of the Curragh in County Kildare in order to survive. They became prostitutes for the British soldiers of the Curragh Barracks, the largest foreign based Barracks of the British Empire. Many of these women were unmarried mothers, alcoholics, free-thinkers, mentally ill, criminals or anyone else who may be considered “beyond the pale” of societies acceptable. Their desperation and circumstances made them the lowest of the low and were looked down upon even

by other “indoor” prostitutes.

Their name came from their living circumstances. Much like the songbird, the women burrowed into the ground of the Curragh for shelter, using the strong furze as roofing. James Greenwood, a nineteenth century English journalist, wrote a piece for the London Pall Mall Gazette, which gives people today the most accurate, if veiled by Victorian misogyny, information about the Wrens. This includes their living spaces. He wrote how the nests were grouped into villages and so low “you crouched into them, as beasts crouch into cover… no standing upright until you crawl out again.”

It was no secret (or surprise) that the Curragh Wrens were terribly abused, both by their clients and

the people of the neighbouring town of Newbridge. There were many reports of terrible gang rapes by soldiers of the Wrens, and they often suffered terrible disease and STDs. They were banned from the shops in town, with only one widowed shopkeeper in Newbridge allowing them custom there. One priest from the town was said to have ripped the clothes from a Wren and began whipping her bare skin with a riding whip “until the blood spurted on his boots.” The army made sure to “take care” of the women by bringing a water cart to the villages twice a week and allowing them shop for food at the army market. However, its important to remember that these women were a useful

“commodity and outlet” for the army, and these gestures were unlikely to have been from goodwill, but rather selfish reasoning.

Although these women had extremely tough lives, one aspect of their living was unusual and gave a sense of hope. Through their ostracization, the Wrens began a communistic lifestyle.

They shared all income, belongings and even children. There was no leader or hierarchy and the women all took care of each other, all being from similarly traumatising backgrounds. Due to their banishment from society, the Curragh Wrens created their own society, one which allowed for differences and unconventionality and seemed far more appealing than the workhouse.

Gaming

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BioWare’s Last Chance to Escape E(A)xecution Writes Jack Coleman, Gaming Editor

In 1998, a virtually unknown Canadian development team suddenly became a major player in the gaming world when their Dungeons & Dragons licensed role-playing game (RPG) sold almost two million copies. The unprecedented level of gameplay fluidity and the stunningly rendered backgrounds instantly made “Baldur’s Gate” the best RPG on the market. The outfit responsible for this incredible success was none other than the now-legendary developer BioWare.

Following Baldur’s Gate, BioWare maintained their momentum through the turn of the century.

They leveraged the popularity of the Dungeons & Dragons license to create more amazing RPGs like “Baldur’s Gate II” and “Neverwinter Nights”. As 2003 rolled around, BioWare was being faced with their most trying task to date.

The studio would have to leave the familiar safety of the Forgotten Realms (they sold their D&D license to Atari) to take on the beloved Star Wars franchise. The resulting game was, of course, “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” which received univer-

sal acclaim and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that BioWare makes damn good RPGs. However, something happened in late 2007 that would irreversibly change the dynamic of the Edmonton based developers.

Through the forces of capitalism, BioWare was joined with fellow developers Pandemic Studios with both studios maintaining their individual brands. But a late twist to the tale came when industry giants Electronic Arts (EA) were revealed to have bought out the newly organised partnership.

EA had not yet acquired the title of “the worst company in America” but they did already have the dubious reputation of acquiring studios, destabilizing them and shutting them down shortly after.

By 2007, EA had already bought out and shut down Bullfrog Productions, famous for their “Dungeon Keeper” series, Westwood Studios (“Command & Conquer”), Origin Systems (“Ultima”) and NuFX (“NBA Street”).

Each studio had a similar story: once acquired by EA they began to experience internal struggles

and after several cancelled projects, were either closed completely or were absorbed by other arms of the publisher. However, there were also studies operating happily under the EA umbrella which made the fate of BioWare and Pandemic unpredictable.

Shortly after the takeover, BioWare earned more plaudits from the gaming world for their newest action role-playing game, “Mass Effect”. This riveting space opera would go on to become one of BioWare’s flagship franchises, players loved fighting sideby-side with their alien buddies against the backdrop of galactic extermination. As long as BioWare continued to deliver quality games, they needn’t fear the wrath of their corporate overlords.

However, not everyone was so lucky. Pandemic Studios had floundered since being bought out. Due to the fact that the studio was now owned by Electronic Arts, LucasArts no longer allowed the studio to make games set in the Star Wars universe. This completely derailed the development of “Star Wars Battlefront

III”, the third game in the studio’s most popular series. After the studio released two consecutive lackluster titles in “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames” and “Lord of the Rings: Conquest”, EA laid off the majority of Pandemic employees throughout the course of 2009. The studio was officially closed in November.

