University
Express
Volume 22 | Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019
UCCExpress.ie
Constitutional Confusion Surrounds Election of SU President
itself throughout the year. The issue in this case surrounds the
Cailean Coffey, Editor-in-Chief has now emerged that the Computer work for the year ahead is done definition of the term ‘Sabbatical & Ciaran Dineen, News Editor Science student will be undergoing during the summer months. Many Year’. The term ‘Sabbatical year’ is
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n recent days, the University Express has been made aware of news in relation to the election of Ben Dunlea as President of the Students’ Union. Mr Dunlea claimed victory over Bea McCarthy in last month’s SU elections, however, the legitimacy of Ben’s candidacy has now been called into question, as it
work placement during the first two months of his term.
The President-elect is expected to start his term from July 1st which may cause a conflict with his course placement. The work done by the Students’ Union over the months of July and August are of vital importance, as a lot of prep
crucial University committees meet during the summer, and to miss these meetings may cost the SU chances to raise student issues with University management and staff. If Dunlea were to miss these meetings it could lead to the SU being in a weaker position within the University organisational structure
not defined in the constitution and therefore left to interpretation as to when it begins. This means that while some may see the sabbatical year starting on July 1st, others may see it as starting in September, at the start of term. As this term is not defined in the constitution, it is unclear which of the two interpretations of the same term is correct, or which is legally binding. This matter was highlighted at the last Student Council of the year, which was held on March 20th, two weeks after the elections. A question from the floor addressed the fact that the President-elect would be missing for a six-week period during the summer, and the Council was asked if Mr Dunlea would: 1. Collect two concurrent wages (Students’ Union and his college placement), and 2: Create a Constitutional crisis by being absent from office. The latter of the two points has become the most serious. Article 6.1.5 of the SU Constitution declares that the President of the Union “must take a sabbatical year of leave,” meaning that sabbatical officers must take a year out of their studies (or a year out of their careers post-graduation).
Students Highlight Education Funding Crisis: see page 5 for full story. Photo Célem Deegan.
Cork Marches on Climate Change
Page 3 News
Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle Revisited
Page 10 Features
Story Continued on page 4
Game of Thrones Survival Predictions
Page 19 Byline
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Racism Rife in European Football
Page 39 Sport
Editorial
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Turning the page Cailean Coffey, Editor-in-Chief
In This Issue....
It’s almost a year to the day, as I write this, that I was interviewed for the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Express. At the time, naturally, I was terrified. I wanted the job but at the same time, unaware of those I was competing against, I wasn’t sure I was the right candidate. As the interview proceeded, I slowly began losing confidence in myself and very quickly began to doubt if this was the right move at all. Upon leaving the room I thought my time was up. I’d screwed it. Had you told me a year ago I’d be here, writing my final editorial I would have laughed at you. Funny how life goes.
Extremist “a Product of Our Times” ............ 4 How to stop worrying about the future .......... 6 interview UCCSU President Alan Hayes ....... 10 What do we think of the SU? .......................... 12 Pioneering the Irish fashion industry ............ 17 Interview with Orla Gartland & Sarah-Beth . 20 Music Tattoos: Yay or Nay? ........................... 23 Innovation in the Games Industry .................. 24 The Immaculate Infection .............................. 27 Lets Talk About Sex! ....................................... 28 Rófhada, róthapaidh ...................................... 33 The Notorious Retiree .................................... 38
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief Cailean Coffey (Editor@UCCExpress.ie) News Editor Ciaran Dineen(News@UCCExpress.ie) Designer Holly McGrath (Design@UCCExpress.ie) Features Editor Fergal Smiddy (Features@UCCExpress.ie) Sports Editor Declan Gleeson (Sport@UCCExpress.ie) Opinion Editor Samantha Calthrop (Opinion@UCCExpress.ie) Eagarthóir Gaeilge James McAuliffe (Gaeilge@UCCExpress.ie) Online Editor Fiona Keeley (Online@UCCExpress.ie) Marketing Executive Robert O’Sullivan (Marketing@UCCExpress.ie) Webmaster Michael Forde (Webmaster@UCCExpress.ie) Photographers Célem Deegan, Eve Harrington, James Kells, Ben Kavanagh (Photographers@uccexpress.ie) Staff Writers: Sinead O’Sullivan; Tara Leigh-Matthews James MacSweeney; Lauren McDonnell Byline Editor Ciara Dinneen (Byline@UCCExpress.ie) Fiction Editor Laura Riordan (Fiction@UCCExpress.ie) Humour Editor Callum Casey (Humour@UCCExpress.ie) Arts & Literature Editor Éadaoin Regan (Arts@UCCExpress.ie) Gaming Editor Cian McGrath (Gaming @UCCExpress.ie) Music Editor Caoimhe Coleman (Music@UCCExpress.ie) Film & Television Editor Joesph Cunningham (Screen@UCCExpress.ie ) Sexpress Editor Rían Browne O’Neil (Sexpress@uccexpress.ie)
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
I started writing for the Express in November of 2015. I emailed the music editor at the time asking if I could be of any use and quickly got a response asking me to draft an article off a press release. From my recollection, I believe it was a piece on the rise of the Norwegian singer Aurora. I wrote it as quickly as I could, trying to be of as much use for Express as possible. Week by week, I was slowly sent more and more press releases to work on, more articles to write until finally, around January of 2016, I wrote my first feature. I still remember it well, it was an analysis of the influence of Kanye West’s (Typical, I know!) album ‘808’s and Heartbreak’. My first full page article. For the next three years, I worked my way up the ladder of the Express and have had the opportunity to work with some fantastic writers. Be it in my role as Music Editor, Byline Editor or Editor-in-Chief, I’ve been privileged to work with some of UCC’s best and brightest writers and editors, and it’s been a pleasure throughout. This has been a tough year, full of hights and lows, from the racism survey to the Watson building renaming, be being the Editor of this paper has been one of the best things I’ve done in college, and I would highly recommend anyone with an interest to get involved. I wish to thank all of our editors and writers this year for their fantastic hard work and commitment, and in particular to our Byline Editor Ciara who has been of great help when the going got tough. It’s been a joy. Good luck in exams! editor@uccexpress.ie
Cailean
The Winds are Changing Ciaran Dineen, News Editor Hello everyone and welcome to the final edition of this year’s University Express. Try not to cry too much but this is my last editorial of the year, hang in there for the remainder of these 500 words if possible. When thinking of a title for this editorial, Mary Poppins immediately sprang to mind, with one of the most iconic lines from that script being “I shall stay until the wind changes.” Alas the wind-vane is turning and we are pointing in another direction. Some great lessons were learned in that incredible movie, with characters experiencing many ups and downs. These last seven months or so have also been quite turbulent for me, as I have encountered some highs but also some very difficult lows. Writing for all of you has been my sanctuary during those moments when my days were dark and gloomy, and even if I have made just one of you smile, laugh or become informed, it will have been worth it. College can sometimes be one of the loneliest experiences for some people, and this agony can be prolonged if you see friends or classmates constantly going out or making loads of new friends. It’s important to know that if you haven’t managed to be as socially successful as others, that is not your fault or a reflection of you as a person. Sometimes we go through life on a different course to those that might even be closest to us, and realising that this is normal can be easy to say but hard to understand. Every one of us wants to be loved and we crave moments that give us an increase in our serotonin, even if it is just on an occasional basis. It is why we always check our Instagram posts, our profile pictures, and our tweets when we post something new, to see how many people have liked it. That hour or so of self-satisfaction can either boost someone’s confidence or indeed have the opposite effect. Hence, I am of the opinion that spending time with your family or your close friends is far more beneficial, because that isn’t virtual or superficial love, it’s real. Talking is better than tweeting and being together is better than texting, I think it is important that we remember that. Sometimes we must also accept that things change, no matter how much you want them to stay the same. Life really is like a book. You may not like certain chapters, but never want others to end. Some moments might make you laugh or cry or anger you, and perhaps even offer a bit of self-reflection. We must embrace whatever comes next, say goodbye to the past and shake hands with the future. As I said, writing is often my salvation, it clears my head and gives me focus. It is something that cannot be taught or learned, but created from within. I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to read my articles and my editorials, you have helped me to believe in myself and for that I will forever be grateful. The support from colleagues and the incredible guidance from our Editor, Cailean, has been absolutely top-class this year. Thank you all once again and best of luck in your exams. It’s time to go fly a kite. Take care, news@uccexpress.ie #uccexpress
Ciaran
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
Cork Marches on
Climate Change
Fiona Keeley, Online Editor
T
he 15th March 2019 marked the day when thousands of children in schools across Ireland dropped their pencils and marched through the streets demanding urgent climate change action. The sight of children dropping their books that teach them about the impact of climate change and instead taking it upon themselves to march to demand climate justice brings a new era of ideological thinking to the fore. Protests were staged around Ireland in big cities such as Cork and Dublin as well as in towns including Tullamore Co. Offaly, Ennis Co. Clare and Lifford Co. Donegal. It brought business to a standstill as the protesters marched through town centres and made their voices heard. In total, 37 marches were staged around the country. In both Cork and Dublin the power of social movement for action on climate change was clear for all to
see as people waved signs, banners and bunting. Students across the country are demanding the Irish government declare a climate emergency and present the severity of the climate situation to the Irish public. It was not just the Irish population that spoke out about this crisis. These marches were held in tandem with strikes in 1,659 towns and cities in 105 countries across the world. It cements the idea that this is more than just an issue for Ireland, this is an issue that will affect humanity on a global level for years to come. It is estimated 5,000 students attended the protest in Cork while it is estimated another 11,000 people marched in the climate action protest in Dublin. The movement gathered global momentum online initially under #fridaysforfuture in August 2018. When it gathered pace and moved to school strikes in Ireland the label morphed into #schoolstrike4climate.
News
The march in Cork began at Emmet Place, just outside the Opera House and protesters were then lead towards Cork City Hall. There was a feeling among protestors that this was only the start of the movement as one of the speakers, Samhain Mohally-Casellano voice echoed faintly over the crowd. The Cork march was coordinated loosely by the second-level schools in the area, yet the protest was attended by a blend of primary, secondary and university level students. Speaking to the University Express at the march, UCC Equality Officer, Maeve Richardson commented that “third level students feel really strongly about this, as do second level students”. Politicians such as Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer supported the Cork march while Green Party activist Dominick Donnelly paid tribute to it calling it one of the largest marches that he had witnessed in Cork in years. “I’ve been on many protests here in Cork and this is the biggest I’ve ever seen - organised by the kids themselves the kids are shouting at us adults - sit up and listen. We need to change.” The large turnout to the Cork march alone exemplifies how much people are crying out for a change of policy
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towards the planet we call our home. Minister for Communication, Climate Action and the Environment Richard Bruton endorsed the passing protesters saying “They are making a call that countries have to heed. Our Government needs to heed it, and we are developing a plan to do just that.” This global movement was sparked by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg in August 2018 when she staged a strike outside the Swedish Parliament. Her protest, as well as similar protests in the UK the previous week, has kickstarted the political pendulum that is climate awareness. At the end of February of this year, it became clear from a European Commission report that Ireland was drastically falling behind in our process of decarbonisation in comparison with other European countries. The Climate Change Performance Index ranked Ireland as the worst performing EU country. However, in response to this strike The Irish government has pledged to generate 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. This figure is up from a previous commitment of 55% renewable energy sources by 2030.
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News
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
to be about culture and identity but have no doubt, this exclusionary rhetoric serves to legitimise the extreme right-wing as an extension of moderate right-wing views”.
New Zealand terror suspect ‘a product of our time,’ UCC expert says Sinead O’Sullivan, Staff Writer The recent mass shooting at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch is the latest major terrorist attack carried out by a right-wing extremist. 50 people were killed and many injured as a result of the attack made by 28-yearold Australian, Brenton Harrison Tarrant on March 15th. Dr Orla Lynch, the Head of Criminology at UCC, focuses her research on the perpetrators and victims of terrorism, and says that in the past year there has been a worldwide rise in farright extremism and an increase in far-right killings. Dr Lynch says that while we may never fully know why Continued From Front Page... The Constitution states that the ‘Union’ year begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th.
attacks such as that in New Zealand happen, there are various factors we can understand. According to Dr Lynch, we can understand how there is a supportive political climate allowing the views of the terrorist to be unchallenged and that the language of the public sphere also contributes to viewing a minority population as an invasion in society. Dr Lynch also states: “we can understand how the poisonous rhetoric of the extreme right-wing has successfully crept into the mainstream media and has manifest itself as publicly acceptable forms of racism”. “The language may not be overtly about race, it is more likely Dunlea would be on work placement and according to sources close to the situation, private discussions between the President-elect and members of the outgoing SU took place prior to the elections. Dunlea reportedly told those involved that he hoped his work placement would not affect his role if elected, but there was a general consensus of “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
According to witnesses, the point was raised at Council by a former SU Officer and member of Bea McCarthy’s campaign team. These claims were confirmed to the Express by Ms. McCarthy, who stated that the points were raised out of concern The incumbent Students’ Union for the potential negative impact the have now realised, following absence could have on the SU. the questions put forward at the In 2015 a situation occurred when Council meeting, that the situation potentially unconstitutional President-elect Aidan Coffey is under article 6.1.5 of the current missed the first three weeks of his SU Constitution. At the time of Presidency as he was volunteering abroad. On that occasion Coffey writing, the Students’ Union’s legal asked the then incumbent President, teams are assessing the constitution, Mark Stanton, if he would consider and article 6.1.5 in particluar, to staying on in the role for a period determine whether Dunlea can until his return. Stanton obliged but take office without deferring his the University Express understands placement. The matter is potentially that such an issue was not raised very serious and could possibly lead at the time as Officers are entitled to the Presidential election being reto four weeks annual leave. It has opened for nominations if Dunlea been revealed that members of the cannot take office. Students’ Union were aware that Mr Speaking to the University Express
In relation to the response of Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern to the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, Dr Lynch says that the real challenge lies in the longterm responses to extreme right-wing terrorism, stating: “Her calls for legislative controls on social media companies and appeal to the broader media not to grant the perpetrator notoriety are well intentioned but most likely do not get to the root of the problem”. Tarrant released a 74page manifesto entitled ‘The Great Replacement’ before the attack and then live-streamed the attack on Facebook. Dr Lynch states “There were multiple audiences for Tarrant’s violence but primarily he aimed to influence the extreme right-wing online communities who exist in the blogs and chat rooms of the net and the recesses of the dark web”, adding: “His manifesto and the content of his live streamed video used coded language, irony, memes, references to previous far right terrorists, material that would only make sense to those participating in the internet on this matter, UCC SU President Alan Hayes said, “maybe the Students’ Union should have investigated it more but at the same time the responsibility of the elections is up to the Returning Officer and candidates would usually tell the Returning Officer if they had any issues. However, I don’t blame Ben, I don’t blame our Returning Officer and I think I should have been better on this one to be honest…. I really want to make sure that we get this one right and protect the Students’ Union and I am seeking legal advice.” President-Elect, Ben Dunlea also spoke to the Express when approached, saying, “I didn’t put myself forward for election without great consideration for the effect that my work placement may have on my capability to fulfill the role of President. In doing so I spoke with Alan Hayes prior to submitting my nomination forms and continued discussions after the election to propose solutions and workarounds to the matter. I am confident that any of the potential
trolling culture indicative of the extreme right-wing.” Dr Lynch says “Tackling this subculture is exceptionally difficult because any effort at intervention or prohibition feeds directly into the conspiracy that western governments are seeking to stifle white culture”, continuing: “However intervention is possible but it is with those individuals who do not subscribe to the racist underpinnings of the extreme right-wing, but for whom Tarrant’s manifesto resonates to some degree.” In going forward, Dr Lynch notes“Preventing the creep of the extreme right-wing rhetoric into mainstream narratives should be a priority and challenging it when it appears is a useful way forward.” Dr Lynch warns that “we must not underestimate the power of legitimising narratives and the role they play in bolstering and legitimising the identity position of individuals like Tarrant”. “Understanding terrorism is on the one hand about understanding the terrorist” Dr Lynch concludes, “but more importantly, it is about understanding the complex societal dynamics that made him possible". solutions that Alan and I discussed are more than adequate”. Dunlea notes that “The matter of the actual constitutional interpretation of Article 6.1.5 is now with the SU’s legal representation for counsel. I feel it may not be appropriate for me to speculate currently on what their decision may be; however I hope with all my heart this matter becomes more of a discussion around how best to ensure that the will of the student body is adhered to. The margin by which I was elected was significant and I hope that the voice of the student body is reflected in the outcome of this matter”. Ben concludes his statement by saying that “Every year when a new Students’ Union is elected they face new challenges. I believe that what’s happening now will be a demonstration of unity between the Student’s Union and the student body, and of the power we have as a team to overcome any challenges we may face”. “I spoke with my elected SU with regards to this and am incredibly grateful for their unified support”.
