University Express - Volume 26 - Issue 1

Thereisnowbroadconsensus amongtherelevantstakeholderstenants,landlords,activists,and economists-thattheIrishrental markethasadebilitating overrelianceontheprivatesectorfor thesupplyofproperties.Recent commentaryforRTÉnewsfrom TrinityCollegeDublineconomics professor,RonanLyons,arguesthat “shocking”rentincreasesasa consequenceofmarketshortages can“onlybeaddressedby significantlyincreasedsupply.”In thesamereportmeanwhile,headof policyattheSimonCommunity,

Withenergybillsdoublingand possiblytriplingfollowingthe autumnmonths,thedevastating weaponizationofRussia’sgassupply toEuropeisbeingfeltnowmore thaneverasincreasingcohortsof societyareforcedtochoosebetween heatingandeating.Additionally, foodinflationhasskyrocketedin severalareas,includingstaplessuch asdairy,fishandcommonmeats, withrecentreportsfromtheCentral StatisticsOfficeillustrating10% pricerisesforthemajorityof everydayitemsandstaggering45% risesincertaincasessuchaschicken andotherpoultrygoods.According toTheSocietyofStVincentdePaul, anextra20%ofpeoplehavesought charitysupportalreadythisyear comparedtolastyear’sprevious recordnumber.SocialJustice Irelandmeanwhilehaveexpressed concernthatwewillsoonsee “post-2008levelsofdebtand struggle”,wherebyeconomically vulnerablepeoplewillbepushed towardstheuseofextortionateloan sharksandblack-marketmoney lendersastheystruggletostay afloat.

Thecostoflivingcatastrophethatis currentlygrippingoursocietyand consumingoureverydayrealityis unprecedentedinscale,triggering thegreatestoveralldeclinein Westernlivingstandardssincethe 1970s.Severaldominantfactorsand globalheadwindsareresponsiblefor producingthissituation,most notablydemand-pullinflation,the economicfalloutfromtheRussian warinUkraine(whichhas drasticallyalteredthedynamicsof theenergyandoilmarkets),and stagnantcommercialgrowthinthe wakeofCovid-19.Theculmination oftheseforceshascontributedto chronicmacroeconomicinstabilities thatappeartoberedefining,orat leastquestioning,thepurposeof governmentinsociety.Meanwhile, duetotheinterconnectednatureof ourglobalisedmoderneconomy, suchproblemsareinternationally contagiousandomnipresent, disregardingbordersandtraditional statedefences.

Manifestingintheformoffoodand fuelpriceincreases,calamityinthe energysector,andpaycutsfor workers,livingcostsarerising hazardously,withinflation approximately10%rightnowand expectedbyIrisheconomiststo elevateevenfurthernextyear, despiteaslightdropinrecentweeks. Meanwhile,inflationintheUK couldriseto18.6%bynextJanuary accordingtostarkpredictionsfrom majorinvestmentbankCitigroup-a brutalillustrationofpost-Brexit economicrealityandtheweakened abilitytoabsorbeconomicshocks.

Onamorestudent-specificlevel,all ofthesedevelopmentscombineto presentadifficultpicture.Thisspike inthecostoflivingmustnowbe enduredalongsidehefty accommodationcostsandtuition fees-nowthesinglehighestinthe EUfordomesticstudents.While thereistalkofapotentialreduction inthestudentcontributioncharge,it isuncertainwhetherthiswill alleviatemuchofthefinancial burdenonstrugglingstudents,with theUnionofStudentsinIreland (USI)callingfora€1,000reduction nowwiththelong-termviewoffee abolitionanduniversalisation.

situationwherebythemajorityof people,notjustthoseonthevery lowestincomes,areexperiencing hardship.Forinstance,arecent surveyof2,300peopleconductedby theIrishMirrorfound64% identifyingthemselvesasbeingin relativeorin-workpoverty,withhalf oftheremaining36%classifying themselvesasatriskoffallinginto suchpoverty.

THESOARINGCOST OFMERELYEXISTING

Thesedevelopmentscomeontopof

Similarly,80%ofIrishmotoristsare nowbeingadverselyaffectedby surgingfuelpricesaccordingtothe AA,withtheaveragecosttofilla tankfromemptynowstandingat approximately€108.Again,figures suchastheseportraythevastreach andpervasivenessofthistypeof financialturmoil,withitsassociated strainonmiddleIrelandnownear universal.

AccordingtoTrinityCollegeDublin Provost,DrLindaDoyle,this

2000shasledtoanincreasingly prevalentattitudethatthehousing issueisnow“intractable”-involving generationalcomplexitiesand remedialbarriers,somewhatlike healthcare.

WRITESJAMESKEMMY NEWSEDITOR

UNIVERSITY EXPRESS

anationalhousingcrisis,aprofound societalissuewhichisnowchronic inscaleandseverity.Property websiteDaft.ie’smostrecent quarterlyreportprovidedstark findings,mostnotablyidentifying thattherearenowjust716rental propertiesavailablenationwide.For context,thisamountstoa97%fallin rentalavailabilitysince2009as notedintheIrishTimes,meaning thatforeveryonehundredhomeson themarketthirteenyearsago,there arenowjustthree.Unsurprisingly, thisfigurerepresentsanall-timelow andadropfromlastyear’snumber of2,500availablerentals.

SEXISNOTABADWORDPAGE21 12VOLUME26UCCExpress.ie TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER2022 STORYCONTINUEDONPAGE3

JamesKemmydiscussestheglobal contextandlocalconsequencesof ourvolatileeconomicstate-andthe effectsitishavingonIrishstudents

WayneStanley,hasexpressed concernatthenormalisationof inactionregardingrentalsupply wherebythecollapseofsocial housingconstructionintheearly

Thescaleofthecurrenteconomic predicamentissuchthatthepast twelvemonthshaveseenthehighest successivelevelsofinflationsince 1984.Thishastranslatedintoa

I’mlookingforwardtosharingsomegreatstorieswiththestudentbodythroughthefantasticteamhereatthe UniversityExpress,whichhasmovedfullyonlinethisyear.Intheinterestofsustainability,wefeltthiswasthe bestoption,butwewillstillbeasbigapartofstudentmediaandexperienceasever!Wehaverevampedour socialmedia(andhavealsocreatedaTikTokwhichIamveryexcitedabout),somakesuretofollowalongforall theinsideinfoonthehappeningsintheUniversityExpressteam.Wehaveanewwebsiteontheway,whichwill makeiteasyforyoutoaccessanyofthestoriespublishedbytheExpress,andyoumayalsohearthevoicesof theExpressteamonUCCradiointheverynearfuture…

NowI’mbackagainwithfeatures,workingwithanincredibleteamtobringyouthispaper.Forme,theExpress isacommunity.WorkingonthispaperI’vehadtheopportunitytomeetsomeofUCC’smostincrediblepeople, andbuildthefriendshipsthatwouldchangemycollegeexperienceforever.Whetherit’smeetingnewpeople, reconnectingwitholdfriends,orfinallygettingtoknowmytwitterandinstamutuals,theExpresshasplunged meintoadelightfulcircleofpeople,andonethatI’llcherishforever.

WELCOMEBACK

IfeellikeIshouldcountusin.3…2…1…Andwe’reback!Oh,it’sgood tobeback.Welcomeeveryone,totheUniversityExpress.

Tobehonest,I’malittlegiddywritingthis.IjoinedtheExpressinmy secondyearofcollege,thinkingthattherewasnowayI’dgetthe position.Afriendhadsentthepaper’sinstagramtome.So,Ithought‘I mightaswell,’andtherestishistory.

Inourfirstissue,wehavesomefantasticpiecesonthebigtopicofdiscussion-thestudenthousingcrisis.Our editorshavedoneagreatjobinguidingyouthroughtheirrespectiveareas,soyoucanfindoutwhoarethenew kidsontheblockinCork’smusicscene,discoverthebestpackedlunch,challengeyourviewsontheshame surroundingsexorjustlearnsomethingnewaboutCorkinourFeaturessection!

Hieveryone,it’sgreattobebackforanewyearatUCC!Ihavetosay, Ilovethefirstfewweeksbackoncampus,meetingupwitholdfriends andmakingnewones,startingintonewlecturesandmodulesand attendingalltheclubandsocietyeventspossible.Septembergivesusall anopportunityforafreshstart,sobesttodiveinandmakethemostof allthenewopportunities.

Ifeveryouwanttoshareastory,submitapieceofwriting,orifyou’rejustnosyastotheworldofstudentmediagetincontactwithus,we’reheretohelp.Youcanemailmeateditor@uccexpress.ieorjustsayhiifyoupassme oncampus,I’malwaysupforachat!

Happyreading! WELCOMEBACK! Editor-In-Chief CaitrionaNíChonaill Designer MaxwellJordanCallanan NewsEditor JamesKemmy DeputyNewsEditor AtakanUzun FeaturesEditor ClaireWatson DeputyFeaturesEditor KateO’Flanagan SocialMediaManager CianPierce Photographer JackMurphy OpinionEditor BélineChan IrishEditor OrlaLeahy Food&HealthEditor NathanCarey Film&TelevisionEditor RosieO’Byrne MusicEditor CormacMcCarthy SexpressEditor CiaraBarrett GamingEditor LukeCondon FashionEditor KellieMurphy Arts&LiteratureEditor SarahKenelly SportsEditor MarkCooper EDITORIALTEAM 12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER20222EDITORIAL

WritingissomethingI’vealwayswantedtodo,andtohavethe opportunitytospendayearwritingonwhatIwaspassionateaboutwasadreamcometrue!If9year-oldClaire, whowasobsessedwithmakingmagazinesandtop-modelcolouringbooksknewthatthey’dbeafashioneditor oneday,wellIthinktheirheadwouldexplode.

Enoughaboutme.TheExpressiswrittenbystudents,forstudents.Thispaperisaboutyouguys,whoare scrollingthroughoursocials,clickingallourlittlelinks,andreadingourwork.Inmytwoyearshere,there’sbeen somegreatchanges.Theshiftonlinewasatrickyone,butwithanincredibleteamandevenmoreincredible readership,hereweare.Wewouldn’tbehereifitwasn’tforyou,sofromallofushere,thankyou.

MynameisCaitríonaNíChonaillandIamtheEditor-In-Chiefforthe upcomingacademicyear-ifyouseemearoundcampus,besuretocomeandsayhello!Ihavebeeninvolvedin manyaspectsofstudentlifeinUCC-Iwas(andstillam)onseveralsocietycommittees,IwastheIrishEditor fortheExpresslastyearandhavehelpedoutwithotherstudentpublications,socansaywithcertaintythatif anyoneisqualifiedtotellyouallthebestaspectsofUCCstudentlife,I’mcertainlyoneofthem!Iamthrilledto takeonthisnewroleandbeworkingwiththewonderfulpeopleontheeditorialteam.

EVERYONE’SEXPERIENCEOF COLLEGEISNOTTHESAME

andunattainable.