Meanwhile, BioWare continued to prove a good investment. “Dragon Age: Origins”, a fantasy role-playing game released in late 2009, was another commercial success.

The studio now had two popular RPG franchises to build on, one sci-fi and one fantasy. Two years after the release of Origins, “Mass Effect 2” hit store shelves. BioWare had really outdone themselves this time, it was everything good about the original game but so much sleeker and on a grander scale. Suddenly everyone wanted to play as the now-iconic protagonist Commander Shepard. It was around this time that EA’s negative influence began to become apparent. At the behest of EA, the unholy monetisation trinity of day-one-downloadable content, pre-order

Editor: Jack coleman bonuses and a season pass were included with Mass Effect 2.

This wasn’t the last time EA would put BioWare in a tough spot, the bumpy release of “Dragon Age 2” in 2011 was another disaster caused by the publisher. EA reportedly insisted that the studio release a sequel to Origins just 18 months after its release. Making a good RPG in such a short length of time would be a monumental task for BioWare. For comparison, Dragon Age: Origins spent eight years in development before being released. The sequel came out to a mixed response, while many critics seemed to enjoy the game, hardcore fans were quick to voice their displeasure.

Due to their need to release the game quickly, BioWare decided to base the game solely in one city and its surrounding hinterland which allowed them to reuse assets and maps throughout the game, saving time in the process. The regression of many mechanics from the original angered fans greatly but BioWare was clearly put in a tough spot by EA. A big release was on the horizon for BioWare, however, “Mass Effect 3”, the highly anticipated conclusion to Shepard’s trilogy was due. In March of 2012, Mass Effect 3 was released to swarms of hungry fans who were eager to find out if Shepard could succeed in his quest to stop the

Reapers. First impressions started to filter through the grapevine, Mass Effect 3 was an amazing experience; grander than anything BioWare had ever done before. The response to the game was very positive, that was until players reached the ending.

The Mass Effect 3 ending controversy sabotaged an amazing series of games. Negativity regarding the ending of the game reached a fever-pitch as players took to social media to slam the plot-hole ridden mess of a conclusion that BioWare had written.

Despite Mass Effect 3 being a very good game overall, fans that had been playing the series religiously over the previous five years felt cheated by the outcome of Shepard’s story. BioWare had released an underwhelming sequel to one of its beloved series and had botched the ending of the other.

Their minds must have wandered to Pandemic, their brief partners that met an untimely end.

“Dragon Age: Inquisition” released just in time for the Christmas season of 2014. In fact, it was a Christmas miracle that the game was finished at all. By all accounts, the development cycle of Inquisition was nightmarish, and the game only magically came together at the very last minute.

The game’s wide-open world map, exciting plot and heavily customisable protagonist did a

lot to wash the bad taste out of the mouth of fans who were burned

by Dragon Age II. Meanwhile, the spectre that is Electronic Arts had begun shutting down studios once more. BlackBox Games (“Need for Speed”), DreamWorks Interactive (“Medal of Honor”), Phenomic (“SpellForce”), Mythic (“Dark Age of Camelot”) and Maxis Software (“The Sims”) all got the axe between 2013-2014.

BioWare had dodged a bullet, but could they keep it up?

The answer was no. “Mass Effect: Andromeda”, released in 2017, was supposed to usher the franchise into a new generation but the reality was a bug-ridden mess of a game. Andromeda was laden with technical issues and was prone to freezing unexpectedly and crashing. The very strange and stiff facial animations of the characters is an aspect that almost every critic cited as being a serious problem. And above all else, the game is just boring. Meaningless quests and robotic characters is the opposite of what Mass Effect fans had come to expect. Andromeda was BioWare’s biggest mistake yet and Electronic Arts had just shut down the esteemed studio Visceral Games, famous for the “Dead Space” series. BioWare needed to bounce back quickly.

Unfortunately, they didn’t. With “Anthem”, BioWare attempted to deviate from their bread-and-

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butter by creating a multiplayer action shooter. The result was not pleasant. Gaming media reported another development cycle disaster from BioWare as they struggled through brutal crunches to complete the game on-time. The result was a laughable Frankenstein’s monster of a game that simply lacked meaningful content. In order to keep players playing their “multiplayer experience”, BioWare made the progression system tedious and repetitive which actually drove most of the player base away. Two high-profile blunders would have been enough for Electronic Arts to shut down most studios so BioWare is luckier than most. They have one last shot at redemption.