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
Students Highlight
Education Funding Crisis Ciaran Dineen, News Editor
Students across the country were joined by some of their lecturers on March 21st during a walkout protest over the rising cost of Higher Education fees in Ireland. Since the economic recession of 2008, thirdlevel education in Ireland has faced some of the biggest funding cuts in the public sector. Despite the fact that the dark-days of the fiscal crisis are now over, with Ireland growing at one of the fastest rates in Europe, the cost for students going to college has remained unchanged. Over the course of the last 12 years, student fees have risen by an astronomical figure of 363%, as the year-on-year annual sum that young people are forced to pay has changed from a figure of €825 to €3000. When the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, this will leave Ireland with the highest fees
in the Institution. Concurrently, the grant-based scheme, SUSI, without which many students could not afford to go to University, has been cut by approximately 7%. Last year, in an interview with the University Express, Director General of the Irish Universities Association, Jim Miley, was critical of the Government of the day and past Governments for not addressing the needs of third-level education. The Union Students of Ireland reacted angrily to the 2018 Budget, where a pot of €500 million has been put aside for a ‘rainy day’ fund, if Ireland was to be thrust into another economic crisis. The USI argued that the ‘rainy day’ was now for Irish collegiate education. In a joint statement, the Coalition for Publicly Funded Education said, “Government has long since acceded to the fact that higher education in Ireland is chronically under-funded. The Department of Education and
News
Skills has accepted the findings of the detailed analysis of the scale of the funding deficit that was carried out by various expert groups on their behalf. If urgent action is not taken, there’s a real risk that today’s 7 and 8-year old primary school students will not have sufficient college places available to them in 2030 when the demographic bulge peaks with an additional 40,000 students seeking to access third level.” UCC’s Students’ Union led the way for the protest in UCC last week as students and staff marched around the Quad. Heading the chants on the day was UCC SU’s Kelly Coyle, while many of her colleagues also spoke at the demonstration. The effects on tuition fees are the most obvious source for discontent, but teaching standards and resources are also becoming a major issue. Frank Jones, who is Deputy Secretary General of the Irish Federation of University Teachers, said that Government funding policies are “strangling” higher education for staff as well. If you break down the figures over the course of the last 10 years or so it is clear that students today are not
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receiving the same level of teaching that was afforded to others in the past. The student-teacher ratio has dramatically climbed during the course of this time, with the ratio currently standing at about 21:1. This is nearly 50% higher compared to the average EU norm of 15:1. One-toone interactions are therefore more limited as resources are constantly being stretched. Irish Universities have subsequently fallen down on world ranking lists, with the lack of capital funding invested by the State being blamed as a primary cause. Although the Government has outlined its promises to increase the level of funding in third-level education, it is not enough according to Chair of the Education Division for Fórsa, Gina O’Brien. “While we would obviously welcome previous increases in funding to the sector they fall far short of what is needed to address the crisis in the sector. We set up the coalition to campaign for publicly funded education and the Cassells report has provided us with a roadmap as to how that can be achieved."
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Features
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
How to stop worrying about the future and
find your dream College Course Fergal Smiddy, Features Editor My course naturally lacks the sense process, but it certainly can be done. that I wanted to study English at
“So, what exactly is that degree of security and direction that comes with a more career-focused degree going to get you?” such as Chemical Engineering or hile it may be a completely Medicine. However, I would argue well-meaning and fair that worrying about career prospects question to ask, it never fails to and developing an impressive CV make my eyes roll, my patience should not be top priorities in your wear ever so slightly thinner, and hunt for the right college course. – on a bad day – my fists clench Instead of opting for a course that in what can only be described as a might bring you some reward in fit of pure and utter frustration. As the future, you should be focusing an Arts student, and a student of on finding a course that you will English Literature, it’s a question enjoy in the present. It’s not an easy that gets thrown at me quite a lot.
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Third Level, and ultimately advance to a career in writing, almost every teacher and guidance counsellor had the same advice for me: that I would be better off setting my sights on a degree with a more stable career path. Initially, this advice – and, arguably, scaremongering – led Tip #1 – Decide for Yourself. me to set my sights on a course in Coming from someone who always Applied Psychology. The course had the desire to study English in seemed vaguely interesting to college, this is a topic that I know all me, and I figured that my love for too much about. Whenever I revealed writing would surely be satisfied to So, whether you’re a prospective UCC student who’s reading this online, or a current student who’s having some second thoughts about your course, I hope that the tips outlined below can be of some help.
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
some degree in the form of writing own. Trust in yourself and go for Psychology papers and essays. the course that you believe you will As the deadline for course enjoy the most. Your enjoyment applications drew nearer, however, will lead to achievement, and your the sense of uneasiness in my gut passion will turn to success. grew larger. Then, on the final night before applications were due to close, I rushed to my computer and made what has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life: I changed my first-choice college course, allowing me to do what I always knew I wanted to do: study English Literature in college. I chose to not bow to the pressures imposed upon me by those who wished to dictate my career path, and went with my gut feeling. Fast-forward two years, and it’s clear that the decision I made that night was the correct one. I am succeeding academically, purely because I love the course that I am doing. Had I stuck with the “safe” option, I am certain that things would not currently be going as well as they are. So, make sure that your decision is entirely your
Tip #2 – Stop focusing on the future, careers, and employment. For the secondary-level student who has yet to make the transition to third-level education, it seems that the word “college” is always far too synonymous with “careers”. Of course, thinking about your possible career paths is important, but what they don’t tell you in secondary school is that college is about far more than simply earning a diploma, tossing a cap in the air, and heading off into the merry land of jobs. A large part of college is personal development – finding out who you are, making connections with people, and advancing your skills outside of the classroom.
Features
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those in their late teens and early twenties – knows the exact career path that they are going to take. Nobody knows where they are going to end up in thirty, twenty, or even ten years from now. Neither do you, and that’s okay. When people ask me: “What exactly is that degree going to get you?”, I still tell them that I don’t know. What I do know is that I’m happier now than I ever could have been had I not followed my gut and changed my college course application that night. I am loving every single second of college. I am making friends who are in the exact same boat as me, and I am building my skills towards a career in writing every single day. When people ask me: “So, what is that career going to get you?” I still tell them that I. Do. Not. Know; and Tip #3 – Relax, like. honestly, I have come to take pride This may not seem like useful in that answer. I may not know what advice, but, believe me – if you can my degree is going to get me, but really get it through your head – I have loved every second of what it’s probably the best advice you’re it’s gotten me so far, and that’s good going to get. Nobody – especially enough for now.
For example, my choice of course has allowed me to become surrounded by people who have the exact same goals and passions as me. Getting to know these people has also led me to making another great decision in my life: getting myself involved with student media (extracurricular activities are abundant in College, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to make the most of them). Thanks to my involvement in Student Media, I am currently holding an Editorial position with the fine newspaper you are currently reading, the University Express, and am already in the process of building a CV that brings me closer to my dream of a career in writing every single day.
Editorial: A hopeful, grateful, and utterly sad Goodbye
Fergal Smiddy, Features Editor I’ve always thought that I would probably hold some sort of record for the student to get involved with the Express the earliest into their time in UCC, if such a weirdly niche accolade were to ever exist. My involvement with the Express quite literally dates back to my Orientation Day in first year, when I first met current Byline Editor and certified greatest woman alive, Ciara Dinneen. By some impossible stroke of luck, Ciara was my first-
year Peer Support leader. While she guided our flock of green Freshers around on our campus tour, she made some offhanded comment about The Express and Student Journalism – and that’s where it all started for me. I’ve been involved with the Express ever since, moving from working alongside Ciara as her Deputy Features Editor in first year, to somehow getting my hands on the big job this year. It hasn’t been easy – coming up with enough words to fill a six-page section fortnightly hardly would be – but it’s absolutely true when they say that the best things in life never are. I’d be fooling myself not to admit that this year’s goodbye isn’t, quite plainly and simply, a sad one. Some massive figures in UCC Student Media – and, incidentally, some of my closest and dearest friends – namely Cailean Coffey, Lucas Brun of Motley &
Ciara Dinneen herself are all leaving their time in UCC behind. I may not know much, but what I do know is that the three of them are moving on to bigger and better things than I should even bother trying to unravel in this little Editorial. While the end of this year is undoubtedly marked with sadness, it must be said that the future is anything but bleak. The recent passing of the Capitation Referendum is an indescribably massive deal for UCC Student Media, and while I won’t get to witness the immediate effects first-hand (I’m off to study abroad in Toronto for the next year. Yurt), I can only imagine the vast improvements in the quality of Student Media that will ensue as a result. This Editorial wouldn’t quite be complete without giving a deeply deserved mention to outgoing Deputy Features Editor Róisin O’Donnell. I
had the honour of working on the Features section alongside Róisin for the past few months, and I can say hand-on-heart that, in that short time, she put together some of the most well-written, powerful and downright gripping Features that the Express has published all year. Thank you, Róisin – keep on fighting that writer’s block, and never doubt your talent. Well, that’s all from me for another year. No doubt you’ll be seeing my name crop up once or twice in next year’s Express, crafting notionfuelled Features from a coffee shop in Downtown Toronto. If you’ve ever taken time out of your day to read one of my silly little articles, I offer my final thanks to you. You, dear reader, are what makes all of this worthwhile.
Fergal
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Features
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle -Unanswered:
Annie McCarrick - Part 2 Róisin O’Donnell, Deputy Features Editor
“I
to ask the dreaded question: ‘Have you heard from Annie at all?’. The hollow answer to this question brought Nancy to board a plane destined for Ireland, taking her trip earlier than she had ever expected.
she loved. Her absence fell heavily on Rita Fortune and Hilary Brady, her two dinner guests. They were left outside Annie’s flat in the cold, knocking and receiving no answer from their host. Right away, this struck the pair as odd. In true Irish style, they retreated to the warmth of a nearby pub believing Annie was after losing track of time, just out and about. When the pair returned to McCarrick’s flat a half-hour later, yet again Annie did not appear when they knocked.
It took seven more days for an appeal to be issued to the public asking for information. That was the first use of the iconic photo of Annie McCarrick, labelling her as missing.
f people went missing in the US, you would not be surprised, but not in the island of saints and scholars” - Garda Assistant Commissioner Martin Donnellan. From the airport, the trio grouped When this journalist ended part together and went to the local Garda one of this twisting series, young station to report Annie missing college student Annie McCarrick – roughly eighty hours since the had vanished from the lives of those young woman was last seen.
The McCarrick family did not have belief in the Irish Gardaí from the start. The first two weeks had not brought their daughter anywhere close to being in their arms. Annie’s father, a retired American cop used his experience to extend the canvassing of nearby towns, offering a large sum of money for any information and hiring a private investigator. Speaking to the Irish Independent, John McCarrick (Annie's father) said this on the Gardaí’s investigation: "At the start, it was difficult to even get them to take the idea of Annie as a missing person seriously. They said she was an adult and so on."
Rita and Hilary had a bond with Annie. They knew her better than anyone on the Irish side of the Atlantic. After all, Annie’s dinner party was supposed to be a way of thanking the couple for helping her find her footing in Ireland. They rang Annie later and were greeted by silence once again. They then rang Annie’s mother, Nancy McCarrick. Annie had been looking forward The Gardaí’s efforts brought the to her mother visiting her from bouncer at Johnny Fox’s pub forward with information, as America in the coming weeks. detailed in my previous Unanswered It took another 48 hours, several article. This alleged sighting of calls to Annie’s place of work Annie is now strongly believed to and Annie’s flatmates returning have not been Annie at all, but an home to find a full Quinnsworth's American tourist. Similar sightings shopping bag before the feeling that thought to be Annie came forward, something was amiss had become further confusing the timeline of the fully clear. This brings the series investigation. of events to a Monday, the 29th of Every morning throughout the twoMarch 1993. month period the McCarrick family The couple rang Nancy McCarrick
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
resided in Ireland looking for their beloved Annie, they left their B&B to visit the surrounding areas and search. Their own investigation revealed a more reliable, local sighting. A shop assistant reportedly remembered a young woman with a distinctive American accent buying postage stamps. Whether McCarrick had taken the bus to go walking in solitude in the fresh air, or whether she was enjoying a gig at the local pub still remains a mystery, and pales in comparison to the personal information the Gardaí seized from one of Annie's friends. For a while, the lead focus of the investigation had been a man McCarrick had worked with and had possible romantic connections with. According to some local gossip, Annie had shared with her friend that she had a brief meeting with the man in question on the previous Saturday. She admitted that she had gone ‘too far’ with him and just wanted to forget about the situation. When Annie’s mystery man’s alibi was proven false, the excuse for his gross lie was that he was covering for himself. He was terrified that his girlfriend would find out about his affair with Annie. Strangely enough (or maybe not so much), the Gardaí never revisited this character and his possible role in Annie’s disappearance. Maybe this was down to the male culture that is still plastered across Ireland today. Boys will be boys, won’t they? Or perhaps it was down to the lack of feminine touch to the investigation, bar Annie’s mother.
original bouncer sighting. New information came to light on the man who had paid for the entry of Annie McCarrick to Johnny Fox’s Pub. The suspect was identified as a hitman for the West Belfast Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Annie’s second mystery man was on the run from the North side of Ireland for murder. On the date in question, it is believed he had been staying with some friends in a safehouse near the pub. Retired Detective Sergeant Alan Bailey recalls the informant who had brought the information forward as being a “very reliable source”. Does this sound like the plot of the next all-Ireland film? Disturbingly so. According to the source, the hitman was attracted to Annie. A mixture of drink and Annie’s fascination with all things Ireland are perceived to have been the perfect situation for the suspect to spill all of his and the IRA’s deepest, darkest secrets to the young woman. Annie was now, unknowingly, packed full of lethal information. Whether she was disgusted, or if the man had gone too far and mentioned his fellow members by name is unknown. He copped on to the potential consequences awaiting him by burdening Annie with this information. It has been suggested that he offered her a lift or scared her into his Ford Sierra. This man was cunning, though. According to the source, he made sure to go to the bathroom while Annie made her way into the parking lot – giving no chance for witnesses spotting them leaving together.
As I have warned you before, reader, there is a foggy and sad energy surrounding Annie's case. Annie's disappearance serves as a beginning What he allegedly did next, I will edge for the Vanishing Triangle. keep within the words of Sergeant Annie’s family went home to Bailey, “[he] drove her up the America, at a loss. mountains where he killed her, and Several years later, in 2009, a concealed her body behind some connection was made with the bushes”.
Features When the hitman returned to his safehouse, he told his friends a warped version of what had happened, with Annie cast in the role of a Northern spy. He and his friends worked together to move the deceased McCarrick somewhere she would never be found, to the Dublin or Wicklow mountains; and they were successful.
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of his sentence. He now lives in Mullingar with his fellow crime buddies, always under the sharp eye of the press.