WRITESATAKANUZUN DEPUTYNEWSEDITOR

generationofadolescentsisbeing“robbed”ofa propercollegeexperience,andsheurgesthattosolve theshortageofstudentaccommodation,government mustintervenetofundamentallytacklethesystemic housingandrentalcrisis.MostIrishuniversitiesare nowpleadingtoprivatehomeownerstotakestudents inwiththeenticementofthe‘RentaRoom’relief scheme,whichallowsfor€14,000tobeearnedtaxfree.However,thereisasignificantabsenceof regulationandtenancyprotectionsurroundingsuch informalrentalarrangements,enablingexploitationin certaincases.Moreover,Airbnbletsarenowgenerally seenasmorelucrativeforhomeowners,pushing universitystudentsandtheiraccommodationneeds furtherdowntherentalladder.Forinstance,arecent surveyconductedbytheIrishMailonSundayfound thattherearenowthreetimesthenumberof expensive,short-termAirbnbrentalsthantypical long-termandsharedaccommodationleases.These outcomeshaveledtopolicycampaignsfrom oppositionpartiessuchasLabourtoprohibitthe conversionofstudenthallsintoshort-termtourist accommodation,withthehopeofmaintainingrents andguaranteeingsupply.

Coupledwiththis,successivegovernments havefailedtosubstantiallyinvestinthirdlevel education,treatingsuchinstitutionsasprivate operatorsorenterprises.Asaresult,Ireland hasoneofthemostprivatisedhigher educationsystemsintheEU.Inevitably,this hasresultedinaperfectstormforthesector. Duetothelackofpublicfundingforcolleges, theburdenhasbeenlefttostudentstofund theactivitiesofuniversitiesacrossthecountry throughthechargingoftuitionfeesasthese universitiescannotavailoffundingfromthe government.

Manythousandsofstudentsnationwidewillalsobe hithardbytheaforementionedfuelpricerises, makingcommutesforthoselivingathomeless accessibleaslearningmovesalmostfullybackon campus.Onthewhole,itisverypossiblethat significantnumbersofstudentswilldefertheir universityplacesthiscomingyear,withthevarious associatedcostssimplyprovingtoomuchformany.

Additionally,Budget2023mayseethereintroduction ofrentcredit,aschemewhichpreviouslyenabled 200,000peopletomeettheiraccommodationbills,and measuresaimedatretainingsmallpropertyowners withinthemarket,suchasthepotentialabilityfor landlordstooffsetrentallossesagainstothertaxable income,therebyimprovingtheiroverallcashposition.

Manyconsidereducationtobearight,nota privilege.Thatwouldbetherealityifyou residedinacountrysuchasFrance,Denmark, andotherScandinaviannationswhichinvest heavilyineducationandsubsidisethirdlevel feesthroughgeneraltaxation.Inlinewiththe policiesofthesecountries,Article13ofthe InternationalCovenantonEconomic,Social, andCulturalRightsemphasisesthat “educationshouldbemadeavailableand accessible,andthatthereshouldbea progressiveintroductionoffreeaccessto secondaryandhighereducation”.However, thisisnotcurrentlytherealityinIreland.At €3,000,Ireland’stuitionfeesarethehighestin theEU.Thesefeeshaveincreasedby278% since2008,havingreachedtheircurrentlevels in2011.

Sincethen,despitetheunpopularityoftuition feeswithmoststudentsandstudentunion organisationsacrossIrishuniversities,they continuetobemaintained.

Theabsenceofinvestmentinthirdlevel educationbythegovernmentimpactson variousstudentsacrossthecountry,especially thoseonlowincomeswhostruggletocope withthecostsofcollege.Ifyouweretocome fromadisadvantagedorlow-income background,andstudyafour-yearcoursein UCC,unlessyouqualifyfortheSUSIgrant, finding€3,000peracademicyearisunrealistic

Thiswideattainmentgapisfurtherreflectedat UCC.Accordingtothereport,35%ofthose fromaffluentorwealthybackgroundsstudyat UCC,whichisthesecondhighestofany universityinthecountry,comparedto5%who attendtheuniversityfromdisadvantaged backgrounds.Havingtakenthisinto consideration,yourassumptionwouldlikely be,whyisthisthecase?Whyisthereawide gapbetweenaffluentstudentsandstudents fromdisadvantagedbackgroundsattending thirdlevelinstitutionsthroughoutthe country?

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 NEWS 3

Socialwelfarechequesarelikelytoberaisedby€10 oreven€15perweek,withrecipientsofcertain paymentssuchaschildbenefitexpectedtobegivena once-offdoublebonusbeforeChristmas.

Onalocallevel,itisaffordabilityratherthanacute shortagesthatappearsthegreatestissueforstudents andpeoplelivinginCorkgenerally.WhileUCChas somewhatexpandeditsnumberofcentrallyowned accommodationunitsthisyear(alongsidethe UniversityofGalwayandtheUniversityof Limerick),pricesareprovingverychallengingfor most.Asthesecondmostexpensiverentalmarketin thecountry,CorkCityhasseenrentsrisebyalmost 12%inthelastyear,withtheaveragerentalpricenow standingat€1,670,accordingtoDaft’sreport.

Ifyouweretoaskstudents,youwouldassume thatthekeyreasonisthelackofinvestmentin thirdleveleducationbysuccessive governments.Theonlytargetedassistance fundingthecurrentgovernmentputsintothird leveleducationisthroughtheSUSIgrant schemewhilstcontinuingtomaintainthe currentcontributioncharges.Whilethe governmentannouncedplanstoincrease fundingfortheSUSIgrantforeachstudent by€200peryearinBudget2022,thisisthe firstincreaseinthegrantsince2012.In addition,SineadRoche,UCCStudentsUnion CommunicationandEngagementOfficer arguesthat“thecurrentmodelofSUSIis evidentlyflawedanddoesnotprovide adequateassistancetostudents”.Thiswould

Onabrighternote,thereareseveralplansfor alleviationandcertainindicatorsthataffairsmay improveinthenot-too-distantfuture.The Governmentisunusuallybringingthedateofthe annualbudgetforwardbyseveralweekstoSeptember 27thtobegintacklingthecostofliving,settinga potent€1bnasideforsuchemergencymeasures alongsidetheestimated€6.7bninextraspending. Rumouredtobeincludedinthisseriesoffiscal reformsisarepeatorpossibleincreaseinthe€200 electricityrebatewhichwasintroducedasanovel measurelastyear.Aspreviouslymentioned,thereis alsoadecentlikelihoodthatHigherEducation MinisterSimonHarriswillannounceareductionin thestudentcontributionfeeof€250oreven€500per year.

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Italsoimpactsontheprofileofstudentsgoing ontoattendthirdleveleducationby preventingeducationforall.Thisisevident throughthegapbetweenstudentsfrom affluentbackgroundsattendingthirdlevel institutionscomparedtothosefromlower incomebackgroundsthroughoutthecountry. AreportconductedbytheHigherEducation Authorityin2020demonstratedthatstudents fromwealthierbackgroundsaretwiceaslikely toattendthirdlevelinstitutionscomparedto studentsfromthemostdisadvantagedareas.

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER20224NEWS

tuitionfees.AsnotedbytheUCCStudentsUnion, thecurrentmodelofSUSIisextremelyflawedand unlesstherearedramaticincreasesinfundingfor thegrant,thestatusquomaypersistindefinitely. Thethirdoptionrecommendedtheintroductionof studentloans,whichwouldinvolverepaymentsthat arerelatedtotheincomeofagraduatethatisin employment.However,thiswouldseemtobethe mostunpopularoptionwithstudentsbeingcrippled withdebtoncetheyhavegraduatedandsecured employment.Thisperceptionhasresonatedwiththe currentMinisterforFurtherandHigherEducation, SimonHarris,whopledgedthatthegovernment wouldnotbeintroducingstudentloansasasolution toaddressfundingdeficienciesinthehigher educationsector.

Thesecondoptionrecommendedleavingthe currentstudentcontributionchargeinplaceand increasingstatefundingofthirdlevelinstitutions. Whilethisoptionwouldimprovethecurrent situation,itmaynotleadtothedesiredextentof changeneededtoaddresstheproblemsofthe sector,unlessfeesaredramaticallyreduced.Itmay alsoappeartorelyoncontinuationoftheSUSI grantschemeforstudentswhoareunabletopaythe

EVERYONESEXPERIENCEOFCOLLEGEISNOTTHESAME WRITESATAKANUZUN

Thiswillallowtheseinstitutionstomaintaintheir services,andprovidethebestqualityofthirdlevel educationtostudents,regardlessofstudents’ability topay.Thiswouldalsofollowtherecommendations setoutbyArticle13oftheInternationalCovenant onEconomic,Social,andCulturalRights.Suchan outcomecouldbeperceivedasawin-winfor studentsandthirdlevelinstitutions:studentsareno longerleftwiththeburdenoffundingthirdlevel institutionsandthethirdlevelinstitutions themselvesreceivetheadequatefundingrequired forthemtooperate.Italsodecreasesthestarkgap betweentheaffluentanddisadvantagedstudentsby ensuringeducationforall.Additionally,Sinead Rocheconcursthat“thecommercialisationofthird leveleducationforstudentsiscausingbarriersand furtherhighlightsthateducationshouldbearight notaprivilege”.Shealsoaddedthatthe“Costof LivingProtestistakingplaceSeptember17thin CorkCityandinconjunctionwiththeUnionof StudentsinIrelandandUnionsacrossIreland,we areplanningastudentwalk-outonThursday October13thtostarttacklingtheseissues”.

TheCassellsReportconductedin2016 recommendsthreedifferentoptionsforreformof thethirdlevelsector.Thefirstoptionwastoscrap allstudentcontributionfeesandintroducea publicly-fundedmodelofhighereducation.Whilst notappearinglikelyintheimmediatefuture,this optionwouldappeartobethemostpopular, particularlyforstudentsstrugglingtopaythe currentfees.Thisisrecommendedbyvarious studentunionorganisationsacrossthecountry, includingtheUnionofStudentsinIrelandand UCCStudentsUnion,withthelatterarguingthat the€3,000studentcontributionfeeshouldbe abolishedinlinewithoptiononeoftheCassells Reporttomovetoafullypubliclyfundededucation system.Awhollypubliclyfundedmodelofhigher educationwouldcertainlyeasethefinancialburdens facedbystudentsatthispresentmoment,andallow themtoreducetheneedtofindpart-timework.

suggestthatthecurrentmodelofSUSIonly reachesthetipoftheicebergforstudentswho struggletoaffordtoeatorfindstudent accommodationandtheotherassociatedcostswith college.Thiswouldsuggestthatreformofhigher educationmaybeneeded.

Asstudentsreturntothirdlevelinstitutionsthis week,andBudget2023looms,peopleacrossthe countrywillhopetoseeevidenceofmeasuresto addressthesignificantdeficienciesthatare currentlyprevalentinthehighereducationsector. Withrumouredreductionsintuitionfeesbyupto €250peryear,undoubtedly,aconsensusexists amongstudentsthatactionisneededtoaddressthe extortionatefeeswhichtheymustpay.This consensusexistsamongtheUCCStudentsUnion withCommunicationandEngagementOfficer, SineadRochearguingfora“reductioninthis chargetoenableeducationforall”.Whilea€250 decreaseintuitionfeeswouldbewelcomeforsome, othersolutionscanbeconsideredbythe governmenttosolveshortcomingsinthehigher educationsector.Inlinewiththerecommendations ofthemajorityofthirdlevelstudentunionsacross thecountry,oneofthemainsolutionstheycan

consideristointroduceanovelroadmaptoendthe unpopular€3,000tuitionfees.Thisroadmapcould bepublishedinlinewithoptiononeoftheCassells reportandindicatepossibledetailsofhowthe shortfallinfundingforhighereducationinstitutions couldbeaddressed.In2016,theCassellsReport indicatedthataforecastedshortfallinthehigher educationsectorcouldreach€1bnby2030.With theabolitionofthirdleveltuitionfees,theIrish Governmentcanaddressthisshortfallbyincreasing publicfundinginuniversitiesthroughgeneral taxation.