The only relatively untarnished series that BioWare has left is Dragon Age. The second game was a minor slip-up, but the general consensus is that Inquisition was enough to preserve Dragon Age’s reputation. Not much is known about the upcoming “Dragon Age: The Dread Wolf Rises” except that it’s a direct sequel to the events of Inquisition that BioWare is currently working on. You have to imagine that if the game isn’t outstanding, it may be all she wrote for the legendary developer. Good luck BioWare, everyone is rooting for you.

Fashion

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Hannah Ennis Interview Writes Katie Burke, Fashion Editor

a lot of the interviews I conducted to research my dissertation I found out how big an impact Irish sports culture has on young men.

How it either glorifies or isolates boys at the mostly all boys’ schools”. With sporting culture having the potential to be so laden with peer pressure and masculinity, Hannah believes there should be a safe space for men to express themselves and prevent the shunning of emotions and identity.

We are at an exciting time where fresh talent is emerging in the fashion industry worldwide.

One such talent is Hannah Ennis who specialises in menswear.

As a child Hannah always knew that an artistic career was her calling. Fashion became a clearer path when she was sixteen as she realised the commercial and political influence a designer could have, looking to designers such as John Galliano. “I realised how these spectacles were much more looked at and bought into than fine art. I have also always been very politically motivated and am a bit of an optimist for the greater good and decided that I could support the path to equality and draw attention to problems as a fashion designer” In the fashion industry, menswear can often be pushed aside in favour of the headline grabbing womenswear shows. For Hannah, an interest in menswear came along by accident as she eventually came to study Fashion Design and Technology: Menswear at the London College of Fashion. “Menswear became interesting to me by coincidence through a project I did on a short course at Central Saint Martin’s when I was 17 and preparing my portfolio. It was a mini project about a sub-culture, and I chose to be inspired by the Sapeurs in the Congo, a group of men who dress very dapper and wear brightly coloured suits always coordinated with their accessories”. From there, Hannah delved into the world of menswear as she believed there to be more room for exploration in menswear. “Dressing men is having more of a clean canvas where you can paint any new idea or character… [but] saying that, menswear has been a lot less expressive, locking men into a navy and black cage of t-shirts and chinos”.

With our world becoming increasingly political, Hannah’s

“This led my collection to be inspired by GAA and rugby shapes and I wanted to manipulate them to carry another meaning and become more inclusive and expressive to all parties involved.

I applied textile techniques common in womenswear like hand-smocking which was pioneered by Sybil Connolly in the 1950s to sportswear materials to create these new shapes. Additionally, I included my research into Celtic decorative art and jewellery leading the collection to be titled ‘Golden Boys’ which also reflects back to the untouchability of successful sportsmen”

work is joining the legion of designers who are putting their work forward as beacons of hope for others. “My goal as a menswear designer is to create gender equality by allowing men to express themselves as much as women are already free and enabled to do. Women are already

able to wear a lot of menswear… whereas the scales haven’t been tilted the other way yet, allowing men to be more colourful, decorative and expressive”. Preferring to explore a different issue for every project, Hannah’s final year collection revolved around the male experience in Ireland. “Through

The Forty Foot jumper is a particular standout piece influenced

by Irish culture. “The jumper was inspired by the history of the Forty Foot [and] it formerly being a nude male bathing spot before it was opened to women and a dress order was enforced, underlining gender inequality”. This beautiful piece will be stocked in Om Diva boutique in Dublin from the end of October/early November and retails at €260. With the first batch of jumpers being numbered and dated, and coming in two gender and shape inclusive sizes (which Hannah recommends trying on in-person to find the perfect fit for you) with a handmade lavender bag to have an appeal to collectors and protect the merino wool, this is a beautiful investment piece from a bright, new talent.

The relevance of Irish craft in modern culture was another

Editor: Katie Burke source of influence. “I travelled across the whole country to research textiles and weavers for the collection which explains the heavy use of tweeds in the collection. The Celtic chains came from looking at the Book of Kells and the Celtic gold exhibited at the National Museum”. Abstract use of such Celtic traditions were an important expression of identity for Hannah, even though they are not symbols of modern Ireland, as “the Celtic heritage was also one of the few inherently truly Irish visual inspirations I could pick up on as a lot of architecture, fashion and imagery would have been heavily influenced by colonisation, especially in Dublin”.

more sustainable. Ireland heavily influences her sustainability as “there still is local production and a lot of potential for more of it to return, with the wool and linen productions and the rich cultural craft heritage”. Mainly using materials from items such as shirts and ties, which came from around the world with their own rich history of previous owners, Hannah sourced from charity shops where some items could not be sold simply because they may have had a small tear or stain. Wanting to encourage people to upcycle clothes more, Hannah hopes her work with up-cycled materials can prove how much life and value remains in used textiles.