The McCarrick family still have hope in their hearts that someday Annie will be brought back to them. Every now and then they set foot on the cold damp ground of Ireland, knowing that their daughter The villainous IRA man reportedly is somewhere out there in the returned to the North shortly thousands of miles of green. They afterwards. He was once again exiled meet with investigators, get updated from the IRA when allegations of on any progress and meet with sexual assault were made against journalists, trying to make sure that him by the teenage daughter of a Annie is not forgotten. powerful Republican. He relocated permanently to America (of all In every statement the McCarricks places) and survived on work at a have given to the press, they make one thing clear: Annie is not a pub given to him by a sympathiser. legend. She is a person – a person The McCarrick’s belief is firmly in who is deeply loved and missed. the theory that it was Larry Murphy, McCarrick unfortunately an Irish convicted sexual criminal, John who was the last person to see their passed away from issues resulting daughter. from the stress he endured while The dots connect with Murphy and searching and waiting for his connect to the other women in the daughter. Discussing his daughter, Triangle. Murphy was jailed for 15 he told the Independent, "Would I years in 2000 after being caught in want to know what happened? Back the act of abducting and attempting then, yes. But now…I'm not so to murder a Carlow businesswoman. sure." The woman’s life was miraculously Nancy McCarrick, still alive and spared thanks to two men passing driven to find her daughter, said the by and finding Murphy trying to opposite when speaking to the Irish suffocate his victim with a plastic Sun, she stated: “I’m pretty sure I’ll bag. Her fate, much like Annie’s never see her again. My greatest suggested fate, would have been a wish would be to be able to take her burial in the Wicklow mountains. It home. To find out what happened is generally believed this was not his really would be a gift at this point. It first time committing such a grievous really would.” act, due to his remarks made while he was being questioned on the It is important to remember Annie Carlow woman’s injuries, "Well, as an individual and as still missing. she's alive, isn't she?" and "She was She is also a signifier of Ireland’s lucky", his remorse and humanity entry into the modern world. are non-existent. By coincidence or Reminding the Green Isle that it by device, the Vanishing Triangle is not isolated and cannot make came to a halt once Larry Murphy its own morals and rulings. And was thrown behind bars. maybe it is fair to say that Ireland’s Larry Murphy, like our IRA suspect, lack of reaction and the slow was believed to have been residing movement of the investigation was outside of Ireland after his release a foreshadowing welcome mat for in 2010 after serving just 10 years what was to come.
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Features
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
An interview with outgoing UCCSU President Alan Hayes Fergal Smiddy, Features Editor
responsibility to a vast body of ith the end of another academic students, Alan Hayes sat down with year here at UCC comes the the University Express to reflect natural cycling of new SU Officers on all aspects of his 2018-2019 into their recently-won positions. Presidency. Alongside this, of course, a thought Hailing from county Kilkenny, must be spared for those who are Hayes attended St. Kieran’s College on their way out. Having completed secondary school - a school wellhis year at the masthead of the renowned for hurling. From here, UCC student body, Alan Hayes is Alan went on to develop a keen currently wrapping things up in the interest in music, citing his current closing months of his Presidency. main hobbies as “singing, and For Alan in particular, the winding- playing the guitar and drums”. This down of his role as President marks was a skill which would prove to the end of an era. Having graduated be useful during Hayes’ campaign with a degree in Social Science this for the Presidency back in early year, Alan’s departure from the SU 2018, when he uploaded a video of also marks the end of his time as himself to Facebook, performing an an Undergraduate student at UCC. original version of Taylor Swift’s From the early days of seeking ‘Everything Has Changed’ – which nominations and campaigning, to encouraged students to “Vote the months of full-time work and Hayes”. At the time of writing, the
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video has amassed over 15K views on Hayes’ still-existing campaign Facebook page. Coming to UCC after receiving a Quercus Active Citizenship scholarship for his work in cofounding and directing the Thomas Hayes Trust in Kilkenny, Alan has a long history of charity work and activism. Alan cites his work with the Thomas Hayes Trust as being his “main motivation for running for the position of SU President”. The Trust, named in memory of Alan’s late brother Thomas, “provides free counselling services for families affected by suicide and supports for people contemplating suicide”. Alan’s involvement with such a powerful organisation led him to believe that he would be “a good person to focus more on what
the students need in UCC, rather than what they want” – and thus, his interest in running for an SU position began. “The Students’ Union was always something that I thought was prestigious, and I never really thought that someday that could be me in the SU”, Alan confesses while recounting where it all began. “As the years went by, I found myself identifying gaps within the student experience and I felt that I could do something about them”. Then, at the beginning of 2018, after taking inspiration from his role within the Thomas Hayes Trust, Alan took the leap and began to get his campaign underway. “The election process was exhausting, but if I could go back in the morning to relive it all I would”. For Alan, the rewards
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
undoubtedly outweigh the gruelling burden of work that an SU campaign inevitably brings. “I was very lucky with the team I had around me, and my girlfriend Grace was the real driving force behind it all. During the election campaign, I kept saying to my team to just give it their all, and thankfully they were incredible”. With the help of a passionate team, along with some impressive social media campaigning, Alan powered through the election process; and as we all know, came out with the victory on the 8th of March 2018. “What started out as just myself and Grace collecting signatures quickly turned to a campaign team of over 30 people. I’ll never forget the feeling of my name being called out and the roar from my team”. A lot has happened since Alan was officially deemed elected as UCCSU President in early 2018. Reflecting back on everything now, he describes the year as being “a rollercoaster of emotions”. Leaving one’s studies behind to take on a full-time role with SU is an undoubtedly daunting and stressful feat. For Alan, it seems that his time as President has served as somewhat of a learning experience, along with everything else. “I’ve really discovered what I’m comfortable doing and what I’m not comfortable doing. I’ve enjoyed being put in to situations where it was sink or swim”. Overall, Alan is evidently happy with how the outgoing SU has performed over the course of the past year. “I feel that things went well this year. We’ve done so much that will have a lasting effect on students for years to come”. I ask Alan to give us a breakdown of what he feels were the outgoing SU’s most important accomplishments. Right at the top of his list are the strides made in the area of mental health, which was a massive focus’ of Hayes’ own SU manifesto. “Since being elected, we established a new link-up between the counselling department and Niteline. Which
meant that there is now an opportunity for students to be referred to counselling by Niteline. We also helped to introduce dropin counselling.'' In terms of policy changes, Alan regards the reviewing of UCC’s mental health policy as being “the most important thing that we did regarding mental health”. The policy, which previously hadn’t been reviewed since 2011, is an important document in terms of how mental health is dealt with throughout UCC in a professional manner. “As of May, we will have a new mental health policy for staff dealing with students”.
Features team [and] supporting the Pharmacy students in their protests regarding fees. The ‘Can You See It?’ mental health campaign resonated with our students also”. Arguably, serving a year as SU President wouldn’t quite be complete without a scandal or two. For Alan Hayes, this came along on February 15th of 2019, when he was impersonated on live radio during Cork 96fm’s Opinion Line show. The show, hosted by 96fm’s PJ Coogan, was discussing the behaviour of UCC students across the city during 2019’s
“I’ve really discovered what I’m comfortable doing and what I’m not comfortable doing. I’ve enjoyed being put in to situations where it was sink or swim” Also noted in Alan’s list of accomplishments are the advances made in pushing for Autismfriendly spaces on campus. “We worked hard this year to push UCC in the direction of being an Autismfriendly university. Our proposal was approved, and we received funding to renovate the Old Bar in to an Autism-friendly space”. Alan mentions a host of further achievements made by the SU over the course of the past year. “We have plenty of achievements from the [past] year. Some of these would be pledging UCC to be plastic-free by 2023, supporting the Emergency Care Society in their venture to be Ireland’s first student response
RAG week. Hayes’ impersonator chatted with Coogan for a good five minutes, making controversial claims and aggressively defending the antisocial behaviour being reported against some UCC students throughout the week. Recalling the morning that the impersonation took place, Alan still seems to be somewhat in disbelief about the whole ordeal. “That was just madness to be honest. I was very busy that morning and my phone started buzzing with messages from my friends, saying ‘Alan, you’re on the radio, but it’s not you’. I immediately rang the station and cleared it all up, as I was concerned about some of the things he said. The
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weirdest thing is he actually tried to represent [UCC] students, but he did say a lot of things that I wouldn’t say”. Alan went on air shortly after to clarify everything, and later published a tweet with the hashtag ‘#FakePresident’, in an effort to further clear his name. “96fm were fine to deal with, but they left the podcast up on their website for three days [after the impersonation], which didn’t sit well with me. However, they took it down as soon as I informed them”. It was an unprecedented SU fiasco, with the bright side for Alan perhaps being that it arose through no fault of his own. “The bottom line is it shouldn’t have happened. It shouldn’t be easy for someone to ring up and pretend to be someone else. [96fm] gave him an opportunity to say anything that he wanted, while representing someone else”. With the accomplishments far outweighing the scandals, it’s only fair to say that Alan Hayes has had nothing short of a fantastic year in his time as UCCSU President. Leaving his time in the SU behind and looking to the future, Alan – like any sensible man – is as of yet uncertain about what is waiting for him down the line. “I’m not really sure where I’m going to be this time next year, but I am excited to see what comes next for me. I’m incredibly privileged to have served a year as SU president and I’m looking forward to using all the priceless experience that I’ve gained this year”. Alan’s time in the SU is quickly coming to a close, but for many other UCC students in future years, the prospect of serving as SU President lies open and ready for the taking. For those looking to follow in the footsteps that he has paved over the course of the past year, Alan offers the following sentiment of guidance: “If you can recognise the gaps in the student experience, and you feel that you can change things, then I would highly recommend running for the SU”.
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Opinion
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
What do we think of the SU, and are we right? Samantha Calthrop, Opinion Editor he UCCSU of 2020 have been voted in, and the term of 2018/19 is slowly coming to an end; what do we think? Skepticism of the UCCSU seems rampant. Critics claim that elections are won based on free sweets and popularity. This election season, there was a healthy RON campaign against the only Comms candidate David Condon, the Nap Pod For President Campaign did pretty well, and two exec positions went uncontested. I’ve interviewed a handful of students, of varying courses and at various levels of SU involvement, asking what they think of the Student Union. It won’t surprise you to hear that the majority said, “I don’t know.” ‘Engagement’ is a huge buzzword thrown around every election season, with fresh promises of a new, transparent, engaging SU every year, but nobody quite knows the secret of making 20,000 vaguely interested students look at the SU. The class rep is supposed to be the go-between, but you’ll be lucky to have a class rep who attends student council (if you’re lucky enough to have a class rep at all; at least half of the people I interviewed didn’t). How did the SU do this year, and what do people think of them?
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What does UCC know about the SU? When I asked what people knew about the SU and what they did, I got a variety of answers. A group of three second-year undergrad friends all solidly answered that they weren’t sure. “I suppose they would be important, but I don’t know what it is they do, really,” said one student, when asked if the SU were important, “We got a lot of emails.” One student, after a moment of thought, tentatively told me, “I think the president’s from Kilkenny.” Other students are more certain. A first-year undergrad managed the simplest answer; “They represent the students, and they work in the interest of the students, with the university with things like accommodation and bring up any issues.” Among those who keep up the workings of the SU are its skeptics, too. “They are supposed to represent students, but they don’t do that,” said one student, “They seem to be very good at trying to placate people who criticise them and then do nothing about it. It’s the same one damn thing after another”. A pHD student said, “I think the SU are important, (but) I think we’ve had
poor candidates filling the positions for the last couple of years”. Are the SU engaging students? Mentioning the SU to the majority of students prompts shrugging. Fewer still express an interest in knowing more, not being certain about how to find out about the SU’s activities or roles. Between their Facebook page and the Know Your Union programs, it’s easy enough to figure out the exec’s names and roles, at least, but a sizable chunk of students don’t really care enough to find out. Communications officer Faye Murphy, speaking to the Express, said, “The SU works constantly to reach out to all students. In a university of 22,000 diverse students, it is very difficult to engage with all of them...We have tried various measures this year such as campus clinics on all satellite campuses, Instagram questions, surveys and more. We do realise there is more work to be done in terms of reaching out to every student on our campus”. Deputy President Kelly Coyle noted, “We have an endless stream of students who would visit the Welfare Officer or the Education Officer to seek representation and we constantly get emails and messages from students looking for advice or information”. Ents Officer David Cronin noted the increase in attendance to events this year, adding, “I’d be the first person to agree engagement is a very hard thing to grasp, especially on the welfare and education issues which often matter most…”. “On a broader sense of the SU, I believe that we’ve done a decent job at engagement - in an ideal world every student would be engaged but I think when you look at the resources there it isn’t feasible, time just simply isn’t there on a day-today basis to sit down and create the perfect approach to each topic we want students to know about,” said Education Officer Aaron Frahill, “I’ve found that time becomes such a luxury that you don’t have enough time to try and push something as much as you’d like.” President Alan Hayes pointed out the two-sidedness of the engagement issue, too. “There has been times this year that made me feel we were doing everything possible to get our points across but some students simply do not feel the need to engage or the need to know what exactly it is we are doing,” he said, “The root of this may be that some students do not realise the extent of our work,
and when we try to let students know what work we are doing, they do not feel the need to be exposed to this. What did the SU actually get done? If you attend the Student council or read the minutes, you’ll see that there’s a lot going on; that said, whether or not that stuff is useful, relevant or managed efficiently is up for debate. In campaigns, we have the Fund our Future protest, the climate change rally, the Can You See It campaign; progress has been made on the front of unpaid placement for Pharmacy students doing their master’s, baby steps are being taken towards an opt-out panopto system, and lots of big manifesto pieces-- free sanitary products, free STI checks, better SU crossovers, better elections, and a UCCSU website that works-- are all tipping along, albeit at a snail’s pace due to the constraints of bureaucracy. Each member of the SU sits on absolutely endless committees and has a say there, but very few people seem interested in that (despite, really, sitting on committees and representing students being their job.) For the record, you can view all the minutes for the SU online, although finding them isn’t necessarily that easiest thing in the world. Several curious students have reported that the UCCSU’s accounts are difficult to find and hard to see, despite the constitution stating that they’re publicly available; usually for reasons of their not being ready, lost, or the member being emailed not replying about it. Whether or not that’s true, and the details of it, are up the SU. Did the SU achieve the goals on their manifesto? Last year, I covered the UCCSU Elections for the UCC Express. In 2018, the Express asked each candidate to choose a single point from their manifesto as their main goal. How did the candidates do at achieving that one goal-- and the rest of their manifesto as well? This year, I’ve gone back to those candidates I interviewed and asked them to follow up with what they told me before their term started, and asked them about how their manifestos went. When I asked whether or not candidates felt they’d achieved many goals from their manifesto, here’s what I got.