Hadthingsgonetoplan,Iwouldbe inNorwayrightnow.Gettinglostin thehallsofAgderUniversity,taking astrollalongthesea,orstuckonmy phonetextingfriendsbackhome.The Erasmusprogramwasoneofmy mainreasonstogotocollege.Itwas anexcusetoleave.Beforepickinga coursetostudy,Ihadpickedayear abroad.Ihadfilledouttheforums, gottenaplace,andwasworkinghard toaffordanewlifeoverseas. Adventurewaswaiting,andIwas genuinelyexcited!

‘WillIbelonely?’‘WillIregretit?’ ‘WhatshouldIdo?’

IspentNewYear’sEve,likemost Corkonians,ontopofPatrick’sHill. Letmetellyouthis,theSouthside

Tarotcan’tbeusedfordirectyesor noquestions.Iliketouseittohelp melookatthingsfromdifferent perspectives.Nomatterhowmany timesIshuffled,onecardkept poppingup.TheSunneveranswered thequestionsIwasasking.Insteadit askedthequestionIneverthoughtto, andwhenIemailedmyErasmus Coordinatortodropoutofthe program,IansweredtheSun-‘yes.’

Iattendabooklaunchonmyown, stillgettingusedtotheideaofdoing thingspurelybecauseIwantto.I’m outfordrinkswithatableofeditors

Ilayawakeatnight,thinkingofall theseadventuresIhadinmy hometown.InthemorningI’dbe sendingoffmyapplicationtoAgder. Myheadwasamess,Icouldhardly thinkonecoherentthoughtwithout gettingdrownedoutbyallthe‘what if?’s.I’mnotaparticularlyspiritual person,butthatnightIreachedinto mybedsidelockerandpulledoutmy deckoftarotcards.

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 FEATURES 5

Ifitwasn’tforCork,Iwouldn’tbe pilingontothetrainwithmyfriends, deckedoutinperfectemofashion, readytoattendtheconcertofa lifetime.Itdoesn’tmatterthatwe landinDublin,andmakeourwayto KilmainhamGaol.Aswewalk throughthecapital’sstreets,witha paradeofsimilarlydressedemos,I thinkofstandinginmyfriend’s apartmentatCastlewhite:the limestonewallsandlinoleumfloor, andthebizarredecorareallthat matter.Ithinkofhowthisplace doesn’texistanywhereelse,and maybewithoutit,wewouldn'thave builtthebondwedidinordertogo onadventureslikewedo.

See,Ishotmyselfinthefoot.Ibegan seekingoutthecity’sgemsand,once Icaughtaglimpse,Ididn’twantto stoplooking.

WHYISTAYEDBEGINNINGTOLOVECORK

Tomakethemostofmytimeherein Cork,Ibeganexploringthecity.I foundcafés,barsandrestaurantsI hadneverevenheardofbefore.I discoveredsecretspotsofbeauty, wherethecitylookedlikeakingdom whetherbaskinginthesunor soakinguptherain.Mostofall,Imet peoplethatwereturningmyexciting departureintoabittersweetgoodbye.

Ishuffled,anddealt,eachtimea differentquestion.‘ShouldIstayin Ireland?’‘ShouldIgotoNorway?’

Anelectricguitartwangsinthe afternoon,justonthebanksofthe riverLee.Apunkrocker’svoicetakes thecrowdawayfromtheirfoamy cappuccinosandcreamymochas.I couldbeanyonewatchingany musicianatanycafé,butIdon’tthink I’dgetthiskindofexperience anywherebutCork.

‘What’shereformeinIreland?’

Thesoundsofambientjazzsoftenthe fizzingofanuncooperative microphone,asstudentsscribbletheir teamnamesontopaper.Glassesclink offotherglasses,astheircontentsare swishedaroundaimlessly,their holderswaitforthepubquizto commence.Replacethemusic,and thiscouldbeanybaracrossthecity, hostedbyanycluborsociety, attendedbyanystudents.Maybe you’resinkingyourselfintosome tatteredvelvetseatsoryou’resliding offawoodenbench.Despitewhat’s inyourglass,whoyou’rewith,or whatyou’rewearing,there’s somethingthatunifiesthisseaof eagerquizgoers.

WRITESCLAIREWATSON FEATURESEDITOR

Intheworldoftarotcards,theSun representsallthingsjoyous.It’s pastriesandicedcoffeesintheearly morning,apicnicatnoonunder magnoliatrees,redwineonthe Leeside.Likethesunwarmingthe Earth,nourishingcropsandtanning skin,thiscardsignifiesfulfillment. Thesuniscompassionate, representingtheunbridledlaughter offriendschucklingatajokethatwas toldhoursbefore.Allthingspureand beautifulflourishunderthesun’s love.Tome,Corkisthissun.

‘What’sthereformeinNorway?’

hasnothingontheNorthside’sviews. Fromhereyoucanseetheroadsof CorkcityunravelaroundShandon Tower.Thecitybecomesamottled blur,withspecksofgoldilluminating thecityinadazzlingscenewhichis notsodifferentfromVanGogh’s StarryNight.Wedidn’tcarethatour clothesweregettingmuddy,aswe sprawledoutonthelushgrass,wet fromtherain.Iwassurroundedby friends,friendsoffriends,and strangersI’dneverseeagain,all countinginthenewyear.Atthis time,Iwashappytoleave,but gratefulformytimehere.Imadea pactwithmyselftomakethemostof Cork.

Perhaps,they’researchingforafriendjustlike you.Maybeyou’llhaveonepleasantconversation andthat’sit,butyou’llalwaysshareasmilewhen yourunintoeachotheroncampus.Maybeyou’ll stayasstrangerstooneanother,butatleastyou tried.Collegeiswhatyoumakeofit,asclichéasit sounds.Youcan’tliveyourdayswaitingfor experiencestocometoyou.Iwouldn’thavehad theamazingadventuresthatconvincedmetogive thiscountryanothergoifitweren’tforpeople cominguptome,andstrikingthatfirst conversation.Ican’tthankmyfriendsenoughfor givingmethatchance.

WHYISTAYED CLAIREWATSON

SoImakesomemorepacts;tosayyesto adventures,todelvedeeperintothiscultureandto experienceallthesegems.

ForthelongesttimeIfeltlostinthistinycity.Now, Ifinallyfeelathomeinthewarm,loving communitythatisCork.

Thewaterisalwayscoldwhenyoufirstdivein.No matterhowstuffytheMardykeis,italwayscomes asabitofashock.Ittookayearofconvincing myself,butI’mfinallyreapingsomebenefitsof thosefees.Idowonder,asIsitinthedelightful warmthofthesauna,chattingwithaclassmate who’lllaterbecomeaclosefriend,iftheuniversities abroadhavefacilitieslikethis,andifIwouldever musterupthecouragetousethem.

I’monCollegeRoad,sharingramenandcinnamon bunswithfriends.I’monConnaughtAvenue rollingdicetomyheart'scontent.I’monNorth MainStreetplayingAnimalCrossingforhourson end.I’minBrookefieldaccomodation,watchingall ofAngelsinAmericainonesitting.I’mswimming atChurchBay,Fountainstown,Myrtleville.I’m goingforwalksdowntheoldroadbehindmy house,whichdescendsintoatroveofwildflowers. Whatwasalienhasbecomefamiliar,andwhatwas lostisreunited.

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER20226FEATURES

andphotographers.Iattendanopenmic,andIget todipmytoesintothisbitofculturethatIalways craved,butuntilnowneverknewexistedwithin thiscity.

IfIcangiveanystudentonepieceofadvice,itis this:tospeakup.Thatpersonwithcoolhairin yourlectures?Tellthemyoulikeit.Inviteyour coworkerforacoffee,ifevenjusttowalktothe Bewley’smachinetogether.Followthemon whateversocialmediayoubothuse,andinteract withthem.Invitethemtoanevent.Gotoaprotest oragathering,chattothepersonnexttoyou.Who knowswhatfriendshipswillcomeofit?

Aswithmostlivingthings,wearedrawntothe sun.Thiscardcanalsorepresentapositiveenergy thatmagnetisesothersanddrawsthemin.Isaton mybedroomfloor,staringatthecardsbeforeme, andbeganviewingCorkandUCCasawellof untappedpotentialfornewexperiencesand relationships.

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 FEATURES 7

IncomparisontoCork’snewest building,whichwillbecompletedin 2023,thealmshouseisasmallstone buildingthathidesbeneathCork’s skyline.ThePrismisplannedtotower overParnellPlace,ontheopposite sideoftheriver.Itsaestheticsare inspiredbyNewYork’sFlatiron,and CGIrenderedimagesanticipatea sparkling,silvertowerthatwilllight upCork’squays.Itspurposeisto bring6,000sqmofofficespacetothe city.Thereisavisualchasmbetween thesebuildings,andacrossthecity’s waters,there’sanevengreatergulf betweenthesebuilding’spurposes. Corkiscurrentlyfacedwithahousing crisis,onethatofficespacescannot fix.

ThechannelsthatsurroundCork werefedthroughthecityincanals, thathavesincebeenpavedover.Once aVenice-likeCity,canalsranalong ourcitylikeveins,aidingin navigation,floodcontrol,anddefence. ThesecanalslaywheretheGrand Parade,GrattanStreet,andCorn MarketStreetnowstand.Since Cork’sbeginnings,theformationof thecityhasundergonegreatchanges, butaremnantofoneofthesecanals flowsalongFrench’sQuaytoday.

OnSmith’smapwecaneasilyfind Paul’sStreetasitbreaksintoFrench ChurchandCarey’sLane,inthetop, left-handcornerofthemap.Asitdid inthe18thcentury,Lavitt’sQuaystill wrapsaroundthisspotofculture, hometotheOperaHouse,the CrawfordArtGallery,andasafehavenforthealternativegothsand rockersoftheearly2000s.

UsingSmith’smap,wecanstilltracea pathfromPaul’sStreettoBandon Road,ajourneymanycitizensand studentstaketoday.Inthebottom rightcornerofthemap,isan illustrationofSt.Finbarr’sCathedral. Here,SmithhighlightstheMardyke andastreetthatleadstoGillabbey. ThemapcapturesCorkwell,butall that’smissing,inthislittlecorner,isan illustrationofourUniversityCollege Cork,whichisjustacenturyaway.

WRITESCLAIREWATSON FEATURESEDITOR

TheCrawfordArtGalleryillustrates themanychangesthathave transpiredthroughoutthecity’slife.

ThoughtheAulaMaximawasbuiltin the1850s,itishauntedbythestylesof theMiddleAges,symbolisingtheera ofCork’sbirth.Thejuttingdormers, thearchingwindows,theinterior’s spineofwoodenbeamsareallkey elementsofGothicRevival.Thoughit mayseemlikeadustybuildingto currentstudents,it’sfascinatinghow architectsofthe1840sand50swere alreadylookingbackwardsfor inspiration.

Corkisacitywherethepastflows throughthepresent.Themodernityof skyscraperspokethroughthecracks ofhistoricfacades,tocreatethis beautiful,timelesscity.Justastrollto theshopsorthroughourcentralparks cantakeyoubackintime.The contemporarystylesarecontrastedin thecity’slimestonewallsand sandstonebricksinbrilliantshadesof whiteandred.

MuchofCork’ssouthsideisbeing renewedbytheconstructionofhotels andofficeblocks.There’softenafear thatwewillloseourfamiliarcity underthesedevelopments,but examiningmapsfromthe18th centuryshowsusthatCork’shistoryis stillradiatingthroughourstreets.