Hannah believes that while there needs to be more female representation in the design industry overall, the beauty of designing menswear is that there is freedom in designing clothes that are stereotypically not for you.

“When in the late 2000s [Alexander McQueen] introduced his first menswear collection it was the absolute opposite of what he created for women, it was very wearable, quite boring… but I think it was just that he…was thinking of himself when designing for men”. She continues, “I think the distance from gender allows the designer to be truly innovative and creates more interesting and daring outcomes”.

Hannah believes she has a responsibility as a designer to do her bit in making the fashion industry

Being a woman in menswear and using an almost entirely female team on her collection shoot,

Finally, what are Hannah’s hopes for the future? “I hope to be able to start my own business within

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the next five years…It is really important for me to get to design my own vision and be free of a company aesthetic so I can create my vision for menswear. There are a lot of aspects in the current fashion system that aren’t going well, from designers being underpaid, materials and labour unethically sourced and there being gender bias in corporate structures. I would like to create an alternative to that and offer solutions to those problems while designing with social and environmental change in mind”. With her work already generating discussions and catching the attention of the fashion media, there is no doubt her career will go from strength to strength, and Hannah Ennis is a name we will be hearing for years to come.

Arts & Literature

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Asking For It – A Night at the Everyman Writes Fiona Keeley, Arts and Literature Editor

Originally a novel by Louise O’Neill, Asking For It has now been adapted into an on-stage production by Meadhbh McHugh, in collaboration with Annabelle Comyn. It received five-star reviews from publications like the Irish Examiner, The Irish Mail On Sunday, and the Irish Independent saying ‘It is worth the hype’ this was a production that had everyone in Cork waiting with baited breath for it to arrive in the Everyman Theatre. This production ran in the Everyman Theatre from September 26thOctober 5th and deals with many themes that are very consistent in society today. Asking For It takes you on the emotional journey of a community in Ballinatoom, Co.Cork and how one night affected so many people for the weeks, months and years to come.

At the beginning of Asking For It control is introduced as a major theme which runs throughout the play. Our main character Emma is eighteen years old, she’s smart, pretty and has a great group of friends at school.

The Emma we see at the start of

the play is in control of her life and it is clear her friends look to her as a guidepost within their group even if they don’t always agree with her. We are also introduced to a group of boys who go to school with Emma and who become critical to the storyline of control. As act one progresses, control starts to slip away from Emma’s grasp until she reaches the point where she cannot remember anything from the night before at Sean’s party. After this point we see Emma lose control of her situation as it spirals out of control. This is when the theme of loss is explored in Asking For It. Loss can inspire many issues but this play deals with loss of dignity and loss of privacy in the digital world today. In this play, a traumatic event for Emma could not be simply reported to the proper authorities, social media allowed everyone to report their own opinion without gathering the facts of the case. Asking For It illustrates how Emma copes with this loss of privacy and the significant changes that happen in her life after Sean’s party. The

second act shows how one year on Emma’s family affected by the case. Mysterious phone calls from multiple sources who want to know about the Ballinatoom girl breach their privacy rights while local papers write stories to mark the year commemoration and ask where those are who were involved in the case now. In this act we get to see the family as a microcosm of society as each member has a starkly different reaction to the case. Through each of these views the audience can try to understand the reasoning behind their beliefs and how the case affected each one of them.

Crisis of identity is another theme that runs through the play and evolves in different dilemmas faced by the characters. Emma faces an identity crisis after the night at Sean’s party, when Conor comes over to comfort her, she insinuates flirting claiming “I belong to everyone now”. It’s a clear sign of how she is grappling with her self-identity and self-worth because of society’s new opinion of her. Conor experiences his own identity crisis within his group of friends throughout the play.

While he does want to be a part of the group during the play there are moments where he breaks away from his group’s culture and experiences some tender moments with Emma that are outside of his group’s values that identifies them within local society.

Asking For It is a heart-breaking play that raises issues that will stay in your memory. It highlights the problems that exist for young people today in the culture of rape and drugs and how social media has now infected that culture to present it as a spectator event instead of a criminal act.

Asking For It shows what society’s reaction can be like when someone is raped, and it is posted online for everyone to see to offer their judgements and opinions while the victim is helplessly silent. Crucially it shows not just the immediate reaction but also how society reflects on the event a year later. It is a play that will keep you on the edge of your seat because of its intensity, emotion and uncanny ability to reflect Irish society in the 21st century.