Alan Hayes, President “I quickly learned that it’s easy to say you’ll do something but in a university where things tend to move quite slowly, it can be challenging. I explored all areas of my manifesto regarding mental health; we expanded counselling services, linked Niteline with the counselling department, introduced drop- in sessions and we also reviewed the Mental Health policy. Regarding accommodation, we introduced two information sessions about tenancy rights; we are focusing on putting together a list of landlords not registered with the Residential Tenancies board but renting to students, we ran protests both in Cork and outside of Cork. I am happy to say that I completed a majority of my manifesto and those things that were not done, were explored in depth but unfortunately could not be done. For example, I said that I’d like to introduce a housing officer to the union so that they could help students with their rights and finding houses. The university recently introduced a role for that very purpose; therefore, there was no need for an SU officer.” Kelly Coyle, Deputy President & Campaigns “Achieving everything in a manifesto can be a difficult task, especially when new issues come along that we need to respond to. That being said, though, I think I have achieved a significant amount of my goals in my manifesto. There are some things I unfortunately have yet to complete, getting rid of the contraception fee being one of them, but it’s something that I am still working on, it’s just proving to be quite a difficult task. There’s still time left before finishing up, and I am hopeful that I will get through more of my manifesto goals before the end of the year, along with some other things that I have been working on throughout the year.” Faye Murphy, Communications “Last year at my hustings I stood up and said I wanted to reform the constitution. This year, I stood up at the hustings and spoke about the proposed constitutional amendments and I campaigned for a yes vote on each of these. Thankfully, due to the hard work of the SU Exec, the students voted in favour of these amendments. Other points in my
Opinion
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express manifesto which I succeeded in achieving were election reform, creating partnerships with new businesses, promotion of Gaeilge, official campus presence on all campuses and SU promotion.” Aaron Frahill, Education “This is a bit of an honest answer, and I would say that I didn’t get a lot finished from start to finish-- what I found about the role of Education Officer is that there’s a reason the same things are in manifestos year on year and that’s because all the changes students want take time to come. The University recently approved a policy on Lecture Capture, and this had been coming through committees for a couple of years now and even at that it didn’t really address the whole thing about “opt-out” of Panopto - change takes time in UCC when it gets down to the gritty academic issues I have found personally and that has meant I won’t see out a lot of what I promised last year. I have addressed everything on my manifesto and worked towards those objectives all year, and I’m proud of what I was able to mark off the list especially about the pharmacy students, but I always wish I could have been there to see them reaching the finishing line.” Niamh Connery, Welfare “I have achieved many of the goals in my manifesto this year; however, what I found (as I imagine most sabbatical officers find) is that before you’re actually in the role you have a bit of an idealistic view of what can be achieved in a year. For example, I mentioned that I wanted to improve accessibility to Sunday’s Well, but I found that the issues couldn’t be rectified just like in a short space of time but it’s something that I think will be addressed by ongoing concerns from the students’ union. I did achieve many of the goals outlined in my manifesto especially in relation to mental health, wellbeing, and accommodation but of course these can continuously be worked upon and I hope that next year’s union will carry this work on. Casework is one of the biggest aspects of role however it is not until you in the position that you learn this. I would view this as one of the most important parts of the role.” David Cronin, Entertainments “I feel I achieved as much of my manifesto goals as possible! One major disappointment I personally had was Docklands, while working on the festival for all the summer
months, booking acts, organizing insurance etc, the site fell through at the start of September. It was a really frustrating time for me as I invested so much time into something that didn’t happen. We then spent the rest of our time looking for new venues, a lot of these venues were perfect but either proved to costly, too far away or generally inaccessible for students. We have built up contacts with a number of venues throughout Cork that I believe will be extremely useful to next year’s team.” Last year, we asked each candidate to choose one point from their manifesto as a main priority; how did they do with achieving that goal specifically, and was it realistic? Alan Hayes Mentioned extending hours for niteline, establishing a drop-in support centre, and improving mental health services “A Niteline and counselling department link up was a priority of mine this year. I established a link up so now students who ring Niteline can be referred to the counselling department and will be contacted the following morning. The SU this year worked closely with the counselling department to introduce 2-3 dropin counselling sessions per day. This has made early intervention more accessible for students. We felt that waiting 1-3 weeks for counselling just wasn’t effective, so this has helped. There has also been an introduction of evening counselling sessions, so students studying courses with heavy hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday now have an opportunity in the evening time to look after their Mental Health. This year, I set up a panel to review the Student Mental Health policy, [which] has not been reviewed since 2011, There has been a few changes in the policy. It now makes the pathway clearer when it comes to seeking support for yourself or for a friend’s mental health. We hope to set up a mental health and wellbeing proofing panel that will ensure all new initiatives introduced to the university will not have a negative impact on our students mental health.” Kelly Coyle Gave the introduction of a mandatory bystander intervention module for first-year students as her main priority “Unfortunately, we have not yet been
successful in making the Bystander Intervention Module a compulsory module for all UCC Students. However, we did this year see it move to an online platform making it available to all students for the first time ever. I still strongly believe that it should be made compulsory, so it impacts every single student in UCC, but integrating it into an online module was the first step.” Faye Murphy Said introducing a ‘comms crew’, a group of students that would help establish sponsorship links, was her goal “I advertised this year for a Comms Crew, alongside the Welfare Crew, Ents Crew and Campaigns Crew. Unfortunately, there was very little interest shown in the Comms Crew, which proved it wasn’t viable to go ahead with it this year. During my Crossover with David Condon, I will be focusing on this and seeing what we can do to make it a possibility for next year.” Aaron Frahill Wanted to primarily improve work placement issues for students “When I was running last year, I found that placement and issues around it was the main priority for a lot of students, so I decided to put something in my manifesto about working towards it because that was something that students wanted traction on. The honest answer about placement as a whole across UCC was that it was very easy for me to say I would change things for everyone when I simply couldn’t, and it was something I couldn’t understand until I got the role - but that isn’t to undermine what has happened this year. The work with the pharmacy students was notably successful, there’s still work to do in relation to fees, but the movement on their conditions has been brilliant-- the students should receive every bit of credit for what they did, I’ve never seen so many eager people at 4am on their way to Dublin. The students led the change that came and I just assisted them in that, nothing would have happened if it wasn’t for them. The pharmacy campaign was very successful, and I wish I could have brought a victory like that for all students, especially PME students, but it’ll be something that I’ll continue working on until I’m done, and I’ll be working with the USI on those issues as well.” Niamh Connery Gave
harm
reduction
with
13 substance abuse as a priority “Wallet sized drugs harm reduction cards were designed and inserted into every First Year Freshers pack this year for the first time. I also organised an Alex’s Adventure Of A Lifetime workshop, which was delivered by founder Nicole Ryan. During this event, Nicole launched emergency response cards, which set out clear guidelines on what to do in an emergency situation. This offered students a fantastic opportunity to learn vital information about drug use and harm reduction methods. During Raise and Give week, the Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force were present on campus to raise an awareness around drugs and alcohol and also to educate students.” David Cronin Wanted to establish a “RAGcovery week” focusing on health after RAG week “It’s been an extremely busy year for all of us on the Students Union this year, and as a group we are extremely proud of the work we did. Coming into the job, I had some extremely huge ideas that I wanted to get in motion. Unfortunately, the University is a lot slower than we expected. Often the work we do isn’t seen for a number of months. In relation to RaGcovery, while I still strongly believe in the idea events unfolding around this time of year did not permit me to fulfil it to the best of its abilities. We had Arts Ball on the 7th of February and then went straight into RaG Week on the 11th, a really mental time of the year!” What do we think of the SU, and are we right? Opinions on the SU vary from indifferent to skeptical, to those who avidly keep up with its work and are heavily invested. But let’s extrapolate: people on many sides of that divide, including aspiring candidates, expect an SU that’s much faster, more effective, and more powerful than it is. It seems to me, however, that the SU is slow, and results come in tiny baby steps over many years; not due to the incompetence of its members, due to the nature of UCC’s structure. After all, the SU don’t run the university; they can only lobby for change and do their part to make it come around. Is there more that could be done? I’m uncertain given the current system. What can be blamed on the structure, the union, and on general high expectations is up to you.
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Ná caill do sheans
for CMRF Crumlin!
021 4902314 www.ucc.ie/igl/scolaireacht
Have fun, raise funds! Above are some fundraising ideas, but if you have other great ideas, call Sinead Nolan on 01 709 1700 or email snolan@cmrf.org Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh University College Cork, Ireland
Irish Poster_2019_A5.indd 1
DEBATIN
IN CLIMB MOUNTA QUIZ DAY CHRISTMAS TEA PARTY JUMPER DAY
GOLF
HA Y Z CRA DAY DUCK
COFFEE MORNING
08/02/2019 12:53
There are lots of fun, creative and challenging ways that you and your class mates can raise urgently needed funds that will benefit sick children. Money that will be used to buy life-saving equipment, refurbish our hospital wards, and fund vital research.
11:20
BYLINE
Editorial best, most important, inspiring, opportuneful experiences of my life? My involvement with University Express has allowed me so much, so much that will forever stand to me, that I will forever value and look back on with the warmest nostalgia and gratitude.
Ciara Dinneen Byline Editor Editorial #10
Thank You
I have often found it difficult to begin an essay or an important text, or been at a loss for finding the perfect words, the right thing to say, in a given situation. Now, as I sit here faced with the task of composing my last ever editorial as Byline Editor, as any Editor, even as a writer, for University Express, I have never felt this feeling so acutely. Where do I begin? Where do I even begin to sum up, to phrase an ending to what has been one of the
I have honed my writing, having been given a platform to express and publicise my voice in an awardwinning student publication; I have been given opportunities beyond what I could have hope for, having the pleasure of speaking with some of my favourite musicians and talented people; but most importantly, I have made connections with people and attained friendships that I will cherish and hopefully keep throughout the rest of my life. Thank you to Rob and Mary, for seeing something in me I never even knew was there when I first went for Deputy Features Editor in my first year. Thank you to Rob, again, for trusting me to continue on to become Features Editor in my second year. Thank you to Fergal, for joining me as Deputy Features Editor during that second year, making the experience not only much easier, but an absolute pleasure. Thank you to Cailean, for trusting me to follow in his footsteps as Byline Editor in my final year, and for being a wonderfully supportive, enthusiastic, innovative and inspiring Editor-in-
Fiction Mother By Wesley Martin
Since the day I was born, you showed me care and affection,
You always tried to steer me in the right direction. You’ve done so much for me, you deserve an award, Provided me with things that you couldn’t afford. Sometimes we argue, sometimes we row, But you still support me, so please take a bow. You could never be replaced, you’re one of a kind, No matter what happens, you’re always on my mind. You’re my hero, my idol, you put men to shame, You need to be inducted into the mother’s hall of fame.
16 Chief. Thank you Holly McGrath, University Express’ incredible designer, who has made Byline, and the entire University Express paper, look the best it ever has. Thank you to all who have made up the greatest Byline team I could have hoped for: Caoimhe Coleman, Cian McGrath, Rían Browne, Joe Cunningham, Callum Casey, Éadaoin Regan, Laura Riordan, Sadhbh Sullivan, and of course Sirius Speculation. Thank you all for your incredible work throughout the year. You have all, individually, raised the standard of each of the sections in Byline to an inspiringly high level, and you should be so proud of yourselves for what you have achieved. I hope that you all feel proud of what we have achieved, together, and that I was as supportive and pleasant to work with as you all were. I wish you all the very best. Keep writing, and doing what you do, because you are all so incredibly talented, inspiring and important people. The world needs you. Thank you to the editors that ran their own sections outside of Byline: Ciaran Dineen, Dec Gleeson, Samantha Calthrop, Fergal Smiddy, Róisin O’Donnell and James McAuliffe. Thank you to our online editor, Fiona Keeley, our webmaster Michael Forde, our marketing executive Robert O’Sullivan, our
photographers, Célem Deegan, Eve Harrington, James Kells and Ben Kavanagh, and our staff writers, Callum Connolly, Sinead O’Sullivan, Tara Leigh-Matthews, Lauren McDonnell and James MacSweeney. To anyone and everyone who has ever been involved in the Express in any way shape or form, because this isn’t a gig that’s run in a vacuum; we are a family, consisting of immediate and extended members, a whole network of individuals that come together in various degrees to create what, in my eyes, is one the greatest achievements in student media across the country. Thank you to everyone and anyone who has ever read even just one of my pieces. A very special thank you, too, to those who liked the piece, or pieces. I am not biased. You are all amazing. (but I am also biased, because I love you all). It’s been a pleasure,
Ciara D. Byline Cover: Holly McGrath
byline@uccexpress.ie
Fashion
Editor: Sadhbh Sullivan
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Exam retail therapy? Sadhbh Sullivan, Fashion Editor Study season is upon us once more, and although each day is another day closer to Summer exams, it’s also one step closer to freedom. While study breaks become far and few between, and a trip to the shops is borderline impossible, a few online stores are here to help ease the exam stress!
Photo: Aiofe McNamara
Pioneering the Irish fashion industry Sadhbh Sullivan, Fashion Editor 1. Aoife McNamara When we think of the Irish fashion industry, we're typically reminded of Aran knits, tweed waistcoats, famine-style shawls and TV3's Xposé. We’re reminded of traditional styles, inside-the-box thinking and a 'follow the crowd' attitude. Khaki parkas in the Winter and denim shorts in the Summer. From the outset, it seems pretty clear cut: we are a nation subject to stereotypes, and attitudes towards Irish fashion bear no exception. Despite a broad range of misconceptions, the Irish Fashion industry has never been as creative as it is today. Emerging and established designers have committed themselves to producing innovative, daring collections that can compete on an international level. On a national level, Irish designers have also proven that they can compete with large fashion retailers. As consumers, the way we interact with fashion has changed over the past ten years. The ability of Irish designers to anticipate and adapt to these changes has proven that shopping ‘local’ for on trend sustainable fashion pieces is attainable. Our nation of artists and designers is inevitably pioneered by a handful of talented creatives.
A recent graduate of LSAD, Aoife McNamara is just beginning to forge her career in fashion with her own label, AOIFE. The Limerick-based designer has extensive experience in the fashion industry, having spent some time in New York interning with Marc Jacobs, and more recently having lived and worked in fashion in Paris. The designer’s sustainable and affordable SS19 collection is currently available to order through her Instagram page @aoifemcnamara, and will soon be available on her website aoifemcnamara.com
2. Eamonn McGill
Established designer Eamonn McGill has forged his way to the throne of Irish fashion through the consistent use of social media influencer advertising. Creating bespoke gowns for a host of influencer events, McGill has dressed all of our favourite online Irish personalities including James Kavanagh, Suzanne Jackson and Ciara O’Doherty. The designer specialises in creating bespoke occasion wear and “once in a lifetime” dresses.
3. Simone Rocha Following on from her father, John Rocha, Simone Rocha has quickly
became one of the primary thought leaders within the Irish fashion design industry. She debuted at London Fashion Week 2010, and has since risen to stardom, having her collections featured in some of the worlds most prestigious stockists, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Dover Street Market.
1. NastyGal / www.nastygal.com
NastyGal regularly run a 50% off promotion, and stock a wide range of quirky, eclectic pieces
4. Don O'Neill Don O’Neill of Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry originally studied as a chef, but began a career in fashion upon winning a full time scholarship for the Barbara Bourke College of Fashion Design. The New York based designer launched the THEIA label in 2009, and has since dressed some of the world’s most influential stars, including Oprah Winfrey and Carrie Underwood.
5. Paul Costelloe Besides Paul Costelloe's Dunnes homeware and fashion collections, the designer has long been one of Ireland's most memorable creators. The ethos of his brand is built around luxurious fabrics, cutting edge design and creativity. Having maintained his brand for over thirty years, the designers recent showcase at London Fashion Week has proven the elegant timelessness of his design.
2. Weekday / www.weekday.com
Weekday is a Scandinavian brand with IRL shops on continental Europe. Here in Ireland, we don’t have the luxury of a physical store, but their website is great, and stocks a huge range of denim essentials. =
3. ASOS Marketplace marketplace.asos.com
/
We’ve all shopped on ASOS before, but the ASOS Marketplace has definitely been somewhat neglected. The marketplace hosts over 700 boutiques and some really quirky vintage shops.
Film & T.V.
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Game of Thrones Season 8 Joe Cunningham, Film & TV Editor
When I became editor of the Film and TV section of the Express, the one thing I looked forward to most was being lucky enough to be able to cover the very final season of Game of Thrones. With this in mind, I have decided to dedicate the entire final issue of this year’s Film and TV section to the Battle for the Throne. Tighten your scabbards and keep your dragon-glass close, because Winter Is Here!
A Game of Guesses:
Predictions, Hopes and Fears for the Final Season
I would stake some money on his big, rotting frame popping up at some point.
5. Sam will survive to tell the story of GoT
This is another popular fan theory which I could easily see being true. Having Sam settle down in the Citadel in his old age to tell the story of Jon, Dany, Cersei and the rest would feel like the perfect rounded ending to the Game of Thrones story, if one that is a little too cliched and perfect to be truly considered likely.
6. Bran is the Night King:
Much mooted and much discussed, I struggle to see how he could be seeing as we saw the Night King being created in a Season 6 flashback and the man who became him definitely wasn’t Bran – he had blond hair and working legs – but I wouldn’t put it past the writers to pull off some kind of chicanery involving time-travel and Bran’s vision which would result in another circular ending where the young Stark has to defeat himself.
1. Dany will Die
Arguably the two biggest names in the show are Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. I personally feel that it will much more likely be Dany who fails to survive to the end. If we assume that the show is still tied to the books in terms of lore, then the legend of Azor Ahai tells us that the legendary hero was forced to sacrifice his true-love to forge the sword that was used to defeat The Long Night. I do believe there is a possibility that Dany may sacrifice herself symbolically to help defeat the Night King, or, alternatively, that Jon will fail to save her in favour of the greater good. It all depends on how much the show writers veer away from the source material. Maybe Dany and Jon will live happily ever after in perpetual paradise. Personally, I doubt it.
2. Jaime will kill Cersei
Another storyline rooted deeply in the prophecies of Martin’s books is that of the Valonqar (or “Younger Brother” in Valyrian). The Valonqar prophecy was given to Cersei when she was a little girl (as seen in the first episode of season 5) and predicted not just the death of her three children but also her own at the hands of her younger brother. Cersei naturally assumed that this meant Tyrion, but it is generally accepted that the prophecy in fact refers to Jaime: he is Cersei’s junior by a matter of minutes. Whether this
will happen in the show is again debatable, but I personally feel it would be a very satisfying end to Cersei and Jaime’s respective story arcs.
3. We’ll get Cleganebowl whether we want it or not
Cleganebowl - a fight between The Mountain and The Hound - has been mooted by fans since the two first squared off at the Hand’s Tourney in Season 1 and the fight was again teased last season. Although I would love to see the two Cleganes tearing chunks out of one another, I feel that any fight, at this stage, would be so manufactured and convoluted that it would be for the benefit of nothing but fan-service. Game of Thrones has, unfortunately, become more and more crowd-pleasing since Dan Weiss and David Benioff took over full creative control, so don’t discount Cleganebowl being thrown in for the sake of it, although I hope that, if it is included, it has some genuine significance to the story.