CartographerCharlesSmith illustratesCorkintheAncientand PresentStateoftheCityandCounty Cork,datedto1750.Thisworkisa treasuretroveofinformationofCork’s locationsthatcapturesthosethathave beenlosttotime,andthosethatareas familiartousasourownfaces.

AJOURNEYTHROUGHCORK’SPASTANDPRESENT DOWNMEMORYLANE

Corkisanisland.Surroundedbytwo channelsoftheRiverLee,itwasonce aVikingsettlement.IntheMiddle Agesthissettlementwasdeveloped intoacity,whenPrinceJohnof EnglandgaveCorkitscharter.This developmentsawwallsbeingbuiltto enclosethecity.Theywerebuiltdeep intothemarshlandsasaformof protection.Today,theremainsof thesewallsliebeneathourfeet,and arecurrentlyunderexcavation.Atthe entranceofBishopLuceyPark,we canstillseethelayeredstonesthat onceoutlinedourcity.

Despitethesegreatchanges,Cork’s oldestinhabitedbuildingstillstands today.Skiddy’sAlmshousewasbuilt in1719,andstillsittinginShandon, thebuildingwasonceaplaceofrefuge fortheelderlypoor.Now,aftera seriesofrestorationprojects,itisa housingcomplex.

OnKing’sDock,thegallerysitsin Emmet’sPlace.Originally constructedin1724,thebuilding actedasCork’scustomhouseuntilthe 1830s,whenitwasgiventotheRoyal CorkInstitution,acultural organisationinspiredbytheRoyal SocietyofLondon.Ifyouareever lookingforsomethingtodoona Sundayafternoonpopintothe Crawfordandfollowthetourthat inspiredthisarticle.

TheQuad,isthetrimmedgreenspace thatliesbeforetheAulaMaxima.It’s keptintip-topshape,andisbisected byagravellypath,invitingallof UCC’sstudentstocrossit.The collegelegenddecreesthatanyone whostepsfootontheQuadwillfail theirexams,socrossifyoudare. Likely,theoriginsofthismythliein thesurroundingbuilding’soriginal purpose.IntheEastWingisthe President’sOffice,andsoinUCC’s earlyyears,ifyouhadtowalkacross theQuad,youwerelikelyintrouble. Onthetopicofurbanlegends,itis worthdebunkingthemyththat walkingonthecrestunderthearch bythequadwillgetyoupregnant.

DOWNMEMORYLANE-AJOURNEYTHROUGHCORK’SPASTANDPRESENT

WRITESCLAIREWATSON

Adecadelater,studentsaretaught thatBrutalismisn’tallbadwiththe arrivaloftheBoole.Hardgeometric structures,opposingangles,anda contrastofstone;theBoolefeelslike apocketdimension,accessibleonlyto studentsandstaff.Thelibrary powerfullycontrastswithits19th centuryneighbours.Onarainyday, I’drecommendmakingtheclimbto thetopfloortowatchthewater cascadedownthewindows.Withthe giantSequoiasobscuringtheview, you’llfeeltransportedintothekindof fantasyworldthat’sonlyfoundin books.

Forwardacentury,andthecampus’ buildingsarestrippedofthesedainty pointsandsilverbricks.TheKaneis constructed,andwithitBrutalismis broughttoUCC.Thetruebeautyof thisbuildingisnotitsconcretewalls, beigepanels,andliminalhallways, butitsfolklore.Instudentlife,the Kaneissomewhatofaninfamous

Theatres.Astheivystretchesacross theentrance,andthestairwellopens upintoabrightdisplayofthecampus’ foliage,thebuildingnodsitshead towardseco-brutalism.

structure.Fromtheuraniuminthe basement,totheabsenceoftoilets, there’smanylegendssurroundingthis building.Thisbuildingfavours practicalityoveraesthetic,andin doingsobecamethesetofthe Backrooms.

Allthesebuildingsareperfectly juxtaposedtothenewerGlucksman, O’RahillyBuilding(OrtheORB,as it’smostcommonlyknown),andthe Hub.

Asimilareffectcanbefoundonthe waydownintotheBooleLecture

Deconstructvisimtearsapartthe formalityofarchitecture,andlets freedomgowild.Freedomofform,of space,ofuse.UCChostsawhirlwind ofarchitecturalstylesthattakeus backwardsandforwardsthrough time,buttheHubcapturesthe aestheticsofCork,inonebeautiful project.LongbeforetheHubcame theClarendonbuilding.Builtinthe 1850s,thestructurehostedthe SchoolofMedicineandDepartment ofAnatomy.Ratherthanleavea buildingderelict,theHubwas expandeduponandthehistoric

facadeoftheClarendonwassplit apart,toformamodern, deconstructiviststructuredesignedto beasanctuaryforstudents.Thepale stoneoftheClarendoniscontrasted withamodernbuildthattowersfrom behind.Inside,walkingthroughthe Hubcanfeellikemarchingupand downthemagicalstaircasesofHarry Potter,asthebuilding'sbending structuresgivewaytosomethingthat feelsstructurallyimpossible.Here, thepasteffortlesslyblendsintothe presenttocreateaworldthatexists outsideoftime.

Corkisabeautiful,timelessspace. Thecity’sdevelopmentrefusesto devouritspast,andinsteaditstrives toallowhistorytoreachitshandout tothefuture.Howoften,aswe wanderdownthestreetsofCork,do weimaginepeopleoftheMiddle Ages,theRenaissance,orVictorians inourplace?InacitylikeCorkwhich hasbeencolonised,burned,and reclaimeditcanbeexcitingtoknow thatourfootprintslineupwithCork’s

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER20228FEATURES

Accordingtoresearchersin UniversityofGalway,theaverage costforthecheapestroominIrish universityaccommodationis considerablyhigherthanboththe U.K.andEurope.Outsideof accommodationofferedby universities,thehousingandrental crisescontinuetoworsen.Itseems thatwitheachsuccessiveacademic yearfindinganyhousing,letalone affordablehousing,isakintoaquest fortheHolyGrail.

Beholdentobusandtraintimetables, yoursociallifecantakeahit.With societyeventsstarting,onaverage, around7pmandmanybusesnot runningafter9pm,beinganactive memberofasocietycanbeuniquely challengingforcommuters.Whilethe traindoesrunlaterthanthebus,train stationsareoftenlocatedonthe outskirtsofresidentialareas.This requiresanotherlifttofinallyget home.Forkingoutforataxiontopof atrainticketmeansthatattending societyeventsmightnotalwaysbe worthit.Theshifttoonlineand hybrideventsfollowingourreturnto campuspost-COVIDlockdownslast yearwasagreatboontothe accessibilityofsocietyevents,notjust fortimerestrictedcommuters.

Asmentioned,thetimespent commutingcanquicklyaccumulate andbecomesignificantwhenitcomes tokeepingontopofassignmentsand readings.Ioftenfoundmyself frustratedwiththe‘wasted’timespent onmycommute,plaguedbythe feelingthatIwasn’toptimisingmy productivitybystudyingorworking onassignments.Stayinglateron campustoworkthroughmyto-dolist mitigatedthefrustrationandanxietyI feltaroundmycommute.

Iwouldrecommendyoubookaroom oncampus,inthelibraryortheHub, gathersomefriendsandkilltwobirds withonestone–stayingontopofthe workloadandsocialising.Other commutersIhavespokentohave reportedthattheyworkbetterintheir “productiveworkspaces”athome. Regardlessofwhereyouworkbest, takingtimetorelaxonyourcommute isbetterthancrammingtomake everyminuteproductive.Astudyin thejournalPLoSOneindicatesthat listeningtomusicmaymakethe journeymoreenjoyable.Peoplewho listenedtoupbeatmusicthrough headphonesweremoretolerantof thoseintheirpersonalspaceas opposedtowhentheyweren’t listening.Withhowcrampedand crowdedbusesandtrainscanget duringthewintermonths,thisisa handytiptokeepinmind.

Inrecentyears,Irelandhasseenan increaseinthenumberofstudents commutinginordertoaccessthird leveleducation.withcostbeingthe drivingforcebehindmanystudents’ decisionstocommute.

THECONSIDERATIONS OFACOMMUTER

anhourbeforethestartofthelecture. Uptotwohourseverydayarespent travellingtoandfromcollege,which eatsintotimespentstudyingor socialising.The2016censussawa17 percentincreaseinthenumberof thirdlevelstudentstravellingmore thantwohoursperday.

WRITESKATEO’FLANAGAN DEPUTYFEATURESEDITOR

Timemanagementskillsareintegral tobeingacommuter.Themental mathsofwhattimetoleave,factoring indelayssuchastrafficorroadworks, togettolecturesontimeisan everydaystaple.Earlymorning lecturesmean,formyselfandmost othercommuters,leavingthehouseat 7:30amtocatchthe7:45ambus,over

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 FEATURES 9

Despitethefinancialadvantages, commutingcanhaveseriousnegative healthimpacts,withthelengthof yourcommutebeingacrucial variable.Researchersfromthe UniversitySchoolofMedicinein SaintLouisandtheCooperInstitute inDallasreportedthatcommuting morethan16kmperdaycanleadto anincreasedriskofanxietyand depression.Thesefindingsare corroboratedbyastudyfromthe U.K.’sOfficeofNationalStatistics whichfoundthatpeoplewho commutemorethanhalfanhoureach wayreporthigherlevelsofstressand anxietythanthosewithshorter commutes,ornocommutesatall. Muchofthisstressandanxietycanbe attributedtoafearofbeingdelayed, thusarrivinglatetoyourdestination.

Bottomlineis,commutingcanbea drag.Asthehousingandrentalcrises continuetoworsen,anincreasing numberofstudentswillhavetolearn howtonavigatetheuniquechallenges presentedbycommutingtocollege.

DRACULADAILY

DailytrendcontinuouslyonTumblr, withusersworryingabouttheir“best friend”and“buddy”Johnathan Harkeronhisbusinesstripto Transylvania.Astheweekshave goneon,Ihaveincreasinglylooked forwardtothedailyupdatesfrommy friendsinVictorianEngland.

DraculaDailyhasbeenadelightto follow,andIcannotwaitforthenew castoffictional‘friends’toupdatemy inboxoverthecomingyear.Withthe subscribercountjumpingfrom1,600 toover200,000betweenDracula Daily’soriginal2021runandtoday, MattKirklandhassuccessfully reanimatedtheclassichorrornovel foranewgeneration.

InearlyMayIstartedreceiving emailsfromamanI’dnevermetwho hadgottenstucktravellingforwork. Theseweresoonjoinedbyemails fromhisfiancée,herbestfriend spillingtheteaabouthermany admirers,andashipcaptain’s extremelydetailedlog.Havenofear, thisisn’ttheworkofaninventiveand dedicatedgroupofscammers–it’s thecastofBramStoker’sDracula.

WRITESKATEO’FLANAGAN DEPUTYFEATURESEDITOR

However,thenewsletterisnot entirelyfaithfultotheoriginal publication.Thenovelitselfisnot chronological.Inthisway,Dracula Dailyisaretellingoftheclassic.This decisiontoremixtheorderofthe novelundercutssomeofthedramatic ironypresentinthenarrative,but alsoincreasestheintimacyfelt betweenreadersandthecharacters. Earlyinstallmentsofthenewsletter sawDracula

Thisfreshperspectivehighlights anotherstarkdifferencebetweenthe newslettersubscribersandthebook’s originalaudience.Draculaisa culturaltouchstone,influencing almostallvampiremediathatcame afterwards.Thecharacters themselvesareubiquitousinpop culture.CountDraculaisthe archetypalvampire,VanHelsingthe quintessentialvampirehunter–we knowwhothesecharactersare withoutknowingtheplotoftheir originalstory.