Editor: Fiona Keeley

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Seen, Not Heard Writes Fiona Keeley, Arts and Literature Editor

‘You are supposed to be seen, not heard’, these are words that may be familiar to some of us from childhood but in this short sentence we do not get to hear the story of young person. Crawford Art Gallery recognised this phenomenon in history and have opened an exhibit entitled ‘Seen, Not Heard’. It runs from 28th June – 28th October and includes some Irish artists like Louis LeBrocquy and Robert Ballagh.

The phrase ‘you should be seen and not heard’ originates in religious culture in the 15th century.

This exhibit shows how prevalent that culture was through the centuries but also how much has changed right up to the present day. Once you walk into the exhibit writing on the wall greets you explaining the exhibits’ inspiration. It iterates that it aims to spark a conversation about what being a child is like today in Ireland and look at why the representation of children has become an important matter in art. Walking around the exhibit for the first time I start to understand why this is such an evoc-

ative question in culture today.

Hughes De Beaumont shows two instances simultaneously in his painting ‘The Visit of The Poor Relations’ which is displayed here.

It is an intriguing painting because the child’s expression could show either fear or boredom, it is up to the viewer to decide which one is appropriate. This painting serves the purpose of taking you back to your own childhood and flashes memories of meeting older relatives who you may have known by name but never known their care and warmth like memories of closer relations that you had built relationships with by spending time with them.

A painting that will send shivers down your spine is Robert Ballagh’s portrait of ‘Rachel as Marilyn’ which depicts a young child as the sex symbol the whole world knows at a glance. The controversial nature of this painting shows a young girl donning the makeup of Marilyn and in effect it makes us associate Marilyn’s life with this innocent child. Painted in 1974, it could suggest that society was asking children to grow up too fast

and exposed them to concepts in the world that they were not prepared for and there was a value in simply letting children be children for the short years that they had available. As I walked around the gallery and mused over that idea I wondered if forty-five years later in 2019 society was still asking children to grow up to quickly.

While this exhibit does illustrate children acting under the watchful phrase ‘seen, not heard’ ‘News From America’ by James Brennan represents the ultimate powershift in societal roles. Set in 19th Century Ireland, the adults in the painting are visibly silent and listening attentively to the young girl reading a letter aloud that was sent from America. The girl is a symbol of the spread of education in Ireland during the mid-nineteenth century and the establishment of the Government National School system, signed into law in 1831. While this gives the child a voice by forming words through another’s writing it also shows that the adults in her midst are illiterate and depend on their daughter to read for them. Even

though the child is reading on behalf of another it represents a philosophy that an increase in education can help give children a louder voice in society. This is a phenomenon we can see in the world today within political movements across the globe which indicates it something that continues to be a part of society today.

Seen, Not Heard does a superb job of highlighting problems about how childhood is placed within society in both the past and the present day. It leaves you with something to think about as you leave the exhibit and explore the upper floor where you can unlearn the adult norms that have been drilled in so deep over many years.

A quote that I had seen on the walls in the exhibit came to mind, “All grown-ups were children but only very few of them remember it” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince. This space gives you a chance to express creativity with the freedom that it deserves so the world can once again become your oyster, starting from one building in Cork.

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Sports

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

The World Athletics Championships 2019: How The Race Was Run Writes Sam Curtin, Deputy Sports Editor

(The array of empty seats was a familiar sight to anyone who watched the championships over the 10 days) Before analyzing this year’s championships, here is a couple of questions for you, did you watch the competition?

Did you even know it was on?

One could be forgiven for answering no to both of these as even the most fanatical of sports fans in the media have admitted to only taking a passing interest in the championships. The fact that RTE had no TV coverage did not help and for those who could stand the BBC coverage for the 10 days would not have learned a huge amount about some of the athletes as it was more akin to “British cheerleading” as Kieran Cunningham, chief sports writer of the Daily Star put it.

Another question to be put forward is why Qatar was chosen to host the championships in the first place. This is a country which has very little tradition in the sport and the searing humidity present does put it at the top of the list when it comes to choosing a host city for an event of this magnitude.

These factors were reflected in the attendances which for the most part were very poor. Only 1,500 spectators witnessed the women’s 100m final, one of the

most popular events of the competition (in a stadium that can hold 40,000 +). Attendances suffered throughout the 10 days due to fact that many events were held during the early hours of the morning as a result of the brutal heat.

The actual standard of athletics did make up for the paltry crowd.

The hosts performed surprisingly well winning gold in the men’s high jump and bronze in the men’s 400m hurdles. One would not have been able to notice however due to the fact there were more fans from outside Qatar present than the natives. Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the distance races winning 19 medals between them.