4. We’ll see a Wight Hodor
In a similar vein to Cleganebowl, I feel almost certain that Hodor will appear as a wight in the Night King’s army. I hope it doesn’t happen, it would be twee, utterly unnecessary and would tarnish the memory of his heart-breaking and heroic final moments but, if I was a betting man,
7. Everyone will Die, and the Night King will be Victorious, but only briefly This would be a shocker but would fit in nicely with the “all men must die” mantra that has been repeated throughout the show. The idea is that the Night King’s army will be successful in wiping out all life in Westeros, thus winning the Game, before advancing to King’s Landing and taking his rightful seat on the Iron Throne. The Throne, however, is made of swords melted together by dragon fire and it has been shown that both dragon’s fire and Valyrian Steel (supposedly forged in old Valyrian with the magic of dragons) can kill White Walkers. How bitter sweet would it be to see all our heroes die and the Night King sit on the Throne, only to shatter and all his armies to similarly disintegrate. It is unlikely but would truly mark a return to the brutal and unpredictable brilliance of the earlier seasons.
8. The Night King will be defeated in Episode 3:
Bear with me here. The final season is only six episodes long and you would expect the final battle to take place in the last, or at least the penultimate episode. It has, however, been scheduled for Episode 3 which seems surprisingly early. In Season 7 it was shown that Cersei lied about
supporting the Starks and intends to let the Night King wear down their forces before attacking them herself. Couple this with the fact that she has hired the Golden Company, whose leader Harry Strickland can be seen in the latest trailer, and it seems rather unlikely that they would bring in an entire new group of antagonists and actors only to have them killed immediately by the White Walkers. Is it possible that Jon and Dany will defeat the White Walkers early in the season, albeit at great cost, only to immediately face the threat of Cersei in the South? It would stand out as a definite shock, and in my opinion would mark a very satisfying return to the real Game for the Throne that we saw in Seasons 1-4, as well as satisfyingly rounding off Cersei and her role as the true antagonist of the series. Will it happen? Again unlikely, but it is, I think, one of the more plausible curve-balls the show might throw us.
9. Jon rides a Dragon (that isn’t Dany): Definitely nailed on, if you’ll forgive the pun. The trailer hinted at it and it is a pretty much a certainty that Jon, aka Aegon, will fully embrace his Targaryen heritage and ride one of Dany’s two remaining dragons into battle, although it is tempting to wonder what poor Ghost might think about his master getting a new pet.
10. Game of Thrones is all part of the Westworld Universe:
Ok, this one is very farfetched, and based on a meme I saw, but is still a really cool idea if you think about it. Westworld is a TV show which, like GoT, is made by HBO. In Westworld, people can visit a massive, interactive world based on the Wild West where robots who look just like real people act out predetermined storylines which visitors can interact with as they please…you can see where I’m going with this. In Westworld it is confirmed that there are other “worlds” made by the same company. Is it so bizarre to imagine that Game of Thrones might take place within this same structure, and that many of the characters are part of a predetermined scenario which has been reaching its conclusion for the last eight seasons? What characters in the series might be robots? What characters might be real? In the meme I saw it was Tyrion and Cersei who were visitors to “Westeros World”…definitely an unlikely scenario but imagine how mind-blowing it would be.
Editor: Joe Cunningham
All Men Must Die…Or Must They? Part of the fun of Game of Thrones is predicting who’s going to die before each season starts, many betting agencies even offer odds on it. Although major character fatalities have fallen significantly in the last few seasons, it is still one of the most prolific shows in terms of death-count. With all this in mind I thought it’d be fun to predict some deaths and then make a chart so I’m not the only one who does this (hopefully). Fill it out with ticks for “live” and X for “die” or however you want.
Jon Snow:
Highly unlikely they’ll kill him off twice, unless they kill everyone, and it’s a pretty good bet he’ll be the one on the Iron Throne come the end. Death Probability: 1/5.
Daenerys Targaryen:
As already discussed, I think Dany is likely to be the heavy hitter that meets her fate this season. Her character arc is near its completion and her death will stop her obsessively listing off her titles like a child with Tourette’s. Death Probability: 4/5.
Tyrion Lannister:
Tyrion is a fan favourite, will be somewhat removed from overtly dangerous scenarios because of his size and lack of combat skill, and is also one of GRRM’s favourite characters. I’ll be very surprised and upset if he bites the dust. Death Probability: 2/5.
Cersei Lannister:
Cersei’s character arc is also near completion. She has been a fabulous
antagonist and, as discussed above, I have a sneaky suspicion her character has more yet to give. Despite this, she’s almost definitely going to meet her fate this season. Death Probability: 5/5.
Jaime Lannister:
Jaime’s character development has been one of the best, not just in GoT, but in any series ever. The audience has gone from utterly loathing the man, to him becoming a firm fanfavourite. That will make it all the more painful if he does die. It might be death by White Walker, as the trailer hinted, but personally I think he might kill himself after killing Cersei. Death Probability: 4/5.
Sansa Stark:
Sansa receives an utterly unfair amount of hate. Yes, she was annoying and naïve in the first few seasons, but she has grown into one of the smartest characters in Westeros, moulded by her experiences, and I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest
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to see her make it out alive. Death Probability: 2/5.
Arya Stark:
Arya is another firm fan-favourite. But her standing as a warrior/ assassin means that she will get into dangerous situations, unlike Tyrion and Sansa, and I have a sneaking suspicion that she is not as skilled and worldly-wise as we have been led to believe. Then again, she’s cool. Death Probability: 3/5.
Bran Stark:
Bran is an enigma. But he could have a huge part to play. Will he save Westeros with a bit of mindbending, time-travelly weirdness? Will he die battling the Night King in his head? Or will he somehow become the Night King and die when he is defeated by the other characters? It’s impossible to predict. Death Probability: 2.5/5.
GAMe of Thrones Season 8 Survival predictions Lives // Dies
Lives // Dies
Jon Snow
Sam
Daenerys
Bronn
Tyrion
Melisandre
Jaime
Euron
Cersei
Beric
Sansa
Mountain
Arya
Gendry
Bran
Podrick
The Hound
Yara
Brienne
Ed
Tormund
Lyanna (M)
Davos
Meera
Jorah
Qyburn
Theon
Robyn Arryn
Grey Worm
Drogon
Missandei
Rhaegal
Varys
Night King
INTERVIEWs A Chat with Orla Gartland Hi, Orla! How are you?
Good, thanks. Currently sat in Manchester facing up to 2 weeks of neglected admin. Rock & roll.
You are currently on tour with Dodie. How is it going? “Really well, thanks. Dodie's crowds are the best I've played to. I've learned so much about touring & feel more confident now about my live performance than I ever have before.”
Dublin™ whereas now I feel more ambitious than that. I'm not quite set on world domination, but I've worked hard these last few years in London & built a great team around me - I guess the idea of a long career in music doesn't seem so out of reach anymore.”
Patreon is something you use, a platform where fans can pay money to artists to receive extra content – in what ways You recently released a new has Patreon benefitted you? Do single, ‘Why am I like this?’, it is a you feel it is important? heart-wrencher in the beginning, “Yeah, it's a great platform. It works off the concept of patronage, an idea and then picks up for the chorus that's been around a lot longer than (reflecting your bubbly self), I have. I run my Secret Demo Club on patreon - it's a place where I send and so relatable. What is behind around original demos made in my this song – the thought process bedroom to about 1000 people, who naturally are the people who care that brought about its creation about my music most. So as well and what you were expressing as a way of testing new songs out I through it? “THANKS! You charmer. The verses detail a couple of brief, regular reallife moments where I wish I'd acted differently, where I'd said or done something else in the moment. That's me all over. Springsteen once described his song-writing with 'The verses are the blues, the chorus is the gospel,' - I wanted to try that with this song - the verses are specific to my own experiences, but I think the chorus line is something that rings through for a lot of people (especially the overthinking anxious types.. hey).”
You talk about moving to and living in London in a lot of your songs. How was that transition? What about it was daunting (if anything), and in what ways do you feel it was good for you?
“It was daunting but the best thing I've done. London is big & sprawling & terrifying but if you're cut out for it I think it makes you work hard & fight for a career that you love - being around so many creative people really helps. I think if I stayed home I would have sat back and been content being the Most Talented Female Artist In Drumcondra, North
20 can use the funds to tour and release more music without the need for a label - it's a pretty revolutionary model for independent artist.”
It was the tour following the release of your EP Roots back in 2013 that I saw you perform in Cyprus Avenue. How do you feel you as an artist have changed since then, since Roots, and also your music – in what ways do you feel it has developed? What is the same, if anything, and what has changed, if anything? “Ah cool! The core elements have remained the same - guitar is my main tool for writing & performing, I'd like to think the song-writing has remained honest & true to my character.. naturally I think I've just grown up as a person and with it I've had a chance to hone my live skills & my writing skills. I've learnt to produce my own music which has really helped me refine my sound, too - back then I was proud of the
songs themselves but confused about what kind of artist I was. I feel a lot more set on that now.”
Are you looking forward to playing in Cyprus Avenue in Cork again?
“Yes! Though it's the only tour date that hasn't sold out. COME ON CORK!”
What are your plans for the future? Can we look forward to more music soon? “Yes! My next single is coming the first week of April, and I love it. That song and my last single 'Why Am I Like This?' are part of a project I'll be announcing soon!”
Orla Gartland will be treating her fans to a new single on April 5th, called Flatline, so keep your eyes peeled for that over the next few days. Orla will also be playing Cyprus Avenue on April 10th, so if you haven’t already banked yourself tickets for that, hurray, because we’ve heard through the grape vine that there’s only a few left!
Interviews by Ciara Dinneen “Definitely! A lot of the time. Even for the last EP, I wrote songs first and then did paintings based on the songs. They were all figures of people; it was to do with beauty and seeing the human as a work of art. I even find that now, when I’m drawing a picture, they kind of inspire each other (my art and my music).”
You’re releasing original music. Did you start off playing covers at gigs like many do, or did you launch straight into performing your originals? “When I was 15 I realised how much I loved popular music and I loved playing covers of Lady Gaga on piano; just learning and figuring out how to work chord progressions and harmony. I used to do a lot of covers when I was younger but I learned once I started college: if you have a voice, use your own. That was my thing; if something had already been done before, trying to create something new. So I always really wanted to do originals.”
A Chat with Cork’s very own Sarah-Beth
A lot of people say that song writing is like poetry and that it is very personal. Did that aspect of song writing scare you?
Did you always intend on making music you career path, as well as your passion?
“I was always ready to write about personal experiences, but I wasn’t always ready to share it. Like, if someone said to me “oh so you’re writing a new song, will you play it there?” I’d be really nervous because they’re always really personal, and I’ve no problem being open with myself but it was when other people asked to hear them… but step by step I told myself that I just have to let it out there. It was a learning curve, something I just had to get used to over time.”
Where did the interest in You draw and do art as well as music originate? Did you play music, don’t you? instruments as a kid? Did you play “Yeah, so it was either visual art or art. I knew it would have to be music with friends in school? music something creative I’d do.” Where did it all begin? “It definitely came from playing Do you or have you ever piano, doing that from a young age, connected your visual art to and that was always classical music your music in some way?
“I grew up listening to Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell, and all the classics… Bruce Springstein! So I always resort back to that. If I’m having a hard day or wanting to relax, any kind of mood I’m in, I go back to what I’ve always been listening to. I’m a creature of habit! I like listening to any kind (of music) because you can feel like you don’t know enough or get too caught up in one genre. It’s always good to
On March 28th, Sarah-Beth launched her single, ‘Make Me Feel Alive’, in The Poor Relation in Cork. This is Sarah-Beth’s second single; her first single ‘Let Me In’ was released in the summer of 2018. Both singles you can find on Spotify, along with an EP.
Without a doubt a name to watch in both the Cork and Irish music scene in general, we caught up with SarahBeth briefly ahead of the launch to talk all things music; her inspirations, hopes and plans for the future. Sarah-Beth describes herself as a singer-songwriter mainly, combing a few different styles; “alternative folk and soul, and electronica, I suppose would be the main ones, so it’s kind of a blend… I always write by the piano, I like being creative and experimenting with different genres.”
that I had to learn, but it was from playing piano that I started writing my own stuff. I’d spend hours on end writing by the piano, and that gradually increased when I became a teenager. That’s really how it started! I was always in choirs in school and singing with friends; music was always a part of my life.”
“I always had a dream at the back of my head that it (would work out that way), but I thought that would never really come true. I always knew I wanted to be an artist of some sort. Even when I was very young I said I wanted to be an artist when I grow up.”
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branch out. I actually listen to a lot of house music as well, deep house, it’s completely different but I think it seeps into my original music now more than before.”
What’s your favourite thing about music, in general?
“I think that everyone enjoys it in some way. Not everyone likes, for example, football, but I don’t think there is anyone that doesn’t listen to music. It just carries people through life, through hard times and it feels like it’s always there. I just can’t imagine a world without music. It’s just so abstract but everyone can derive some kind of meaning from it, and even if the lyrics are really simple, like Let It Be, people can take it and make it their own, come up with their own meaning.”
You do music in college…
“Yeah, CIT School of Music.”
Do you think doing music in college is essential for anyone hoping to go into music as a career?
“That’s a really difficult question because some of my favourite songs are ones that I wrote when I was 16 or 17 when I didn’t study music in college, and they were so simple, the songs, and if you listen to a lot of commercial music its very simple. But I think as a musician or artist, once you know something you want to dive deeper into it, once you know those three chords you’re like “ok what else is there?”. I think it’s good to nourish yourself, to have a degree in music. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to write or arrange the music for a band if I didn’t study it in college. But simplicity seems to be a huge thing and sometimes if you study music in college you’re more to make it really complex because you associate that with being good, but sometimes less is more. All of my favourite songs are quite simple harmonically, so yeah.”
What music do you listen to? Is it the same music you get inspiration from or would you have separate music that you listen to purely to enjoy? Your dream collaboration… “Oh, James Blake.”
Why James Blake?
“I just find him very interesting. He plays piano as well, and there’s a lot of raw emotion. He’s got a very strong artistic vision, I feel. I don’t know, there’s just something very unique about his style. It would be really interesting to work with someone like that.”