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER202210FEATURES

RETELLINGOFACLASSICFORANEWGENERATION

Onehundredandtwenty-fiveyears afteritspublication,Draculahas becomethebookofthesummer thankstoDraculaDaily,aSubstack newsletterbywebdeveloperMatt Kirkland.Toldinepistolaryformat (throughletters,journalentriesand newspaperclippings)theeventsof Draculatakeplaceoverasix-month periodfromMaytoNovember.With eachpieceofwritingaccompaniedby adate,thenarrativecanbefollowed inrealtime.ThisiswhatDracula Dailycapitaliseson,releasingthe noveldaybydayinitssubscribers’ inboxesastheeventsunfold.

Stoker’saudiencein1897didnot havethisluxury.Muchofthetension forthemcamefromtheuncertainty surroundingtheCountandhis intentions,whereasmodern audiencesareapproachingthenovel alreadyarmedwiththeknowledge thatDraculaisabloodthirsty monster.Thisaddsatragicelement tothenarrativeasthereader intuitivelyunderstandsthe suspiciouslackofmirrorsinthe castleandwhypeasantsareoffering Johnathancrosses.

Johnathan’sbedhimselfturnsintoa Fawlty

Butwillthisleadtoariseinthe numberofyoungpeoplereading classicliteratureoftheirown volition?We’llhavetokeepaneye onourinboxes…

It’snotallfunandgames,though. AlreadyestablishedDraculafans andscholarshavebeenencouraging amoreanalyticalapproach,offering historicalcontextorre-examinations oftheaspectsthathavenotaged well.Withgender,sexualityandrace askeythemes,there’smorethan enoughtodiscussincomparing Victoriansensibilitiestothemodern day.

Thiscross-timenewsletterhasgiven risetothemostpopularbookclubon theinternet.Thescheduledrelease hasthrownusbacktotheheydayof networktelevision–fansgathering aroundtheproverbialwatercoolerto discussthelatestrevelationsand sharetheories.Theforcedslowpace ofthispseudo-bookclubhasallowed plentyoftimeformemestoflourish. DraculaDailyhasintroducedanew, youngergenerationtothehorror classic,bringingwiththemplentyof noveltyandanabundanceof enthusiasm.Forexample,elevating thefactthatinordertomaintainthe rusethat

Towers-esquefarce.Draculascaling thewallsofhiscastlein“hislizard fashion”becamefertilegroundfor fanartdepictingtheCountin reptilianinspiredoutfits.Thereisan infectioussenseoffunsurrounding eachupdate,evenasthedark machinationsoftheeponymous characterbecomemoreapparent.

hehasahouseholdofservants, Draculasecretlymaking

Oursmall-scaleworkshopsare tailoreddirectlytostudents’needs. Designedanddeliveredby postgraduatetutors,thesesessions focusondevelopingimportant skillsetsthroughpeer-to-peer traininginexampreparation, academicwriting,andprofessional developmentmoregenerally. Similarly,ourone-to-onesessions offerwritingclinics,studycoaching, andprofessionalskillsdevelopment. However,wealsoencourage students(andstaff)toapproachus withideasforworkshopswhichthey thinkwillbebeneficial.

workshopsandseminars.

TheSkillsCentreisalearningspace withinUCCthatiscommittedto providingapositivestudent experienceacrossuniversity disciplines.Wedothisthroughthe deliveryofspecialisedsmall-scale groupworkshopsandone-to-one sessions.

StudySkills,TimeManagementand Netiquette.OurNotetaking workshopsintroduceyoutodifferent notetakingstrategiesandtechniques. Inthese,wealsoprovideguidanceon howtocondenseandprioritisethe sometimesoverwhelmingamountof informationyouarepresentedwith inlectures,bookchapters,and academicpapers.

Asmentioned,belowisaschedulefor someupcomingworkshopswithin UCC’sSkillsCentrethatyoumay findbeneficial.Forupdatesonthese, andothers,throughouttheyear, don’tforgettofollowoursocialsand popinforachat.

andGoalSettinginuniversitycanbe challenging.Subsequently,inthese workshopsweprovidetangible guidanceonhowtoeffectivelyplan andmanageyourworkload.For instance,weintroduceyouto techniqueswhichallowyoutostay ontracktoachieveyourgoalsboth insideandoutsideuniversity,while alsoofferingguidanceonhowto work-onwhenlackingmotivation.

Theportfolioofservicesweprovide ismassive,sorest-assuredwecan helpyouwithanyqueryyoumay haveregardinguniversitylife.More informationonthesecanbefoundon ourwebsite.JustgoogleUCCSkills Centre.

Fromnextweek,wearerunninga seriesofworkshopsdesignedto equipstudentswithfundamental universityskillsearly.Fornow,we areprovidingworkshopsonNote Taking,

SKILLSCENTRE

Finally,thevirtuallearning environmentcanbeadaunting landscape.So,ourNetiquette workshopsaredesignedtointroduce studentstothisenvironmentandthe appropriatewaystoactandbehave. Furthermore,weintroduceyouto commonscenarioswhichyoumay encounter(i.e.,sharingyourscreen), andprovideguidanceonhowto navigatethem.

Inhere,youcanchattousaboutthe servicesweprovideandhowwecan helpyou.Ifthisdoesnotsuit,youcan visitourwebsiteorfollowusonour socials@UccSkills.There,youwill getacomprehensivelistofthe servicesweprovide,alongsideup-todateinformationonupcoming

Therearemanywaystoreachus.If youareoncampus,yourbestbetisto gototheBoolelibraryandfollowthe yellowfootsteps.OnQ-1,beyondthe archives,andacrossthehallfromthe bigstudyroomiswherethesewill takeyou.Thisisthehomeofour SkillsCentre.

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1

Asthesummerbeginstowinddown, weattheSkillsCentrewouldliketo extendawarmwelcomebacktoall studentsandstaff.Butsomeofyou maybewondering,whatistheSkills Centre?Andwhatisitallabout?

Asstudentsourselveswe acknowledgethatTimeManagement

11

Ourstudent-led,peer-to-peer approachtolearningemphasises workingcollaborativelytosolve problems.Thisprovidesthebuilding blocksforindependentthinkingand thetoolsneededtosucceedin university.

Relatedtotheseskills,areofcourse StudyStrategies.Inthisworkshop, weshowyoutoidentifyapersonal studyplan.Ultimately,ourobjective istoprovideyouwiththetoolsto createaself-directedlearning environmentthatistime-efficientand effectiveinallowingyoutoexcelin examsandassessments.

Allofthesefinancialcontributions reallyaddupandmakestudentlife unaffordableforalotofpeople.

Recently,morethan100youngadults wereseenqueuingonSaint Brendan’sRoadinDrumcondra, waitingtoviewathree-bedroom apartmentwhichcost€1,8850a month.Weurgentlyneedmore housing,butthegoldenquestionis, howcanthisbesolved?Thecostof constructionhasbecomemore expensive,whichinreturnis affectingthecostofrent.Thereare plentyofabandonedhousesin Irelandwhichcouldberenovated intostudentaccommodation,but haven’tbeentouched.Thepandemic hasalsoaffectedthehousingcrisis, causingdelaysresultinginunfinished houses.TheTánaisteLeoVaradkar saidthathethinks“weneedtohave anothergoathousing really…becausewhileourplansare working,they’renotworkingfast enough.”Butisthisalltalk?It’sbeen overadecadesincethegovernment discussedplansforhelpingthe housingcrisis,yetthereseemstohave

DuringthelastfewyearsinIreland thereisnodenyingthattherehave beenmajorissueswhenitcomesto thelackofhousing,creating significantissuesintermsof homelessness.Lately,therehavebeen seriousissueswiththelackofhousing forstudents,andthelackofstudent accommodationistakingawaythe opportunityofstudyingfrom students,aswellasplacingheavy financialburdensonthestudentsand theirfamilies,impactingtheirstudent life-experienceandmentalhealth.

Galwayaveraging€6,000ayear,and €5,000ayearinLimerick.Foralotof students,itissimplynotpossiblefor themtoaffordthehighcostof studentrent.Manystudentstryto balanceworkandstudyinorderto affordtherent,andtheconstant pressureofbeinginfinancialtrouble canheavilyimpactthequalityofa student’slifeandmentalhealth. Therearealsostudentswhohaveto commutetocollegedailybecause theycanneitheraffordnorfind housing,whichisn’tonlyexpensive, butalsoimpractical.Studentscan misstheirclassesduetolimited transportationtimes,itcantakeatoll ontheirmentalhealthiftheyare travelinglongdistancesdailywhile underthestressofstudies,andthey canalsomissoutonenjoyableextra curricularactivitiesandeventsdueto

havingtotravelbackhome.Thelack ofaccommodationcanalsorestrict collegeoptionsforstudents, sometimesgivingthemnochoiceto stayneartheirhomesevenifthatisn’t whattheywant.Unfortunatelythere arestudentswhosechancesof studyingaretakenawayfromthem completelybecauseofthe accommodationcrisis.Thisissue doesn’tonlyaffectIrishstudents,but alsointernationalstudentscomingto Irelandfromabroad.Ifinternational studentshaveissueswiththeirrentor findingaccommodation,theymight havetoreturntotheirhomecountry andnotcompletetheirstudies.There arealsosomedangersthatrelateto thelackofhousing.Desperationfrom studentscanleadthemtobelieving falseadvertisements,whichcanend upwiththemlosingmoneyorliving inunsafeconditions.Somelandlords andhomeownersalsoretracttheir dealinrentingtheirhomesatthelast minute,leavingstudentseffectively homeless,whichcanleadtocouch surfing.

Therearemanyissuesthatstudents facewhentheyarestrugglingwith theiraccommodation.Oneissue amongstmanyisthecostofrenting andthefinancialstressthatfallsonto studentsduetotheunaffordable livingcosts.Therehasbeenarisein thecostofrentinrecentyears, causingasurgeintheamountof studentswhohavenowheretostay. AccordingtoDublin.ie,thecostof livingforstudents(foraonebedroomapartment)isonaverage €1,679inthecitycentre,and€1,405 outsideofthecity.Evenifstudents weretosharewitheachother,the costofathreebedroomapartmentin thecitycentreisonaverage€2,935 and€2,261outsideofthecity.In Corkcity,therentforstudentscango uptoashighas€7,000plusfor sharedaccommodationforone academicyear-whichisn’teven12 months,only9.Campus accommodationisalsoanexpensive optionforstudents,withrentin

IRELAND’SSTUDENT ACCOMODATION CRISIS

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER202212OPINION

THESTUDENTSCHOICEBETWEEN EDUCATIONANDACCOMMODATION

WRITESBÉLINECHAN OPINIONEDITOR

Internationalstudentsarealso affectedbythiscrisis,assome accommodationsrefusetotakeinany internationalstudentsatall.A studentalsomentionedhowthe

salarythatstudentsearnisn’tnearly asmuchaswhatthey’reexpectedto payforrent,thereforeregardlessof howmuchastudentearns,therentis stillnotaffordable.It’sevidentthat thiscrisisisaffectingstudentsin numerousways,andnostudent shouldhavetobeartheburdenof housingandfinancialstresswhen theyshouldbefocusingontheir studies.Asimportantasitisforthe priceofrenttodecrease,andfor theretobemorehousesavailableto students,it’salsoessentialthatdigs havestricterrulesinorderfor studentstobeguaranteedasafe home.Manystudentsarebeingtaken advantageofwithhighrentcostsand beingscammedwithfakehouse advertisements.Somestudentsareso desperateforaplace,thattheypaya largedepositbeforeevenviewingthe property,resultinginthemlosing theirmoneyorpayingforhousing thatisinterribleandunsafe conditions.Let’snotforgetthat studentsalreadyhavetospend moneyonotherimportantthings suchascollegetuitionfees,groceries, transportationandcollegematerials.