Jamaica’s Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce cemented herself as one of the all-time greats by winning the women’s 100m. American Chris Coleman won the men’s race in 9.76 seconds, a new world lead.

His American compatriot Dalilah Muhammad set a new world record in the women’s 400m hurdles in a time of 52.16. Dutchwoman Stefan Hassan became the first woman ever to complete the 10,000m and 1500m double.

Many of the performances were overshadowed however due to the ban of Roberto Salazar, head

of the Nike Oregon Project, who is the coach of Hassan and many of the world’s top athletes especially at middle and long distance level. He has received a four-year ban for violating anti-doping regulations following numerous accusations in relation to doping his athletes. It must be stressed however that none of the athletes involved in Salazar’s Nike Oregon project has ever failed a drugs test.

And what about the Irish performances? Although none of our athletes won any medals it was one of the most successful campaigns in recent years. Rob Heffernan coached Brendan Boyce, who was the best of the Irish finishing 6th in the men’s 50k walk, battling humid conditions to seal his highest ever finish at a major championship. Ciara Mageean was another highlight on and off the track, finishing 10th in a stacked women’s 1500m final with a PB of 4:00.15 which would have been enough to finish on the podium in years gone by.

The 2016 European bronze medalist was also a joy to behold in her post race interviews and displayed everything that was good about athletics. Mageean was the first Irish athlete to make the final

of a track event since 2011, and an Olympic final berth in Tokyo beckons. Thomas Barr was probably Ireland’s best hope of winning a medal but he failed to reach the final of the men’s 400m hurdles finishing 4th in his heat and 10th overall in another stacked event won by Norway’s Kirsten Warholm. There was disappointment for Mark English as he failed to negotiate the 800m heats but has had a solid 2019 winning bronze at the European Indoors. He has stated that he will take a year out of his medicine studies to focus on the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Overall, the championships were a mixed bag.Aathletics probably needs another global superstar like Usain Bolt in order to force itself into the public consciousness on a regular basis at home and abroad. Drugs and politics have not gone away from the sport. To finish on a positive however, there are green shoots when it comes to Irish athletes who always carry themselves admirably when it would be so convenient not to. Tokyo here we come.

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Sports

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Ireland Women Continue Fine Form Writes Jack Maguire, Sports Editor

Last Tuesday night, the Ireland Women’s team extended their unbeaten run to two games with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Ukraine. Unfortunately, Tallaght Stadium was not full for the game despite many reports of the game being a sell-out. Despite the small crowd, the Irish team put in a fantastic performance and came away with a fully deserved win, albeit after almost letting the victory slip.

The Irish team went into the game full of confidence having defeated Montenegro 2-0 in September. In Vera Pauw’s first game in charge, it only took the Women in green 25 minutes to get on the scoresheet. Rianna Jarrett latched onto a Denise O’Sullivan ball and fired a ball across from the by-line where Katie McCabe

placed it in the bottom corner from the edge of the six-yard box.

Things got even better for Ireland three minutes later when a Katie McCabe corner was met by Rianna Jarrett five yards from goal to double Éire’s lead. By the half hour mark, Ireland were cruising and maintaining the pressure on the Ukrainian defence.

The tides began to turn though in the 34th when a dangerous cross from the right was dropped by Irish goalkeeper, Marie Hourihan and the ball fell to Lyubov Shmatko who finished from close range. Despite the reduced deficit, Ireland were still confident of pushing on, but 9 minutes later some poor defending and a misplaced clearance from Megan Connolly let Olha Ovdiy-

chuk in to score the equaliser for Ukraine. Half time came just at the right time for Ireland, allowing them to regroup and get their game plan in order once again.

The Irish started the second half positively and sustained the high tempo play that they enjoyed for so much of the first half, and It didn’t take them long to regain the lead. In the 52nd minute, Jarrett sent a low cross across the box which was palmed away as far as Denise O’Sullivan who took a shot at goal. A goal line scramble ensued, Shmatko’s attempt to clear the ball off the line ricocheted off Pantsulaya and into her own net. Heartbreak for the Atletico Madrid midfielder and her teammates but utter joy for the girls in green. Ukraine stayed

in the game until the end and worried Ireland late on when Apanaschenko’s curling effort was tipped past the post by Hourihan.

Vera Pauw was delighted with her side’s performance, defeating the second seeds in the group is a massive achievement. ‘Both goals were just given away by us, at half time we set the tasks again’ said Pauw after the victory. The pressure was on the Irish having left a 2-goal lead slip, but as Vera Pauw said herself ‘the discipline at the end was what brought the win. The fighting spirit of these players’. Next up for the Ireland is a trip to Greece on the 12th of November which promises to be a great occasion.