Music
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Foals Transcend Expectations with Everything Not Saved Callum Connolly, Music Writer
It has been over a decade since the release of Foals' debut record Antidotes, marking the beginning of the Oxford band's unique journey to becoming one of the world's biggest powerhouses on the musical stage. After 1.9 million album sales and worldwide tours which culminated in headlining Reading & Leeds and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, they established a reputation as being one of the most explosive bands on the planet. However, the departure of much beloved bassist Walter Gervers in 2018 after twelve years playing alongside frontman Yannis Philippakis, guitarist Jimmy Smith and drummer Jack Bevan led some to fear where this would leave the band ahead of their fifth studio album Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost. The decision to pursue a new direction without a new bassist or a producer, which they had used on the four previous albums, was a bold step to take. Many bands have wildly lost their way in search of widening their range or pursuing a new direction, and without Gervers, things could have gone into disarray. But this is Foals we are talking about here, masters of reinventing themselves and their music, surely we weren’t
about to witness their collapse? Still, it was inevitable that doubt would creep in about how the quartet could recover from such a blow. If only we knew what was brewing. Usually at this point in the lifespan of a band, after four albums and an established fanbase there can be a tendency for new material to either heavily replicate a tried and true formula or attempt to master an entirely different approach and fail miserably (looking at you, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino). Their first single, “Exits”, quickly put to bed any lingering fears. It is a near six-minute cry of defiance that Foals can do more than just humbly accept that their best days are behind them. The opening few seconds feels like the initial descent on a daunting rollercoaster, and then the powerful groove resonates in your eardrums and welcomes you to the next chapter of their discography. Having the opportunity to exclusively craft their own sound without external influence has allowed Philippakis and company to approach the new record with a sound that is undiluted and quintessentially themselves. What resulted was a creation that captured our anxieties and troubles, wrapped expertly using
instrumentals and beats that are as raucous and powerful on tracks such as “White Onions” as they are sombre and delicate on closing track, “I'm Done with The World (& It's Done With Me).” The optimistic, uplifting tones that envelop “In Degrees” are utilised to mask the theme of fear and anxiety about the world around us that runs through much of the album. “Sunday” is one of the finest songs that Foals have ever made, demonstrating the clever balance of dulcet tones with an eventual breakdown that you can’t help but lose yourself within. Gervers’ departure has been capitalised on in the most positive light considering a goodbye that would have been immeasurably difficult. Having been such a vital instigator for the band's success, Philippakis initially feared that it would pave the way for an eventual collapse, but instead it has motivated the now quartet to aim ever higher in their ambitions. The abrupt change has worked in their favour when it came to tackling Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost. "There was an urgency to it, a conviction to making this record, and it didn’t feel laboured" Phillipakis told The Independent, citing the parting as a catalyst. Few would have survived the exit of such an instrumental figure, but bands like Foals are one to be cherished. Their longevity and burgeoning success point to that. It is somewhat fitting on a personal note that Foals would be the subject matter of my final article as a writer
for this paper. In a way, I partly owe my involvement in music journalism to the band. One of my first ever gigs was at the Marquee watching Philippakis absolutely captivate his audience, silencing those present at one moment with the melancholic beauty of “Spanish Sahara” before whipping the crowd into a frenzied pit of wonderful chaos during “Inhaler.” It made me realise music’s unique energy, its power to help us in our darkest moments and its ability to frame the very best ones. The fact that Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost was released to the world mere hours after the student media referendum passed earlier this month was a wonderful coincidence. Who is to say it will not motivate some of the next generation of students here at UCC to embrace student media too. There is still more yet to come from Foals before 2019 draws to a close. The world of music has evolved to the point where material is consumed at an alarmingly fast pace, and the hunger for new and original work from artists seems insatiable. To address this, fans are being treated to Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 2 in the autumn, with a gig at Trinity College in Dublin presenting the opportunity to see Foals live in July. If that is not enough, Everything Everything’s bassist Jeremy Pritchard will be touring alongside the band – rest assured he is an accomplished performer more than worthy of stepping into Gervers’ boots. The old age of Foals may now be over, but the future is just as exciting.
Editor: Caoimhe Coleman
23
Recently on My Radar Caoimhe Coleman, Music Editor
Laura Duff Releases Debut EP:
For Your Company
Music Tattoos – Yay or Nay? Caoimhe Coleman, Music Editor
When I got my first tattoo last year, I had been thinking about what I wanted for about nine months. I was 100% sure of my choice so I went and got myself a Paramore inspired piece of art permanently etched into my skin. However, what I didn’t think about was the consequences of having something related to another person on my body forever. I’ve loved Paramore for a long time and will for the foreseeable future, I imagine. But, let’s say that hypothetically something controversial happened that would make me regret my choice…what kind of position would I be in then? I really wanted to know what other people thought about this. So, I posed the question: “How do you feel about music related tattoos? Bad idea? Good idea? The same as getting someone’s name tattooed on you, or different?” A lot of people seemed to agree that a music related tattoo is better than getting a tattoo of someone’s name, perhaps of a boyfriend or girlfriend. However, I received one very interesting response that was slightly different from the rest: “I think they’re a good idea. Very different from someone’s name, music can
have meaning to someone for many different reasons and unlike a person, it would be hard to ‘ruin’ it.” I’m not convinced that the second half of this statement is entirely true. Let’s look at this concept of ‘ruining’ a tattoo for a second. A lot of people seemed to have this concern: “A meaningful logo can be good, but when it comes to a band logo, I think it’s risky”; “I really like the idea of them but I think I’d be super scared to get one of a living artist”; “They could be tight, but then of course you’re making a lifelong leap of faith that they’re not gonna do something awful and let you down.” I think the point that these people are trying to make is that the music industry is definitely not “scandal-free.” I’ve written about this topic before and I’m sure you’d all agree that promoting musicians that are just Bad People – whether that be by listening to their music or having a tattoo inspired by their work – probably isn’t the best thing. The second of these statements makes a good point - is it less risky to get a tattoo inspired by an artist who is no longer living and therefore can no longer do anything that would be frowned upon? I would be inclined to say yes. But I’d still have reservations… Perhaps this issue could be avoided by getting a
tattoo that only you would know is related to a certain artist... something discrete… just in case. I think most people would agree that when we get down to the bones of this issue, it really is a subjective and personal matter: “As long as it has significance to you and has meaning, any tattoo is okay and worth it.” I know when I was getting my tattoo last year, a couple of my family members tried to dissuade me from getting it with the classic “You know you won’t like that band forever…” Well, I think that’s my business, and a lot of people seem to agree with me: “To me they’re timeless because even if you grow out of an artist it represents a part of your life.”; “Even if you don’t like the band a few years down the road, it is still a memory of your former self…A nostalgic reminder that makes you reminisce.” One person summed it up very well: “If you wanna get it tattooed then you get it tattooed. You might regret it, you might not, but at the end of the day it’s yours to deal with, not anyone else’s.” I very much agree with this. As long as you like it or it has meaning to you and it’s not harmful or offensive to anyone else, I’d say go for it. Live your tattooed dreams.
Limerick-native and UCC student Laura Duff released her longawaited debut EP, For Your Company, on February 27th 2019. The EP was recorded and produced by the amazing Christian Best in Monique Studios, Cork. The title, For Your Company, comes from the final track on the EP, “In The Winter”, which is definitely a highlight for me. It’s a perfect mixture of emotion, storytelling and a catchy melody. The four songs on the EP are extremely well-rounded and fit together like a dream. I’ve been listening to it for weeks and let me tell you, I’m nowhere near getting sick of it yet. Recently, I played it while on a long car journey with my mom and my nan – and they loved it too! Laura, along with her band of course, is currently in the midst of a co-headline tour with fellow Cork-based singer-songwriter Meghan Murray. The four-date tour will conclude in Dublin’s Bello Bar on April 17th. If you were lucky enough to catch Laura’s Cork gig in The Roundy on March 15th, you’ll know just how good this gal is. It was hands-down her best set yet. This tour has also allowed Laura to showcase some new material that she’s been working on and Oh Boy, we are in for a treat when EP number two is released. I may have shed a tear or two…
Gaming
24
Revolution not evolution: The Games Industry’s troubling record with innovation Cian McGrath, Gaming Editor
released last year!
Last week saw the announcement of the Google Stadia, a console which I covered in this paper a few months back when it was leaked under the code name ‘Project Stream’. Stadia is without a doubt an ambitious project and stands at a level of innovation that the industry is crying out for in its current state. In spite of all this, the games industry has a chequered past with revolutionary technology and this article will look at some of those ups and downs!
Nintendo Wii
Neo Geo The Neo Geo was meant to be the first big home console. It was the first console that brought arcade level graphics and gameplay home. The console was released in 1990 for $649.99 (not adjusted for inflation). That works out at over $1250 in today’s money, which can buy you 12 Neo Geo Minis, a miniature version of the console which was
In 2001, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, realised that Nintendo could no longer compete with Sony and Microsoft on the console front. Nintendo had fallen behind graphically, and their Nintendo Gamecube lacked power in comparison to the other consoles which dominated the market. Miyamoto decided to focus on creating new markets and setting Nintendo apart from its competition. He is quoted as saying; “… power isn't everything for a console. Too many powerful consoles can't coexist. It's like having only ferocious dinosaurs. They might fight and hasten their own extinction.”. By all reason, the console should have failed… its ridiculous design, poor functionality and the criticism of the name would no doubt have failed in 2019’s culture where everyone is a critic, but Nintendo
stood by their console. Today, the Nintendo Wii stands proudly as the 3rd best-selling home-console of alltime, with 101 million units sold, the most of any since 2001.
Sega Dreamcast So long Nintendo’s rival, Sega had such success in the 80s and 90s with consoles such as the Sega Master System, Sega Genesis (aka Sega Mega Drive), but the Dreamcast called an end to the Sega’s respect in the market. Sega had lost a lot of credibility in the market having received criticism for their previous consoles, the Sega Saturn and the 32X. Despite coming off the back of a 75% drop in profits, Sega believed in their console. Initially, sales figures broke records, but the lack of games being released led to a gap in the market emerging for a new rival to Nintendo.
Kinect The Kinect was meant to usher in
a new age of gaming. The infrared laser projector detected body movement and as such allowed for accurate full body representation in-game. Despite the positive initial reviews, the $200 price-point proved too much for customers, especially given the limited games which released for the add-on. The Xbox 360’s edition of the Kinect sold over 750,000 units due to it quickly being bundled with consoles for a huge reduction. The Xbox One released with the Kinect being an integral part of the system. Despite improved performance, privacy issues, interference of background noises led to criticism. The fact that the Kinect was bundled as a mandatory part of the console meant a huge increase in price and many consumers were far from happy with it. In October 2017 Microsoft announced that the Kinect had been discontinued, leaving 35 million Kinects rendered useless.
Editor: Cian Mcgrath
25
UCC Gaming in 2019 and beyond
Netsoc Rebels narrowly miss out on qualification Cathal Donovan O'Neill, Gaming Writer
Disappointment for UCC Esports as the League of Legends squad failed to qualify for the next round of Irish Collegiate Esports. A combination of bad luck and overaggressive plays resulted in the Netsoc Rebels missing out on a place in the knockout stages by one point despite their hugely positive start. The team’s third game was played against the Maynooth Crusaders, resulting in a 1-1 tie. The first game went soundly to UCC but a lack of coordination in the second round resulted in Maynooth pulling back an equaliser. The fourth game was a loss due to latency issues. Large amounts of visitors to the web cafe where the Rebels were based caused a lag in the internet connection. This only got worse as the game went on, giving TUD Apes an easy second round victory. Another factor could have been team captain Bernard Grabarczyk’s abscence. The captain was unable to play in the third and fourth match. Wyne Ybanez substituted in for him ably but this could not have helped the team’s chemistry. The Decider v IADT Gaming The fifth and final match was against IADT Gaming. Before the match, jungler Adrian Lamug said “Grand, we didn’t scrim (play a practice match) together this week so it’s kind of rusty between the
team.” If that was the case, it wasn’t obvious from the first round. Strong performances across the board led to a complete breakdown in IADT’s defence after 21 minutes. The round was over five minutes later. The stars of the first round were Lamug and mid-laner Shijie Zheng, whose strong teamwork dealt a total of 19 kills between them. Zheng was an intimidating presence as hard-hitting Kassadin, while Lamug seemed to be everywhere at once. Grabarczyk completely froze the top-laner in their tracks, and Patryk Bak and Qingpeng Ruan held down the bottom lane. The second round, however, ended in disappointment for the Rebels. It started with a series of champion bans that seemed targeted towards putting Lamug and Grabarczyk on the back foot. A more confident IADT resulted in them gaining an early lead which the Rebels did not recover from. A comeback seemed possible in the mid-game as the team began to pull back together, but a disastrous attempt to stop IADT from taking the Baron seemed to spell the end for the team. Tensions ran high after the match: “We played badly, basically,” said Lamug. On his teammates’ performance, he said “Individually we played very well, but League is a team game and we failed to play as one.” Substitute jungler Mark Cullinane concurred: “I felt the boys were robbed.”
Grabarczyk was more positive about Sunday’s result: “Not bad, to be honest. First game was a stomp and second game we just picked bad champions and didn’t respect them so we got behind early when we really shouldn’t have.” Bad luck with BYEs also contributed to the loss. The practice of giving a free win to one random team each round worked against the Rebels. They were not the beneficiary of any BYEs and lost out on sixth place because of it. A common link when talking to the team was the lack of cohesion. On the overall performance of the team, ADC sub Cormac Coleman said “They didn’t have enough time playing together.” Lamug agreed: “Yeah, basically, we could have scrimmed more. And the RNG (Random Number Generator, which chose the BYEs) really went against us.” Grabarczyk, however, looked on the positive side: “Everyone played well. Our main problem was just team compositions and strategy but individually everyone was good.” When asked if he would play next year, he said “Yeah, for sure. Just gonna switch up positions and maybe have two teams also.” The rest of the tournament can be followed from Irish Collegiate Esports’s website, or from their Facebook or Twitter accounts. They stream one League of Legends match a week on Twitch.
2019 could still prove to be on of UCC’s most prosperous years for gamers. With greater opportunities to come, this article will sum up some of these:
Netsoc
UCC Netsoc will continue to offer weekly gaming events, ranging from tournaments to more casual gaming. All events will be placed on social media before hand so keep an eye!
Esports
UCC’s esports team will continue to expand. The Netsoc Rebels will continue to offer League of Legends and Overwatch and are hoping to expand into more games, such as CS:GO and Super Smash Bros: Ultimate. If you would like to compete in these or any other games, contact Irish Collegiate Esports or Netsoc on social media
WARPS
UCC WARPS offer weekly gaming events on Thursdays ranging from table-top games to RPGs and card games. They also organise WarpCon annually, a fantastic event which brings the War and Role playing games communities ever closer together.
Irish Collegiate Esports
Irish Collegiate Esports is the body which UCC Esports has partnered with to govern UCC’s participation in competition. ICE will be looking to run more events in UCC such as the Smash: Ultimate tournament which took place on Saturday 30th of March!
Humour
26
UCC Student’s diet consists entirely YouTube Cooking Shows. Callum Casey, Humour Editor
2nd Year Arts Student Ronan Greene has fallen on hard times. Constantly drinking and refusing to get a job has put a considerable strain on his pocket. Rather than cutting back on necessities such as cans and rollies, Ronan decided to stop buying food.
There’s no place like Homeville Anonymous
What you’re about to read may seem like a standard humour article, but this is all one hundred percent true. If you don’t believe me, you only need look at my older articles to see I’m not funny or creative enough to come up with this shit. I will now recount the highlights of living in Homeville Place, Western Road, Cork for the last seven months, so you don’t have to.
The Mice.
As September began, we were filled with hope for the coming year, a year filled with happiness and friendship and love. Our kitchen however was filled with bin bags. The landlord, who will not be named, for fear she will try to scam even more money out of me, had decided to cancel the bins in midAugust, and refused to reactivate the subscription. The bags stacked up three high in the kitchen, the smell was like a constant lingering Guinness fart. While this was clearly not great for us, Stuart Little and the boys loved it. Within two weeks we had a healthy contingent of mice in the house. The mice congregated in a room. We know this because one night, the house was awoken by a blood curdling scream. We ran down to find her room covered in tinfoil and everything at least a foot off the floor. Needless to say, she moved out a short time later.
The Shit.
The house was constantly full of
black mold, and was sinking on its foundations, leading to a slope that made people slide along my floor if they stood long enough on it. It was no surprise then that in a light breeze one night a pipe upstairs became dislodged. After a night of eating a usual student diet of fish fingers and beans, mashed into a paste for instant nutrient delivery, you can imagine the mess that was left on the roof. There was shit everywhere. It was like an Albatross had been eating protein bars and drinking stout all week had carpet bombed us. When the landlord was called, instead of calling a certified plumber to fix the pipe, she decided she could do it herself. So, we all waited and watched while this OAP climbed through our feces on the roof, jammed a candle under the pipe and cleaning her hands of the problem. Metaphorically, not literally, as she stuck her shit covered hands in the window for us to help her back in. When we refused, she climbed back in like the creature from the black lagoon, covering our walls in shitty hand prints.
The Exit.
As second semester rolled around, the house was all but empty as everyone had vacated, and rightfully so. I decided to ask the Landlord for a proper lease, as she had supplied us with a napkin covered in comic sans at the start of the year. No more than a day after I had asked, I got a text telling me I was evicted. I left my lecture and raced home to find her
in the house. I confronted her and showed her the old lease, I told her it was not satisfactory and needed a better one. This ancient frog creature masquerading as a granny finally snapped. She lunged across a table at me and ripped the lease from my hand, tearing it and stuffing it into her pockets (presumably to insulate another house she rents with). When the shock had faded, I calmly said to her “What the fuck are you doing you deranged badger?” She called me a “very unhappy boy.” After which I responded, “Of course I’m unhappy, I am paying 500 a month to live in a crack shack.” I have since parted ways with said frog lady. This is a warning to you all: if you are looking for accommodation, Homeville place is not worth it.