Ireceivedsomeopinionsfrom studentsabouttheirexperienceswith strugglingtofindaccommodation andpayrent,whichhighlightedhow seriousthisissueis.Onestudentsaid thatassomeonewholivesinthe countryside,itisdifficultifnotalmost impossibletoaffordaccommodation thatisclosetothecity,letaloneinthe centre.Becauseofthis,shemust commutetouniversityeveryday whichisalsoafinancialburdendue tothecostoffuelwhichisquotedto bealmost€5.8kayeartogettoUCC fromwhereshelives,whichcosts nearlyasmuchastheaveragepriceof rent(€6k).Onestudentwaslivingin arat-infestedaccommodation,and anotherstudenthadtoliveinafleariddenhouse,withbothlandlords doingnothingtoresolvetheseissues.

Anotherstudentstatedthattheir contracthadchangedhalfway throughtheyear,increasingthecost ofrent,whichthenbecame unaffordable.Withthelackof housingwithinhisbudgetavailable, hehasbeenleftwithnootheroption buttocouchsurfandcommute.

Recently,morethan100young adultswereseenqueuingon SaintBrendan’sRoadin Drumcondra,waitingtoviewa three-bedroomapartment whichcost€1,8850amonth.

Weurgentlyneedmore housing,butthegolden questionis,howcanthisbe solved?Thecostof constructionhasbecomemore expensive,whichinreturnis affectingthecostofrent.There areplentyofabandonedhouses inIrelandwhichcouldbe renovatedintostudent accommodation,buthaven’t beentouched.

OPINION

Withtheeffectsofthe pandemicandinflation,will therereallybemoreaffordable housinginthefollowingyears? SinnFéinhasalsourged

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Thepandemichasalsoaffected thehousingcrisis,causing delaysresultinginunfinished houses.TheTánaisteLeo Varadkarsaidthathethinks “weneedtohaveanothergoat housingreally…becausewhile ourplansareworking,they’re notworkingfastenough.”

DeputyBuckleystatesthat they“wanttohearfrom studentsinCorkabouthow theyarebeingimpacted personally,sowecantellthe realstoryofhowthiscrisisis affectingthem.Despitethis, thegovernmentfailedtoact andstudentsandtheirfamilies arenowpayingtheprice.”

Unfortunatelyithappensway toooftenwhereissuesaren’t takenseriouslyenoughuntila significantamountofpeople aresuffering.Ithastaken yearsoffinancialstruggles, homelessnessandprotestsin orderfortheaccommodation crisistobefinallyheardbythe government.

Ifabandonedandderelict houseswereturnedinto accommodation,ifthecostof rentdecreased,andfinancial aidwasavailableforstudent’s rent,thenthiswouldbea greatsteptowards progression.Ithascometothe pointwherestudentshaveto choosebetweentheir educationortheir accommodation.

Hopefullythiswillbeanissue thatwillbedealtwith promptly,sothatallstudents canlivecomfortablyandenjoy theirstudentlives.

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1

studentsinCorktotakepart inasurveyabouttheir experiencesoftryingtofind housing.

Butisthisalltalk?It’sbeen overadecadesincethe governmentdiscussedplansfor helpingthehousingcrisis,yet thereseemstohavebeenno progress.In2021,the governmentmissedtheirtarget ofbuilding9,500socialhomes, havingonlybuilt5,202ofthem.

D’imighantsamhraidhgohana tapaidh,agustáant-ambualitelinn arísleboladhcaiféasRootsagus Starbucks,abheithaggáiresa leabharlannganpiocoibrea dhéanamh,agusdaoineagrithóhalla gohallachunfreastalaragcuid léachtaíiUCC.Anuasarsin,seoan chéadseachtaindenseimeastar, ‘SophomoreWeek’toiscnachmbeidh nascoláirísachéadbhliainaraisgo dtíantseachtainsen28ú,agusan chéadeagráneiledenpháipéarseoa bheithfoilsithe.Cosúillegachbhliain nua,bíonnrudaíiontachaarsiúlag nascoláirídonbhliainacadúil romhainn.Pléannant-altseole roinntsamplaídesnahimeachtaí, eagraíochtaíagusáiseannaatáarfáil doscoláirísabhliainacadúilseo:

Leníosmóná100cumainnanoissan ollscoil,tárudéiginarfáildogach scoláire.Mábhíonntúmarscoláire dlí,eolaíochta,innealtóireachtnó leigheas,nócéimarbitheile,bíonn cumannnódhónascthaledochúrsa nód’ábharscoláireachta.Chomh maithleissin,bíonncumainneile chunobairdeonachadhéanamhdo charthanais,marshampladonSimon CommunitynóAlzheimer's.Tá cumainnarfáilchundoleibhéal labharthaidteangachaéagsúlaa fheabhsú,agusdochuidscileannaa churchuncinnibpécaitheamh aimsireisfearrleat.Marduineag obairleisnacumainnóthúsmo chéime,mholfainngohardnaspéire abheithpáirteachleo,seanschun cairdeasnuaachruthú,abheith páirteachinobairéifeachtach,agus éifeachtláidirabheithagatisaolna scoláirí.Féacharsuíomhidirlíonna Cumainnchunníosmóeolaisafháil.

Anmhothanntúglaod’obairdeonach adhéanamhagusabheithpáirteachi ngluaiseacht?Féacharshuíomh StudentVolunteer.Isminica chuireannComhphartachas CatharthaagusPobaildeiseannaden chéadscotharasuíomhféinchomh maith,UNICchunscoláiríasdeich ollscoileannaóbhungobarrna hEorpaachurlechéile,nóisféidira bheithpáirteachiSeachtain ComhphartachaisilárnamíMheáin Fómhair.

CUMAINN

EAGHARTHÓIRGHAEILGE

MEÁINNAMACLÉINN

AONTASNAMACLÉINN

nógníomhaíochtdonchéaduair,nó mábhíonntúagcurfeabhaisardo chuidscileanna,táant-amaggach cumanndogachuiledhuine.Saol níossláintiúla,gofisiciúilagusgo intinneach,seansbualadhledo chairde(aguscairdenuaa dhéanamh),agusspraoiabheith agat.Mábhíonntúaglorgníosmó eolais,féacharsuíomhidirlíonna gclubanna.

CLUBANNA

Anbhfuilsuimagatsaraidiónósan iriseoireacht?Bhuel,isminica bhíonnUCC98.3FMaglorgmic léinnchunseoraidióaóstachsa saotharlann.Mábhíonnfiosracht agat,táansaotharlannsuiteinaice leisanHub,nóisféidiréisteachtleis arlíne.Saniriseoireacht,táan páipéarseoarfáilgachdaraseachtain arlíne,agusaniris,Motley.Bíonnan dháfhoilsiúcháinaglorgcuntaíóna

COMHPHARTACHAS CATHARTHAAGUSPOBAIL

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER202214GAEILGE

Igceanncúplaseachtaine,beidh AontasnaMacLéinnaglorgIonadaí Rangachunguthgachrangingach cúrsaachurchuncinnagComhairle naMacLéinn,idirnafoirne,agusidir nacúrsaíeile.Inatheanntasin,beidh siadanlorgIonadaínaSiamsaíchun siamsaíochtaeagrúagusachruthú dogachcúrsa.Deiseannaiontachatá iontuchunaithneníosfearrachurar dorang,tuairimíaguscomhairledo chairdeathuiscintagusachurchun cinn,aguséifeachtbheithagatar fadhbannadochomhscoláirí.Caith doshúilearInstagramantAontas chunnadátaíoscailtenadeiseanna seoafheiscint.

WRITESORLALEAHY IRISHEDITOR

Angceapanntúnachmaireannaon clubannalasmuighden luthchleasíocht,sacairagusrugbaí? Nífíorésin,bíonnníosmóná50 cumainnlemeascánidirsportsan uisce,m.s.snámhagus currachóireacht,nókarateagus taekwondo,nórudaícosúille sléibhteoireachtagusboghdóireacht. Mábhíonntúagbainttriailassport

FÁILTEAR AISAR CHAMPAS

mhicléinngominic.Isféidirleat píosascríbhneoireachtaadhéanamh agusasheoladhchugainnenóchuig Motley.Isminicatháinigiriseoirnó craoltóircáiliúilasUCC!

LeGaisce,isféidirlegachduinebarr agcumasashroicheadh.Donaball foirneiUCC,agusdodhaoinenach bhfuilsuimacuabheithpáirteachi nGaisceféin,bíonndeisanntraenáil dobheithidoPALagtacúna rannpháirteacha.

GRADUATEATTRIBUTES PROGRAMME(GAP)

GAISCE

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 GAEILGE 15

Indeireadhnadála,isollscoilmhórí UCC,agpléascadhledeiseannade dea-mhéindogachscoláire.An bhliainseo,cadadhéanfaidhtú?

Anbhfuileolasuaitfaoingclár GraduateAttributes?Anaidhmatá agGAPnágombeidhgachscoláire agbaintcéimamachiUCCmar “creators,evaluatorsand communicatorsofknowledge; Independentandcreativethinkers; digitallyfluent;sociallyresponsible; effectiveglobalcitizens,who recogniseandchallengeinequality.” BeidhanGAPCompassásheoladh aran20úládeMíMheánFómhairsa DoraAllmanRoomsaHub.Bígíann aranláchunníosmóeolaisafháil faoiGAPagusnacláirachuireann siadarfáil.

Iféidirtríleibhéaldifriúilabhaint amach:cré-úmha,airgead,agusór. Bíonnroinntseachtainelegach bhonnchungealllegníomhaíócht amháinsnatríascaille.Anuasarsin, bíonnturaseachtraílesiúlóid urraithe/rothaíocht/sluaíocht,do gachrannpháirteach,agus tionscnamhmaireachtáild’órchundo chuidscileannaagusobairdeonacha dhéanamh.

NascannGaisce-Duaisan UachtaráiniUCCobairleCumainn, Clubanna,AontasnaMacLéinn, ComhphartachasCatharthaagus Pobail,MeáinnaMacLéinnagusna GraduateAttributesgoléirlechéile. Mábhíonntúagdéanamhaonrud faoinamírchinnseo,bheadhsé oiriúnachdocheachtarobair deonach,scilpearsanta,nó gníomhaíochtfisiciúil.

Whenpackingsaladstoeatatalater time,it’sbesttosteerclearofthe fragilegreensthatsooftenmakeupthe bulkofthemeal.Lettuceleaveslike butterhead,romaineandicebergcan becomesoggywhendressingsare addedandbecomeunappetisingunless

Let’ssetthescene.Theclockisabout tostrike1pmandthatfamiliarstomach grumblecreepsin.Areyoureaching forasandwichyoumadeearlierthat morningormakingatriptotheclosest shoptograbaroll?Perhapsyou’re longingforsomethingalittlebitmore robustforyourmiddayenergyboost.