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Sports

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Political Hypocrisy Football’s Battle to Remain Neutral Writes John Cian McGrath, Byline Editor

Since the football dramatically burst its way into the global psyche, with an obvious catalyst coming with the launch of The Premier League in 1992, the game has come a hell of a long way. With transfer fees increasing tenfold, and the ever diversification of leagues worldwide, the game has become painted by the shared culture of many nations. Culture has always formed a strong part of sport, and football is no different. The diversity of the game is one of its biggest strengths, rivalled only by the Olympic Games for diversity in its audience.

One aspect of humanity which so many in the game have worked to remain untouched is it’s use as a political tool.

UEFA policy could not be any clearer when it says it aims to “promote football in Europe in a spirit of peace, under-

standing and fair play, without any discrimination on account of politics, gender, religion, race or any other reason”. While this regulation may, at first glance, look clear, it is in practice where the lines have blurred. UEFA has taken a hard stance on political symbols used by fans on both the left and right of the political spectrum, but with the game growing exponentially, one can forgive governing bodies for feeling slightly out of their depth. Increasingly, we see football used as a shell for political ideals to which it ought to hold no connection, we see political ideals represented through sponsorships, or by the owners of the clubs themselves.

In 2014, League of Ireland side Dundalk were fined €18,000 when a section of supporters flew a Palestinian flag at a Europa League Qualifier. A delegate from UEFA, who was in attendance at the match, ordered the flag to be removed from Oriel Park, pursu-

ant to regulations on flags that have deemed to be “inappropriate by UEFA.”. Similar fines have been handed out to Celtic (twice) and similar behaviour was seen in last year’s Eurovision from the Icelandic entrant. While it can be argued that this is a deeply political, many have argued that the use of a nation’s flag is such a regular occurrence that cherry picking which flags are appropriate represents naivety from UEFA. One could argue that when Celtic, a Scottish club with links to Ireland, waves a tricolour, that waving flag is also holds its foundations in deep political statement.

Were UEFA to start handing out bans on the use of a tricolour in Celtic Park, one can only imagine where the line could be drawn.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, a Catalonian native, was fined £20,000 for wearing a yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders. Guardi-

ola claimed it was not a political statement but accepted the fine.

While this fine came under the English Football Association’s regulations, it was not found to be in breach of UEFA codes when it was worn in a Champion’s League game. Martin Glenn of the FA was quizzed on the fine for Pep, and was quoted as saying “it’s a symbol of Catalan independence...

We don’t want political symbols in football”. It would then be safe to assume that Mr Glenn would hold the same opinion of the use of the poppy as a part of English footballing tradition. Unfortunately, that could not be further from the case as Glenn adamantly dismissed any assertion that the poppy could be considered political saying “Poppies are not political symbols; that yellow ribbon is. Where do you draw the line, should we have someone with a Ukip badge? Someone with an Isis badge?”. FIFA did in fact fine the English and Scottish Football

Issue 3 | Tuesday 15th October 2019 | University Express

Associations for their part in a poppy display, but after an appeal, subsequently overruled it.

Despite his stance on the Catalonian independence movement, Guardiola should not be mistake as some hero of the common man, as he is one of very few in football to have taken money from both the Abu Dhabi royal family (owners of Manchester City) and Qatar, as an ambassador for their World Cup bid. As Pep Guardiola may have found himself at the front of this debate, delivering impassioned speeches on his feelings towards Catalonia’s jailed politicians, when asked how these beliefs aligned with his boss Sheikh Mansour, Pep is often slightly more unsure of himself.

Mansour, the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE has turned Manchester City into a powerhouse

of English and World Football, spending a portion of his exorbitant wealth on playing staff and investing in facilities for the club.

It is when you look behind the curtain however, at the political ideals of Mansour and the UAE, that we see the true colours of the man. An Emirati Royal, ruling a state riddled with Human Rights violations, unfair trials and where homosexuality is illegal.

Human rights researcher Nick McGeehan has written extensively about the links between Manchester City and Abu Dhabi.

“They’re not making money out of these clubs,” McGeehan says.

“They latch themselves on to prestigious, high-value brands, whether it’s football clubs or universities or museums, and these associations enable them to present themselves as progressive

Sports and tolerant, when the opposite is true.”. It is far from City alone who hold connections with questionable political regimes, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have actively sought relationships with Gulf interests and opened themselves up to similar questions.

Beyond the Middle East, one can look to Chelsea’s Russian Ownership or the political persuasions of some of the American Owners in the Premier League.