EDIT:
Since the time of writing I have been rehoused, another home on the accursed road called Homeville Place. I should have known, but I was just as hopeful as I was in September. And just as deluded. Currently I am in bed. The Gardaí have just raided a house party I was not a part of. I heard drugs hurriedly being hoovered up faster than that fucking hoover from Teletubbies scoops up custard. One Guard burst into my room and screamed and me to get out. I refused, told him I lived there and eventually he turned off the light and left. Fuck Homeville Place.
“I was being boujee - plain and simple.” Ronan told the Express, “I can’t believe I was wasting my money on things like, bread and milk... I even bought Vegetables the last the day! Fucking Asparagus? Who did I think I was? A Kardashian?” Ronan, in a bid to save money, began to watch YouTube videos, rather than eat. “I can watch people eat 300 dollar Taco’s or make sushi out of Grapes. It’s incredible, why would I even need to eat?” Since starting the diet, Ronan has saved hundreds of euros a month, and lost so much body mass he looks like a skeleton wrapped in used rollie skins. “I feel great,” Ronan whispered through his now collapsed windpipe, as he watches his fiftieth Bon Appetit video, “Clare is making gourmet Kit Kats today.” Tears roll down Ronan’s hollow cheeks as he speaks. Ronan looks fucking great though.
Editor: Callum Casey
27
The Immaculate Infection Callum Casey, Humour Editor The people of the world, believers and non-believers alike, were stunned today as evidence for the existence of God was finally confirmed, thanks to one blessed UCC student. Numerous Reports account how the holy evening in question unfolded. Sean O’ Grady, the chosen one, left his apartment for a quiet one with the lads (now known as his disciples) at approximately six o’ clock. Sean’s girlfriend, Catherine Cleary, was unable to join him on his night out, which he was just devastated about. “I can’t remember exactly how the night went, it’s a bit blurry if I’m honest,” His holiness told the Express, as he sat in his new robe, surrounded by followers, “I think it’s the power of God, you know? Made me forget some things. That or the copious amounts of alcohol. But it was probably God, he’s funny like that.” Sean went on to tell us about how he came home from town at approximately four o’ clock that morning, alone, definitely alone. Because he loves his girlfriend. Soooooo much. “So, I had just puked for the fourth time and I was drifting off to sleep, alone, and then God appeared. Told me he was gonna give me Chlamydia. As a sign, you know. Told me I had to go spread the Gospel, and the Clap too.” When Sean awoke in the morning awash with a sense of peace and purpose, and a really itchy crotch, he knew he had been chosen. It took a while to convince his friends and family, especially Catherine, but after he reminded them he was, “A good lad like”, they agreed it must have been divine intervention. There have been a few reports implying Sean did in fact cheat on
his girlfriend, but these have been labelled by Sean and the Catholic church as “Slanderous lies” spread most likely by Satanists, Muslims or, even worse, Prods. While this has been a great moment for the church, finally being able to shove God in the face of all those foreigners with their weird beliefs and the scientist with all their facts, there has been some questions that need answering, namely; is God gay now? The question was swiftly answered by Sean, who confirmed they didn’t really have sex, and they both said no homo anyway. Christians around the globe breathed a sigh of relief. Since the miracle, Sean’s infected privates had become a site of pilgrimage for devout Catholics the world over. The sick and lame flocked to him, hoping just a glance at his groin would cure them. Agnes Mahony, a seventy-year-old pensioner from Meath swears by its healing power, “I was going blind before I came down. Could barely see two feet ahead. But he hit me in the eye with his cock and I can see better than ever!” Her friend Mary also agreed with his miraculous members power, “I swear I saw the Virgin Mary in his pubes!” As Sean and his Almighty Appendage embarked on his first country wide tour of blessing buildings, cars, and new born babies with his gift, this week, a woman has come forward to refute his claims. The women who didn’t want to be named claims she is the one who had sex with Sean. She claims she was unware she had contracted the infection from a previous partner, and unware Sean had a girlfriend as he told her he was single. The woman was promptly stoned for being a liar, a fallen woman, and most likely, a dirty Prod.
Horoscopes brought to you by Sirius Speculation
Aries: You are going to pull a monumental whitey. Taurus: That person you’ve been shagging on and off since rag is ending it with you this week. Only then will you realise the extent of your feelings. The cure? Their roommate. Gemini: Your dry spout and overall misery will end. You’ll end the academic year with a bang (pun intended), making it the most memorable of your life. Cancer: A time of giving yourself multiple orgasms while you think
about abandonment.
Leo: Stop
looking at memes! Go outside! Drink water! You haven’t been to the doctor in 6 years!
Virgo: You’re
not afraid of leaving your home you’re just scared of being surrounded by uglies.
Libra: You’ll go for a walk without your phone, then end up running
home to get your phone as soon as you see something Instagrammable, Instagram it, then run home, put your phone on charge, then go for a nice walk without your phone again.
Scorpio: Close your eyes. Your da’s homemade porno from the 80s is
making a comeback and is reclaiming itself as ‘vintage’.
Sagittarius: You’ll have so many coffees during exam season that will make you super jittery, but focused. People will begin to suspect an actual cocaine addiction.
Capricorn: You’ll be getting hauled out of Boole for excessive smoochin’ in the bathroom. Aquarius: Unvaccinate yourself. Pisces: Most of the time it will be very bad. But infrequently, there will
be small short bursts of euphoric discomfort
Arts & Literature
28
SCORCHING SUMMER SOURCES
Éadaoin Regan, Arts & Lit. Editor
while cursing said foreigners and forgetting that you are also, in fact, a foreigner.
*Deafening sigh* Essentially, I wanted a title that was related in some way to the fact that this is about the summer holidays, book recommendations, and would also allow for alliteration. Who doesn’t love alliteration? But this is all I could come up with. Weak, I know. But give me a break. It’s the last issue. I’m emotionally distraught and can’t think straight. Don’t look at me. No. Wait. Come back! Adriiannnnnnn.
Murders of the Black Museum 1875-1975: The Dark Secrets Behind a Hundred Years of the Most Notorious Crimes in England (2009) by Gordon Honeycombe
Why pay all that money on a holiday if you’re just going to sleep? Why not bring this gem and ensure that isn’t a possibility? Thank me later, alligator.
ROMANCE COMEDY Foggage (1983) McGinley
by
Patrick
Sorry for being so Waterford about this but this is honestly wicked funny. However, mind you don’t spit out your cocktail when you reach page seven. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
If you’re going to be one of those people then you may as well go all out and do it on your holidays when it’s acceptable. “Oh no… no I see why you would think that…because I’m holding a Nicholas Sparks book? No you see I actually just … it was on offer. I’m actually a real intellectual back home”.
CRIME/MYSTERY
P.S. I Love You (2004) by Celia Ahern
I know. I know. I am letting the side down and ruining my entire year’s reputation (although to be fair – not much damage to be done in that respect) but this is actually a very funny book. Lots of Irish humour, if a wee try-hard on occasion. (Don’t mind that film version – Americanising Irish humour failed miserably for that one)
Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892) by Oscar Wilde
Because the Victorians could be gas too.
Oh My God What A Complete Aisling (2017) by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen It’s pretty cheesy but if you can’t get away with it on holiday when can you? Also, to be fair, it does provoke a lot of COLs (chuckling out louds – yes, I’m gonna try make COLs a thing. It will be my new passion project)
Outlander series (1991-2014) by Diana Gabaldon. The Couple Next Door (2016) by Shari Lapena Because why not add more tension to your holiday than just trying to beat your fellow foreigners to the sunbeds
But bring books 1-4 (at least). They’re massive but honestly after reading the first page of book 2 you’ll be so so so pissed off and confused and you’ll want to skip through to make sure all is ok before you can calmly read book 2 properly.
The White Queen (2009) by Philippa Gregory I never did manage to get over King Edward IV. Holla if you feel me.
Editor: Éadaoin Regan
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R&R RECOMMENDATION The Creation of Anne Boleyn (2014) by Susan Bordo “Why is Anne Boleyn so fascinating? Maybe we don’t have to go any further than the obvious: The story of her rise and fall is as elementally satisfying… as a fabulously, indulgent, trashy novel” In this wonderfully refreshing approach to a historical and cultural exploration of the myths surrounding Anne Boleyn, Susan Bordo’s The Creation of Anne Boleyn makes for a scintillating read that doubtless any reader will find appealing. From the avid Tudor historians to the faithful Hello! Magazine readers perusing the airport terminal bookshops, this is a solid all-rounder. Bordo, in her first biographical work, displays impressive insight into the politics and power plays of the Tudor court, ensuring that perhaps not even the widely accepted, contemporary king of Tudor research Dr. David Starkey could fault her research. (Although he’d probably find a way). This unbiased interpretation of a wide range of sources makes for a read which effortlessly straddles the line between unbiased historicism and sensationalist journalism. The language is accessible, reading much like a gossip tabloid rather than a historical text which these days can be found in abundance. Throughout this biography, Bordo succeeds in her goal to promote a more in-depth contextualisation of what is considered the facts while ensuring to keep any reader entertained with her observations of the scandalous, short-lived reign of Anne Boleyn. The book is divided into three sections, all of which are broken down into charismatically titled chapters, such as ‘In Love Or Something Like It’, that provide a sneak peek for those unfamiliar with the story of Anne Boleyn and perhaps a sly wink to those who are. Bordo’s research is extensive as not only does she utilise Tudor period documents but she trawls through the investigative attempts of other
historians on the topic ranging from James Froude’s nineteenth century works right up until Vanora Bennett whose latest work was published as recently as 2012. Bordo draws to light the fact that these researchers are taking all primary and secondary sources at face value while we as the readers of these biographies, academic papers and viewers of period dramas too are indulgent in our belief in these portrayals as fact. A surge in interest on the sixteenth century period is largely a consequence of the period dramas which take historical fact as the basis for their own fantastical approach to the unfolding of events. In this book, Bordo aims to take these presumptuous - albeit entertaining facts that TV fans take at verbatim and provides what she believes to be the real or at least fair interpretation of the story of Anne Boleyn. By deconstructing the sources of these interpretations, mainly those historians who vehemently plead their own theories as facts, Bordo presents her argument with a modern day view of journalistic tactics. However she does acknowledge the merit in these works as they provide facts for discussion, a discussion Bordo challenges us to enter. Similarly. while Bordo does not aim to criticise period dramas based on Anne Boleyn, in fact quite the opposite as she sings the praises of many, she is invested in investigating the woman behind the myths and legends; the real Anne Boleyn. For those readers, desperate to indulge in the salacious romance between a king and his mistress, who defied this traditional framework by becoming queen, Bordo does not disappoint as she provides a deliciously detailed account of the romance between Anne and Henry from the very beginning. Ultimately, The Creation of Anne Boleyn presents the facts while humorously dismantling the fiction.
SEXPRESS
Let’s Talk About Sex
Rían Browne, Sexpress Editor
In the final issue of Sexpress for this year, we’re going to go back to basics, something that Sexpress even (hopefully) helps to alleviate in some form or another and that is addressing whether sex, and everything that comes along with it, is still a taboo subject. How do we even talk about sex? It’s been shown through research that we first ‘learn’ about sex through porn and popular media. Other times it’s through stories from friends or tipsy conversations after a few drinks, sometimes it's through social media. The point I’m trying to get at is that at some point sex sneaks its way up, whether you welcome it with open arms or not depends on circumstance. Within Ireland in general, up until quite recently, sex and sexuality have been something that was essentially outlawed either through legislation or through societal culture, from the illegality of merely accessing contraception, the criminalisation of homosexuality, right up to the 8th amendment - they all signal to a wider cultural and societal stigma around sex and sexuality as something to
be ashamed of, something that was impure and wrong. This in particular has been highlighted in the quality of sex education given in primary and secondary school, which in recent years has been met with calls for reform to include more than just the heteronormative biological aspects of the purely physical aspect of sex, but to also take into account consent, relationships, wellbeing and health, sexuality and gender identity. This stigmatization leads to silence and to the absence of open discussion and conversation which in turn can prove to be harmful later on. Unless individuals go out of their way to find information themselves, providing they know where to get it, young people in particular are left in harm's way, uninformed about how to have sex safely, feeling broken or wrong for not understanding why or how they feel the way they do, and more. From my own experience as a young queer person questioning their sexuality, I didn’t have a clue about STI’s and I didn’t know about how to practice safe sex with a
Editor: Rían Browne O’Neill
person of the same sex - and this was in the early 2010’s! With the internet, information is just a google search away with loads of reliable resources available for people regardless of gender, experience or sexuality and that is incredible! There are a plethora of blogs, social media accounts and even YouTube channels accessible through the click of a mouse. Throughout all of this slowly comes the normalisation of conversations around sex, that can, and do, spill over into real life. For me, it was LGBT+ Tumblr blogs and YouTube channels like Sexplanations and Hannah Witton, who were just in the early beginnings of online sex education, exploring topics like anatomy, pleasure, toys, and consent. Now we’ve got podcasts left right and centre and even instagrammers like @SexSiopa having regular ole conversations about getting some, discussing pleasure and sex as an enjoyable activity in and of itself that should be embraced and I can’t be anything but delighted about it! Not only does it normalise this conversation but it encourages curiosity and it’s incredibly empowering.
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In the last number of years, the tides have begun to turn, especially in light of #Repealthe8th which opened up a wider national discussion around the sexuality and autonomy of Irish women and non-binary individuals. But, as always, we still have a ways to go in terms of discussion representations of the sexuality of people with disabilities, members of the queer community, substance abuse, better access to healthcare and resources outside of Dublin and so on. Openly having conversations around sex, whether online, with friends or in educational settings, actively challenges the idea that sex is something ‘dirty’ or shameful, it encourages others to have conversations with their partners, to share their worries with a trusted friend or access services for support or help when necessary and all of those things are incredibly important and valuable in an age where it's getting easier to access sexual content for folks as young as 10 years old. We owe it not only to ourselves as individuals working through our own culturally imposed shame and embarrassment but also to the next generation to continue to talk and discuss sex as easily as we would discuss last week’s celeb goss. It’s been a pleasure. Rían xo
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Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
Gaeilge go bhfuilimid, mar thír, imithe rófhada, róthapaidh? Is é a bhí i gceist aige ná go bhfuil an-chuid Éireann athruithe feicthe sa tír seo againne le dhá chéad bliain anuas - meath na Gaoluinne, an t-iompú ón gcreideamh, agus a thuilleadh rudaí nach iad - ach go mb’fhéidir gur ghluaiseamar rómhear ós na traidisiúin seo is go bhfuilimid anois scoite amach ón dearcadh saoil a bhíodh ag ár sinsir. Oíche an léachta, d’inis an Dr. Higgins scéal a bhí ag an Muircheartach chun an méid seo a léirmhíniú. Seo a leanas mo leagan féin de:
Rófhada, róthapaidh Darragh Ó Caoimh, Scríbhneoir Gaeilge
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ile, fealsúnaí, scríbhneoir, agus fear gaoise ab ea John Moriarty, nach maireann. Bhí saol agus saothar an Mhuirtheartaigh fé chaibidil ag an Dochtúir Michael P. Higgins san aitheasc a thug sé uaidh sa chéad cheann de shraith léachtaí Quercus ar an 17ú d’Eanáir. Ó Ollscoil an Chroí Ró-Naofa, Connecticut, é an Dochtúir Higgins agus é ag gabháilt do thaighde ar an Muirtheartach le tamall anois. Rugadh John Moriarty i Maigh Mheáin i dTuaisceart Chiarraí sa bhliain 1938.
Fuair sé a chuid oideachais i Lios Tuathail ar dtúis agus in COBÁC ina dhiaidh sin, mar a dhein sé staidéar ar an mBéarla is ar an bhfealsúnacht. D’oibrigh sé mar léachtóir i gCeanada sarar fhill sé ar Éirinn, mar ar fostaíodh é mar gharraíodóir i mainistir. Scrígh The Guardian ina thaobh go raibh sé inchurtha le leithéidí Beckett, Joyce, agus Yeats mar scríbhneoir. Foilsíodh raidhse leabhar leis thar na blianta, ina measc “Invoking Ireland”. Is sa saothar machnamhach seo a chuir sé an cheist seo a leanas: arbh fhéidir
Frásaí na Seachtaine: An Cháisc Beannachtaí na Cásca ort/oraibh – The Blessings of Easter on you/ye. Cáisc shona duit/daoibh – Happy Easter to you/ye. Coinín na Cásca – Easter Bunny/Rabbit. Ubh Chásca – Easter Egg. Domhnach Cásca – Easter Sunday. Deireadh an Charghais – The end of lent. Íobairt a dhéanamh – To make a sacrifice. Dróchnósanna – Bad habits. Dea-rúin nab liana úire a mhúscailt – To revive New Year’s resolutions. Féinfheabhsú – Self-improvement.