Nodoubtyouhavescrolledpasta handfulofcreatorsonTikTokor Instagrampreparingmealsfortheir spousesorkids.Thevideos themselvestapintoawantfororder andsatisfaction,watchingvegetables beintricatelycutintoshapesand placedneatlyintoappropriatelysized bentocontainers.Theboxes commonlycontaincookedriceor noodles,meats,vegetables,pickles andsometimessoupssuchasmiso.

Traditionallytheboxesusedividersto keepeachingredientseparate,keeping strongflavoursapartandallowingthe foodtobecombinedatthetimeof eating.Notonlyaretheseboxes preparedathome,butmanyvariations arereadilyavailableatconvenience storesandplacessuchasrailway stations.DuringatriptoJapana handfulofyearsagoIexperienced bentoboxesfirsthandonatrainfrom TokyotoNagano.Theboxeswere availableinmeat,fishandvegetarian optionsandcontainedenoughfoodto keepmesustainedforthetrip.The bentoboxessoldattrainstationsare dubbedekiben(‘eki’forstationand ‘bento’forlunchbox),aportable lunchthatyougetatthestation.I chosethefishoptionandwas presentedwith4smallmakisushi rolls,vegetabletempura,riceandsome steamedfish.

Thesimplicityofthisclassiclunch stemsfromthetypicaldurationofa Norwegianlunchbreak.Withjust30 minutestoeat,theirmealsmustbe quicktoassembleandrelativelyeasy toconsume.Ontheothersideofthe globeandinoppositefashion,Japan hastheirownversionofapacked lunchintheformofbento.These intricatelypreparedboxesoffoodhave takentheinternetbystorm,andwhile westernersmaybeonlynowbecoming familiarwiththisconcept,thepeople ofJapanhavebeenmakingthese convenientlunchesforhundredsof years.

FOOD&HEALTHEDITOR

Norwegianssolvethelunchproblem withapracticeknownasmatpakke (translatingtopackedlunch).This minimalisticmealconsistsofsliced breadtoppedwithbutterorpateand somemeatorcheese.Emphasistobe placedontheword‘or’asthislunch solutionisdesignedtobeassimpleas possible.Thereistypicallyonlyone toppingoneachsliceofbreadwiththe piecesseparatedbywaxpaper.This

WRITESNATHANCAREY

Theprocessofprepackinglunchcan bedauntingnotonlyinrelationtothe lengthoftimeitcantakebutalsothe optionsavailabletoyou.Canyoufind thatTupperwareyouboughtlast winter,isthemicrowaveattheoffice workingandareyoureallygoingtoeat drychickenandriceagain?Billionsof peopleacrosstheglobefacethissame challengeeverydayandwhilethecore issueisthesame,thewaysinwhichit issolvedvariesgreatly.

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER2022FOOD&HEALTH16

lunchescannotbeunderstatedand thereisacertaincharmtothe homemadefeelofthem.Thebentobox mayjustbetheperfectsolutionfor thosewantingtocreatequicklunches thatdon’tskimponflavourandremain relativelycheapwhencomparedto store-boughtmeals.Ifyou’refeeling inspired,thereareaplethoraofonline resourcestohelpyougetstarted makingbentoboxesforlunch,theyare certainlyworththehype!Whilenot strictlylinkedwithacertainregionof theworld,saladsareanothergreat optionthatarepackedforlunches acrosstheglobeeveryday.

THEARTOFA PACKEDLUNCH

Grainscanaddgreattexturalintrigue toanotherwiseboringsaladandare excellentsourcesofproteinandfibre. Someofmygotograinsinclude bulgur,farroandquinoa.Onthetopic oftexture,addingnuts,seedsor

practiceisnottoofarfromourown Irishways,buttheyaremadeeven simplerwiththeinclusionofonlyone sliceofbread.Thissurprisinglyplain mealprovidesasenseofcomfortand stabilitytothepeopleofNorwaywhile remainingcheapandeasytomake.

Theartofpackingalunchisnothing newofcourse,humanshavebeen doingitforyears.Workersataminein Tipperaryin1952canbeseenhere eatingsandwichesanddrinkingteaout ofGuinnessbottlesontheirlunch break(talkaboutinnovation).Lunch givesusachancetorelax,catchupand moreimportantlyfuelorbodiesforthe hoursahead.Formostofmychildhood packedlunchequatedtosandwiches andfruitswithapacketofcrispsora sweettreattobalanceitout.Whilea hamandcheeseorTaytosandwich bringsbackfondmemories,they aren’tupheldasthemostnutritiousor fillinglunch.Afteraskingaround someofmyfriendsandcolleagues agreethattheclassicIrishpacked lunchismadeupofsandwiches,snack barsandamugofteatowashitdown. Theselunchesarereflectedintheever popularmealdealpromotionsinmost Irishsupermarketsandseemtobe whatabulkofthepopulationeatona dailybasis.Asmostofusassociate lunchwithwhatweategoingto school,it’snowonderacomforting sandwichandcupofteafollowusto adulthood.

Thesesmallerleavesaremorelikelyto retaintheirbitewhentossedwithother ingredientsandlefttosit.Protein makesupthesecondpillarofawellroundedsalad.Meatssuchaschicken orbeefprovidebulkandheartinessbut vegetarianoptionsliketofuor halloumiworkjustaswell.Another greatingredienttoaddbulktoyour saladisgrain.

Theconvenienceandvarietyofthese

you’reeatingthemimmediately. Smallerandmorerobustoptions includerocketandendiveorother leafygreenslikewatercressorpea shoots.

#ExpressCooks.

Grainscanaddgreattexturalintrigueto anotherwiseboringsaladandare excellentsourcesofproteinandfibre. Someofmygotograinsincludebulgur, farroandquinoa.Onthetopicof texture,addingnuts,seedsorcroutons toyoursaladsisanothermust.

Sowhetheryou’restuffingTaytos betweentwoslicesofbread,preparing riceandvegetablesforabentobox, layeringgreensandproteinforasalad orevendrinkingteafromGuinness bottles,Ihopethisarticlehasprovided abitofinspirationforyournextpacked lunch.

Asalwaysifyouareinspiredbyor makeanyoftherecipesfeaturedinthe Express,wewouldlovetoseethem! YoucanpostapictureonInstagramor Twitterwiththehashtag

Thinkofemulsifierslikeabinding agent,usuallyhoneyisgreatora premadecondimentlikemayoor mustardworkswonders.Whenitcomes toaddingflavourtodressings,freshly choppedherbs(orevendried),minced shallotsorgarliccanaddastrongpunch toyourdish.Mixthese4components wellandstoreinaseparatecontainer untilit’stimetoeat.Thismayaddone moredishtothewashingupbutitis worththeeffort,pouringdressingovera crunchysaladjustbeforeyoudigin makessurenoneoftheingredientsget soggyandensuresafreshlunchevery time.

Theseaddonsmakesureeachmorselof saladhasasatisfyingbite.Thefinal componenttoanygoodsaladisthe dressing.Agooddressinghas4 components–acid,fat,emulsifierand flavour.Acidscanrangefromvinegars tocitrusjuicesorevenwines.Oilscan beswappedoutdependingonthe flavourprofileoftheotheringredients. Sesameoilgoesgreatwithchicken whilesomethinglighterlikeoliveoil complimentsprawns.

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 FOOD&HEALTH 17

Sowhat’stheverdict?IsLoveIsland tobeforgottenabout?Orisit necessaryfortheshowtocontinue, notonlyforthelighthearted entertainmentandsenseofescapism itbrings,butfortheriseindiscussion itcreatessurroundingcertainissues, andthecriticalanalysisitinspires?

Manipulationtacticsarenot uncommonwithinthisshowwhichis anotherreasontowatchcarefully. Whenthepopular‘CasaAmor’ episodesaired,themenandwomen weresplituptomeetnewsinglesand testtheiroriginalrelationships.We sawalotofdoublestandardsfor datingbehavioursetandupheldby themen.Whilethemenwho exploredotherdatingoptions,they scoldedthewomenforbeing‘unloyal’ whentheyspoketoothermen.There isarealprobleminthewayLove Islanddepictswhatisokaytoaccept inarelationshipforyoungpeople watchingtheshow.Women’sAid evenputoutastatementemphasising theimportanceofsupportforthe contestantswithinthevilla,especially encouragingtheproducersto

interveneifrelationshipsbecome unhealthyorabusive.Women’sAid alsocommentedonthemassive influenceLoveIslandhasonyoung people,soit’scrucialtowatchwitha criticaleye.Theargumentcanalsobe madethattheshowmakesroomfor discussionabouttoxicrelationship patternsandwhatisorisnot acceptablebehaviourastheLove IslandTwitterhashtaghadbeen spammedeverynightwithusers typinguptheirthoughtsandopinions ontheshow.Aswell,womenwho stoodupagainstunacceptable behavioursetagoodexamplefor youngeyeswatching.

LOVEISLAND

Tobegin,Ithinkit’simportantto addressthenotionthatthistypeof lightwatchingisconsidereda“guilty pleasure.”I’mastrongbelieverthatif somethingbringsyoupleasureinlife, thenthereshouldbenoguiltor shameattachedtoenjoyingit.There istheadditionallayerof‘guilt’that comeswithlikingashowpopular withwomen,asinterestsdeemed femininearesooftenridiculed. Therefore,Iaskyoutosetasideyour preconceptionsbeforewestartto ponderonwhetherornotLove Islandisaworthwhilewatch.Ireject thenarrativethatit’s‘trash’simply becauseit’sa‘guiltypleasure’typeof show.

FERVOURINAFISHBOWL

NeverthelessI’mheretohypothesise onwhethertheamountthatcanbe gainedfromkeepingupwiththe seriesmakesitworththewatch.With acriticaleyeandabitof psychologicalanalysis,youmaybe surprisedabouthowmuchyou’ll learnabouthumanbehaviourwhile ‘lookingthroughthefishbowl’.Iuse thetermfishbowlastheshow’ssetup isnotdissimilartothatofafishtank. Theislandersareenclosedina relativelysmallspaceaswe,the viewers,starein.Likeafishbowl, realityisdistorted.Thecontestants havenoaccesstotherealworld;their phonesareconfiscated,theyhaveno graspontimeasallclocksare removed,andtheyhavenocontact withthe“outsideworld.”

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER202218FILM&TV

Withadatingshowlikethis,the valuesandmoralsdoneedtobe questioned.Isitteachingkidstobe superficialandmaterialistic? Creatingbodyimageissuesand projectingtheideathatlooksare moreimportantthanpersonality?

Personally,Ianticipatethenext season’srelease.AsmyGrannyused tosay,don’twelovehaving somethingtocomplainabout.

Inaworldofuncertainty,divideand badnews,LoveIslandactsasoneof thewaysinwhichpeoplecome togetherandbondovershared opinionsonline,andengagein somethingultimatelyquitetrivialfor thesolepurposeofescapism.With suchaconsistentairtimeof9pm everynightonITV2,LoveIslandhas beenareliabledistraction.Notonlyis itasourceoflighthearted entertainment,butit’sgotjustthe rightamountofdramatokeepone investedwhileneverbecomingtoo all-consuming.