Football has often encapsulated the cultural zeitgeist, giving us a slice of what life is like for a common man, but as more and more intolerant and politically backward nations plaster their name on the jerseys of clubs who play it. If football is used as a pawn in a game of geo-politics, one can only wonder where the breaking point will be.

When will we reach checkmate?

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UCC: A Week In Review

Writes Sam Curtin, Deputy Sports Editor The UCC Men’s hockey team continued their good form with a 3-0 win over local rivals Ashton. Goals from Simon Dring, Stephen Jermyn and Barry Cronin meant UCC extended their great form and of course won the bragging rights over their counterparts.

UCC Women’s Soccer began their Premier Division South campaign at home to NUIG last Wednesday night in the Mardyke where they put 7 goals past the Galway side to win 7-1. The Men’s soccer team also began their third level football season last Tuesday. The premier team were defeated by Athlone IT Soccer club 2-1 at the Mardyke, but the Division 4 team had an emphatic 7-3 win against Kerry College FE at The Farm.

UCC Rowing are enjoying an incredible season, picking up from where they left off last academic year. Anyone following UCC Sport over the past year or so will be aware of the incredible success of Ronan Byrne.

Ronan was presented with the Cork Southside District Sports award for September after his fantastic year on the national and international stage. 13 rowers from the UCC Rowing Club have also been invited to take part in the October High Performance Trials which take place in the National Rowing Centre which is a fantastic achievement.

On the rugby front, UCC Quercus Scholar, Jack O’Sullivan received a call up to the Munster Rugby Team. The Academy backrow forward will be joining the team in Johannesburg.

The UCC Senior Rugby team also got their AIL 2019/20 Campaign off to a great with a 30-20 victory over Dublin University.

University

Volume 23 | Issue | Tuesday 2019

Sports

UCCExpress.ie

A New Era: Cork GAA Welcomes Home Past Legends

(New managers from U16 to senior level: Noel Furlong, Donal Óg Cusack, Kieran Kingston and Pat Ryan)

Writes Sam Curtin, Deputy Sports Editor A new era has begun for Cork hurling with four new appointments made in the last couple of weeks. The County Board have made a real statement of intent with not just the appointments of the managers but with the backroom teams that will the accompany the respective sides.

Kieran Kingston returns to the senior role that he held from 2016 to 2017, leading Cork to a Munster title and left after an All-Ireland semi-final exit to Waterford, citing work commitments.

Kingston has spoken of ‘unfinished business’ and being handed a three-year term is one that echoes hunger from the manager and most importantly continuity.

Indeed, continuity is a key message conveyed by the Cork Chairperson Tracey Kennedy. There is now a clear long-term plan with

a chance for players and coaches alike to progress through the ranks where there will be a continuity in the style of play and those who will be taking the reins from year to year. For the next three years at least, it seems that Kingston will be the man to end the 14 year wait for Liam McCarthy. Kingston will be joined by Diarmuid O’Sullivan who is also returning after walking away with Kingston in 2017. Former Dublin manager Ger Cunningham will also take up a role as selector.

Speaking of backroom teams, perhaps the most exciting aspect of these recent appointments is the amount of big names who are joining the fold. In the minor age group in particular there seems to be a fresh start with Donal Óg Cusack being joined by former All-Ireland winners Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Tom Kenny, all three players were involved in the strikes with the County Board in 2002 and 2008/09. If someone

said at the time that these players would return in a coaching capacity at Cork county level, they would have been laughed at.

Time is a great healer as they say and in this case it seems to have done the trick, despite some objections from various club representatives and the fact that Cusack is only getting a one year term is quite puzzling. One thing that can be guaranteed is that this will attract bums on seats. The U20s also have their fair share of familiar faces to join manager Pat Ryan at the helm. Former All-Ireland winner Wayne Sherlock and current Imokilly manager Fergal Condon will assist the Sarsfield’s man in attempting to make it third time lucky for the U20s, who have been beaten in two All-Ireland finals in as many years.

This clear-out is an unprecedented one but shows that the County Board despite their critics, are not afraid of making big decisions and seem to be uninter-

ested in holding grudges from the past in order to rediscover ‘our Corkness’. One trend that is very noticeable here is the amount of ex-players that have only retired in the last 5 years who are returning in a coaching capacity, many of whom were involved in at least one of the strikes. This has traditionally been a big barrier in the past when it came to appointing coaches as the old County Board led by Frank Murphy were accused of not appointing some of the younger coaches and instead opting for familiar faces from the 1970s and 80s. The game of hurling has evolved significantly since then and the younger coaches coming through have so much to contribute in terms of experience and knowledge of the modern game.

And there you have it, the new Cork coaching panel to lead the new era of Cork hurling. Cork hurling is back, and so is Corkness.