“Bhí fear den chine geal ina chónaí san Afraic tráth, fear táchtmhar saibhir gustalach. Bhí feirm mhór aige agus go leor barraí ag fás ann, idir thabac is shiúcra, thae agus chaife. Pé scéal é do bhí fómhar fliúirseach aige an bhliain seo, agus do híreáil sé triúr fear ón dtreibh áitiúil chun lastas de thabac a thabhairt chun an chósta dó, agus eisean ina dteannta. Balcairí ab ea iad seo anois, iad go láidir tréan agus lánábalta ar mheáchan trom a iompar. Seo leo ar aon chuma, agus moill ná cónaí níor dheineadar ach iad ag gabháilt an bhóthair chun na farraige ar luas lasrach. D’fhág seo go raibh leath an bhealaigh siúlta acu laistigh de sheachtain, nuair ba ghnáthach go dtógfadh a leithéid coicíos. Bhí an fear geal an-shásta leis seo dar ndóigh, mar theastaigh uaidh calafort a shroisint chun a chuid earraí a chur ar bord loinge a bhí ag triall chun na hEorpa. Ach timpeall an ama so do tháinig mar a bheadh támhnéal ar na fearaibh, iad ag dul níos moille in aghaidh an lae, go dtí sa deireadh gur shíneadar
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triúr i leataoibh na slí, gan iompar na gcnámh iontu. Tiomáineadh an fear geal chun buile, ní nach ionadh, óir b’eagal leis ná sroisfidís an calafort in am is go gcaillfeadh sé a chuid airgid dá bharra. Ní fhéadfadh sé an an lagar a tháing ar na fearaibh a thuiscint. Cúpla lá ina dhiaidh sin do bhisigh an triúr agus bhíodar ar a seanléim arís. D’fhiafraigh an fear geal de dhuine acu cad ba chúis leis an eachtra. ‘Bhíomar tar éis taisteal rófhada róthapaidh’, arsa an fear, ‘agus b’éigean dúinn sos a thógaint chun ligint dár n-anamacha breith suas orainn’. Do chomáineadar leo i dtreo na farraige, agus ráineadar an calafort sarar sheol an bád.” Déanaimis ár marana ar an scéal san ar feadh tamaill. Cén bhaint atá aige leis an lá atá inniu ann? Bhuel, d’fhéadfaí a mhaíomh go bhfuilimidne mar shochaí ar strae, go bhfuil mearbhall orainn. Gheobhfaí a rá go bhfuil an ceangal a bhíodh ag muintir na tíre seo leis an dtalamh briste. Cad iad comhathaí sóirt an ghalair seo, más ea? An t-athrú aeráide. Díothú na n-ainmhithe. Plá an phlaistigh. Bánú na mara. Claochuithe iad seo a tháinig aniar aduaidh orainn, a tharla thar oíche geall leis, go háirithe nuair a chuimhníonn tú gur ann do dhaoine daonna leis na milliúin bliain. Agus cé ná fuilim ach ag tochtailt ina shaothar go fóillín, sílim go raibh teachtaireacht ríthábhachtach ag Moriarty: stadaimis ar feadh tamaill, féachaimis cad as a dtángamar is cá bhfuil ár n-aghaidh. Is ina dhiaidh sin a thuigfimid cár cheart dúinn dul.
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Photos
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
Photo Credits: CĂŠlem Deegan, Instagram @deegan.media
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
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Sports
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
Racism Rife on Euro Return Declan Gleeson, Sports Editor
Back in December, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling was subjected to shocking racist abuse at the hands of Chelsea fans during a Premier League match. Unbeknownst to us all at the time, this incident would ignite the spark that has fuelled the recent discussion about racism in football, worldwide and in the UK, at all levels. In the aftermath of the game, as Chelsea announced they would begin an inquest into the racist
behaviour, Sterling took to social media to weigh in and criticise the media for its portrayal of young black footballers. He attached the headline of a Daily Mail article that was essentially condemning a young player for spending his wages, despite the fact that he had not started a match. People were quick to hit back at the article, after all the young player in question is earning a living and why should he not spend his wages? Sterling accused the media of fuelling racist behaviour: “Good morning I just want to say, I
am not normally the person to talk a lot but when I think I need my point to heard I will speak up. Regarding what was said at the Chelsea game as you can see by my reaction I just had to laugh because I don’t expect no better. For example you have two young players starting out their careers both play for the same team……both buy a new house for their mothers….but look how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and then for the young white player. This young black kid is looked at in a bad
light. Which helps fuel racism an aggressive behaviour, so for all the newspapers that don’t understand why people are racist in this day and age all I have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity and give all players an equal”. Skip forward a few months, and Sterling has become a beacon of sorts for the players having to deal with racist abuse. His views on a sensitive, human rights issue have been commended by players, pundits and politicians alike. But during England’s recent Euro 2020
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
qualifier against Montenegro, Sterling, along with several of his England teammates, were again the target of unacceptable racial abuse. Montenegro faced England back in 2013, a game that saw a brawl amongst the Montenegrin fans and flares launched onto the pitch, so the Three Lions had some idea of what kind of atmosphere they were headed into. However, this time around, the fans showed their true colours and the chants marred what was an impressive sporting achievement by England, triumphing 5-1. While blame is not solely on Montenegro or any country in particular for the root of this racist behaviour, the collective incidents that have taken place in European football reflect a disgusting attitude, and a disappointing trend. A brief history of the racially aggravated incidents in Europe:
December 2017 - Zenit St Petersburg handed partial stadium and fine
February 2019 - No punishment for Chelsea after alleged racist chanting against MOL Vidi
UEFA said "disciplinary proceedings" had been opened against Montenegro with one charge for "racist behaviour" and the case is due to be dealt with by European football's governing body on the 16th May. Montenegro coach Louisa Tumbao said he did not "hear or notice any" racist abuse, which seems unfathomable. At this point, no favours are being done by refusing to acknowledge the behaviour. But England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, said he "definitely heard the racist abuse of Rose". It is difficult to decipher the best way to handle this kind of situation, clearly the fines and partial /full stadium bans have not been getting the message relayed effectively. A contingent of Croatian fans in particular seems decidedly fixed on engaging in racist and hateful activities. Kick it Out, an anti-discrimination charity,
November 2018- Greece handed partial stadium ban and fined after racist behaviour October 2018 - Romania handed stadium ban and fined September 2018 - Poland handed partial stadium closure August 2018 - Red Star Belgrade handed stadium ban and fined August 2018 - Lyon handed twogame stadium ban for offences, including racist behaviour June 2018- Atletico Madrid handed partial stadium closure after racist banner displayed June 2018 - Zenit Saint Petersburg fined for racism March 2018 - No punishment for Atalanta BC after alleged racist behaviour
October 2017 - Spartak Moscow handed partial stadium July 2015 - Croatia handed twogame stadium ban and fined after a Nazi symbol became visible during their match with Italy. March 2015 - Croatia handed stadium ban. Despite a partial stadium closure, racist chanting was heard from home fans outside the stadium December 2014- Croatia handed partial stadium for racist behaviour September 2015 - Romania handed stadium ban for racism April 2013 - Dynamo Kiev ordered to play behind closed doors December 2012 - Serbia fined for racism. Full back Danny Rose was subject to monkey chants from the stand
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said: "As we've argued countless times, it's time for UEFA to take strong, decisive action - fines won't do. Extended stadium bans or tournament expulsion are what's needed." Troy Townsend, who is a campaigner for Kick It Out, told BBC Sport: ''Is closing a stadium for a game that's not going to be against England worthy? Or is expulsion more worthy? Our experience is that by combining both sanctions and education, while working alongside campaigners such as Kick It Out, real progress can be made. But there remains much work to be done�.
endured by black players in the Premier League every week. "I think that it is quite hypocritical that we want to talk about Montenegro and say how terrible it is when we have not taken care of the problem here. We go to Montenegro once every six months, whereby every week we face it here in droves. So what is more serious? Going to Montenegro once a year or black people facing this every single day of their lives? Because it is high profile, we say, 'let's do something about it', but we are really not tackling the issue here."
Sterling has again been very vocal in the matter and has called on a complete stadium ban to force supporters to think twice about their actions: "I don't think it was just one or two people that heard it, it was the whole bench. There should be a real punishment for this, not just the two or three people who were doing it - it needs to be a collective thing. This place holds 15,000. The punishment should be, whatever nation it is, if your fans are chanting racist abuse then it should be the whole stadium so no-one can come and watch. When the ban is lifted, the fans will think twice. They all love football, they all want to come and watch their nation so it will make them think twice before doing something silly like that."
Because racism is an issue deep rooted in society, it occurs at all levels. YouTuber Manny Brown says racism is a problem in grassroots football and believes he has found himself on the substitutes' bench because he is black. Brown, who has more than one-and-a-half million subscribers on YouTube, was speaking as part of Tackling Racism: Grassroots which aired on Sky Sports. He plays for Sunday league team Under the Radar FC and uploads their matches online, and says racism is also an issue at the bottom of the football pyramid. Manny's brother Tobi Brown, who also plays for Under the Radar and has three million YouTube subscribers, says people need to be educated about the impact their words can have. "When people are racist to you, they have the intention of actually offending you and trying to get a reaction out of you‌so, giving them a reaction is going to give them what they want. If people don't stamp it out from an early age, it becomes second nature and that's not what you want. Educating people about racism and its effects is something that should be done."ď ¸
While the Balkan region has clearly been experiencing more of these disturbing episodes, it is a problem that is endemic to society as a whole. English football has experienced a raft of reports of racist behaviour on the past few seasons. Former Liverpool winger John Barnes has criticised the condemnation of the Montenegro fans by claiming that it is hypocritical based on the racism
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Sports
Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019 | University Express
The Notorious Retiree Declan Gleeson, Sports Editor
Last week, one of Ireland’s most influential and successful sportspeople announced his retirement as Conor McGregor, a former featherweight and lightweight champion, stepped away from the sport that had made him a household name. ‘The Notorious’ had not fought since his eventful loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, but his decision to end his career at 30 years old has shocked many in the MMA world. McGregor made his debut in the octagon in 2013 and marked it with a victory over Marcus Brimage. The Dubliner secured several other victories in the following year, eventually leading to a championship match against Chad Mendes in Nevada. McGregor won that bout and was awarded the Featherweight
title. In one of his most memorable moments, he knocked out José Aldo after 13 seconds in the featherweight unification match, to become the first person to be the undisputed featherweight champion. It was McGregor’s 7th consecutive UFC victory, and he announced his intention to move up to the lightweight division. His first loss came in this division at the hands of Nate Diaz, but never one to dwell on his failures, McGregor demanded a rematch and, in due course, secured a revenge victory over Diaz in 2016. 2016 continued to be an eventful one for the Irishman as he secured the lightweight title after defeating Eddie Alvarez, and became the first UFC fighter to hold two titles in different weight classes simultaneously. However in November, due to his inactivity in the division, it was
initially announced that McGregor had vacated the Featherweight Championship, therefore promoting José Aldo to undisputed champion. McGregor's coach then later confirmed further reports which stated that McGregor had actually been stripped of the title.
Things never really picked up again for McGregor on the fighting side from this point. He announced time off to be with his new-born child, and promoted a boxing showdown against Floyd Mayweather. McGregor earned nearly €57 million from the fight, which ended in his loss by TKO. In 2017, due to inactivity he was stripped of his lightweight title. And upon his return in 2018 against the aforementioned Khabib, he was defeated and things turned ugly afterwards, as both fighters were handed suspensions.
So, is Conor McGregor actually gone from the world of UFC for good? It would appear so for the time being, but his reputation does indeed proceed him. There is a fair share of sceptics who would point to this being a tactic of leaning on the UFC to get his way, as he has only fought once since the UFC was taken over by PR firm Endeavor, spearheaded by Ari Emmanuel, who is reputable for being a tough negotiator. If indeed this is the last we are to see of ‘The Notorious’, he leaves behind a legacy of inside and outside the ring spectacles. His unique fighting style made him one of the brightest stars in the discipline and he is undoubtedly one of the finest fighters of the last decade. While his actions outside the ring were often ludicrous and undignified, he has earned a place in MMA records.
We’re Hiring! Applications for the editorial team of the UCC express are now open for the 2019/2020 academic year.
Designer* Gaming Editor News Editor* Music Editor Byline Editor* Opinions Editor Sports Editor Humour Editor Features Editor Film & TV Editor Photographer Fashion Editor Online Editor Fiction Editor Arts & Literature Sexpress Editor Irish Editor If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, send your CV to apply@uccexpress.ie by April 5th * Indicates paid position
University
Volume 22 | Issue Ten | Tuesday 2nd April 2019
Sports
UCCExpress.ie
Sports Ireland." Mr Rooney said the whole controversy "causes considerable disquiet to the public, particularly those who are forking out hardearned money to go to games, people who are looking to build the game at grass-roots level. These are very serious issues to be addressed. It goes beyond John Delaney. There are questions for the entire board here to answer."
Delaney Steps Aside, but FAI Still Own Worst Enemy Declan Gleeson, Sports Editor
F
or the last couple of years, FAI CEO John Delaney has repeatedly come under increased scrutiny for his own personal actions and the way in which the organisation operates. Last week, in a surprising announcement just before the Republic of Ireland’s opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Gibraltar, the first reports began to filter through of Delaney’s proposed resignation from the role of CEO, sparking widespread hope that the organisation would finally be able to move forward into a ‘new era’ of sorts. However, as many of us already assumed, Delaney was announced into a newly created ‘role’ of Executive Vice President. The reaction to the change was swift and emphatic. We don’t want Delaney in this organisation anymore. Only 6% of people believe that John Delaney should continue to be involved with the FAI, a new poll has found. A Claire Byrne Live Research poll of 1,000 adults last
week has found that 70% of people believe Delaney should no longer be involved with the FAI. One of the biggest reasons people want Delaney out is the continued scandals he is has been implicated in. More than a week ago, Mr Delaney came under pressure when it was revealed that he had provided a €100,000 cheque in April 2017 to the FAI, which did not appear in its audited accounts. Mr Delaney, a former vice president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, said he had loaned his employers the money "to aid a very short-term cash flow issue". The FAI and Delaney had unsuccessfully sought a last-minute High Court injunction to prevent the Sunday Times from revealing the story. As the association receives a lot of tax payers' money, politicians, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, say the FAI needs to answer questions. While it is not uncommon for a chief executive to get loans from a company, it is much rarer for them to lend money
to their companies - or in this case Mr Delaney's association. The judge in the ruling, Mr Anthony Barr, ruled that the payment was a matter of public interest. This then prompted additional investigations by Irish newspapers in to other aspects of Mr Delaney's financial arrangements with the FAI. The public demanded to know just how bad the FAI’s finances were. How did such a loan ever come about? Why was there such an intense attempt by those involved to prevent the story from coming to light? And who would pay the legal costs, estimated at €50,000, for the unsuccessful injunction? Speaking on the matter, former FAI CEO Fran Rooney said: "The fact that it wasn’t disclosed, it wasn’t in the accounts … there was a whole area of secrecy around it. The very interesting thing that we should all remember here is that the Football Association of Ireland is a publicly funded body so this is taxpayers' money. It should be disclosed immediately through
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Rooney, who was head of the FAI for 18 months in 2003-2004, said there were questions for the entire board to answer. He said that governance was addressed in 2002 in a report called Genesis Report, which stated there would be regular ‘changing of the guard’. However, he said that what has happened is that almost the same ten people have been running the organisation. In basic terms, the retirement dates have been adjusted so that certain individuals were able to stay longer than their original terms of office. Mr Rooney added that instead of Mr Delaney should be moving aside within the organisation, he should be moving out of the way altogether. So, what should happen next? The argument goes that the damage has been done by a group of people acting in their own self-interest, and how this can be corrected. A lot of the arguments point towards intervention by the government and the forced withdrawal of the current board. While the FAI is an autonomous body, it is still possible for the government to intervene and insist on some radical change. The Taoiseach pointed out on Sunday that while the association was not a public body, it received public funds. Fintan Drury of the Irish Times wrote: “Those funds should be paused until the board is changed even if in the short-term that could undermine football initiatives”.