Thedramaisverycontrolledand happensinarelativelysafespace whereviewerscanjustrelaxand enjoywithoutgettingtooemotionally

Theboys’bodylanguagegoesfrom reclinedandrelaxedonthesunbeds, sharingadayinthesunwithno worries,straighttoaclipofthem gettingnewsofthenewthreat. They’retakenfromthehighesthighs toquitealowdropastheyaremet withAdam,whoquicklymakeshis motiveof‘gettingtoknowallthe girls’veryclear.Bodylanguageis

WRITESROSMARIEO’BYRNE FILM&TVEDITOR

AsLoveIslandcomesroundeach summer,theannualdebateunfolds:is itsimplytrashrealitytelevision,or doesithaveenoughredeemable qualitiestoconsideritaworthwhile watch?It’sawidelyknownfactthat LoveIslandisnotwithoutits problems.

whatI’minterestedinhere,asthey begintomimicthegesturesofthe animalkingdom,eachsquaringupto thecompetitionandtryingtosizehim up.Igotgreatenjoymentfrom followingalongwithbodylanguage expert,JudyJames’interpretationof eachepisodeontheMetroYoutube channelwheretheyhadaseries named‘LoveorLieIsland’.Judy explainedhowalotofacontestant’s intentionscanbedecipheredthrough theirbodylanguage,whichledmeto believethatthesecharacterswerea lotmorecalculatedthantheyleton. Whensomeoneistryingtoimpressa potentialmate,forexample,Judy describeshowtheyexpress themselvesas‘peacocking’asthey maypuffouttheirchestandrolltheir shouldersback,tryingtolookas attractiveaspossibleandsendout opensignals.Onanothernote,when anislanderistryingtoconvinceboth afellowcontestantandthepublicof theirsincerity,theymay inadvertentlytrytomanipulateby usingtheirhandsinawaythat appearshumble,puttingahandto theirheart,maintainingeyecontact, mirroringthepersonthey’respeaking to,etc.

Interestingly,you’llfindthat although,yes,thecontestantsuse Tinder-liketacticsofpickingand choosingtheirdatesbasedonhow attractivetheyinitiallyfindthem,it wasimpossibleforthesecouplesto lastbasedonlooksalone.The islanders,nomatterhowsuperficial youmaysuspectthemtobe, ultimatelyrealiseineachcoupling, thatwithouttheabilitytohavegood conversationswiththeirpartner, therewasn’tanyfoundationfora relationship.

involved.Andbecauseeachepisode endsonacliffhanger,itkeepsyou comingbackformore.Now,whenI sayit’scrucialtouseacriticaleye whenobservingashowlikethis,I don’tsayitlightly.Fromthedouble standardsandmisogynyexhibited fromalotofthemalecontestants,to poorrepresentationsofwhatto acceptandtolerateinrelationships, andanoveralllackofdiversityin termsofbodyimage,it’simperative totakethisshowwithapinchofsalt. Butwithasomecriticalthinking, there’sawholeworldoffuntobe had,asitaddsanentirelynewlayer tothedramatics.Suddenly,ashow thatonthesurfacelevel,isjusta datinggameforyoungsinglesto competeforacashprize,becomesa displayofwhathappenstohuman beingswhenputunderalens,with camerasmonitoringtheirmovesin differentsocialsituations,and carefullycraftedchallengesdesigned topreyonboththeirweaknessesand insecurities.Infacttheproducers havebeencriticisedforthese manufacturedscenariosdesignedto ‘test’andessentiallybreakthe couplesontheisland,astheytakea tollonthecontestants’mentalhealth.

Inthisyear’sseason,theydecidedto bringaformerislanderbackintothe villa,AdamCollard,whowasknown forthechaoshecausedinSeason4 bycouplingupwithfourdifferent womenintwoweeks.Hewas broughtinasasurprisebombshellin theweekjustbeforethebigfinale. Naturally,hisentrancecausedastir, andafewofthegirls’headsturned. WhatIfoundinterestingaboutthese fewepisodeswasstudyingtheways thatthemenontheislandresponded toandinteractedwiththisnew threat,whohadthepowertorob themofboththeirpotential girlfriendsandtheirchancetowin the£50kcashprizewhenitwas withinarmsreach.Onlymoments beforeAdamarrivedasabombshell, theboysweretakenonarelaxingspa date.Inanotherevilgeniusattemptat crushingthecontestants’spiritsand creatingdrama,theepisodeisedited tomovestraightfromthespaday,to thecarnageofAdam’sarrival.

Whileinthedressingroombeforethe

Thatwasn’ttheRoryweknew.”Sam Davidson,theguitaristthatevening, describeshisadmirationfor Gallagherandthedauntingtaskof fillinghisrole.“Rorywasn’tjusta guitarplayerhewasaninstitution. Someoftheplacesweplayedin Germanyhadshrinestotheguy.It wascrazy,itwaslikeplayingin Jesus’band.”

27YEARSON

HetalksaboutlifeafterRory Gallagher’sdeathin1996,“People startedaskingus,“Whydon’tyouget togetherandplaysomeofRory’sold music?”becauseatthetimenobody wasplayingtastemusic.SoRitchie McCracken,IandSamdidsome showsjustafterRorydiedasatribute tohismusicbutnotasaRory Gallaghertributeband.”

Theline-upconsistedofRory Gallagheronguitarsandvocals,Eric KitteringhamonbassandNorman Dameryondrums.Aftermoderate successaroundHamburgand NorthernIrelandthebandreplaced itslineupwithRitchieMcCracken onbassandJohnWilsonondrumsin 1968.Withthisthebandreleasedtwo albumsandtouredalloverEurope andtheUnitedStates.Taste dismantledonNewYear’sEvein 1970.Whatfollowedwasaprolific solocareerwhereRoryGallagher releasedafurther13soloalbumsand touredextensively.Hepassedaway afteranextraordinarycareerin1995 aged47.

RORYGALLAGHER

Inthemusicworldthereisno footprintquiteaslargeastheoneleft byRoryGallagher.Withshaggyhair andunassumingdemeanour,froma modernperspectiveitishardtofully graspthestatusasarocksensation thatRorypossessed.Hewasandstill remainstothisdayoneofthemost influentialartistsinrockmusic. Whilehehadavastlyprolificsolo career,hisstartingpointisregarded ashistimeinvolvedwiththeband Taste.Thebandwasformedin1966 asatrio.

Itwasverywellknownthatthemain reasonthebanddismantledwasthat Gallagherwastakingallofthe spotlight.“Itwasn’tRoryGallagher andTaste,itwasjustTaste.AndRory likeditthatway.Justbeingina band.Butwhensomebodysuddenly saysthatyouhavetogotothefront, it’syourshow,comeonanddothe show.

It’squiteincrediblethefootprintthat Corkcanhaveonthewiderworld. Thecityproducesalloftheworld’s Viagraanditspeoplehavegoneonto becomesportingiconsandcivilrights leaders.(Itshouldbenotedthatthose twothingshavenothingtodowith eachother.)

Thebandhadasuccessfulrunwitha criticallyacclaimedalbum,“Wallto Wall”.Theyreformedagaintoplaya one-night-onlygigintheEverymana fewyearsago.Ihadtheesteemed pleasureofinterviewingWilsonthen withSamDavidsonandnewbassist AlanNiblock.Althoughinhis70s, Wilsonisburstingwithenthusiastic energyforhiscraft.

Davidsoncomesoffasaquietman, deeplyfocusedonthemusic.Thegig thatfollowedwasafantastic renditionofclassicbluesfeaturing Taste’sbackcataloguewithsome bluesstandardsthrowninforgood measure.Wilsongetshisnight’s worthbythrowinginsomesolos lastingnearly15minutes.While RoryGallaghercertainlymaybe gone,hisinfluenceisnot.Manyofhis songshavemanagedtogainasecond lifeonstreamingplatforms.Many tunesincluding“WheelsWithin Wheels”and“BadPenny”stillrack upradioairplayallovertheworld.

Wilson,beingtheonlyoriginalband member,hasadistinctfondnessfor Gallagher-butonlyasamemberof Taste.Hesaysthathedidn’tknow Gallagherafterhedecidedtopursue asolocareer,“Wewerejustthree musicianswhodidn’thaveany equipment,noroadies.Wewouldjust turnupsomewhereandwe’dplay andtherewasnomessingabout,no showbusiness.ButRoryhadturned intothisRoryGallaghermachineand Ididn’tknowhim.”

WRITESCORMACMCCARTHY MUSICEDITOR

show,heseemscompletelyatease andeagerfortheconcertstartingin anhours’time.

Havingbeenbornafewyearsafter hisdeath,Ihadneverreallygrasped thetrueextentofhisinfluence.In 2017andagainrecently,Imanagedto interviewJohnWilson,drummerin Rory’sfirstbandTastetotryand understandRory’soriginsandhis legacy.In2006drummerJohn Wilsonreformedthebandwithanew frontmanSamDavidsonandold bassistRitchieMcCracken.

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 MUSIC 19

TheStoneRosesandJarvisCocker. ArtistslikeRuaRí,SarahHickeyand Emmohavealsomanagedtobrew theirownidiosyncraticmixturesof genres.

Thecountyitselfishosttoover100 musicfestivals,bothlargeandsmall, fromtheJazzfestivalto IndiependencetotheClonakilty GuitarFestival.Itsnosurprisethat peopleflockfromallovertheworld tohearthecity’sdiverserangeof melodiesandrhythms.Itboasts musiclegendssuchasRory Gallagher,SeánÓRiadaand MargaretBarry.Wehavebeen waitingforalongtimeforthenext generationtoemergeandfinditself.I mean,wecan’tletDublinwinthis onenow,canwe?

Thenextgenerationhasthreatened toemergeandhasalwaysbubbled underthesurface.It’stimeforitto emerge.Untilnow.(That’smy“Go Tobann”moment.)Underyournose rightnowisarosterofartistswho reallydohavethepotential,talent, bravado,andtheknow-howtotruly becomehouseholdnames.

Corkhasalwayshaditsfairshareof musicculture,consideringtheentire historyofthecity.

Theyhavemanagedtocapturetheir ownnicheinthemarket,having playedtheirfairshareof festivals,includingElectricPicniclast weekend.AlongsidethemintheEP lineupwereTheClifford’s, withsingerIona,whosepop-aligned voiceworkswellwiththeirheavier musicarrangement.TheDriveare anotherup-and-cominggroup,with theirdarkersoundmanagingto soundlikeacrossbetween

Lastbutbynomeansleast,Jess Smyth,whogoesbyherstagename “BiigPiig”needsnointroduction. WhileofficiallyraisedinSpain,Biig PiigwasverymuchborninCork. Havingawhopping2million

Sheisacompetentrapperandsinger withanabilitytoleanintobedroom popandsoundmoreMaggieRogers thanMaggieherselfwith“Sunny” and“Remedy”.Shealsoleans towardsamorehip-hop/R&B focusedgenresongssuchas“Oh NO”andhercollabwithEmotional Oranges“Body&Soul”.

DriveandTheClifford’s.TheLove Buzzhavemanagedtocreatetheir ownmodernblendofalt-rockand rip-roaringhooksplayedwithan almostfreneticpace.

monthlylistenersonSpotify,shehas completelyblownupoverthepast twoyearsandreleasedherfourthEP lastyeartoresoundingacclaim.

WRITESCORMACMCCARTHY MUSICEDITOR

Emmo,aswell,isanotherartistwho issuretotakeovertheworldatsome point.Havingalreadybeenfeatured onRTE’s“BehindtheMusic”andon theGermanSongwritersAwardsin Berlin,hehasalsoplayedonthe BBC’s“ICanSeeYourVoice”.His stylecanbesimilartothatofThe HeadandtheHeartattimeswhile alsoswitchingtoastylemore reminiscentofJamesBlakeorEd Sheeran.

Speakingofanetherealtouch,singersongwriterSarahHickeycertainly hasit,withafantasticsoundthatisas variedasitisenergetic.Herlatest single“LookingforTrouble”isa moody,FionaAppleinspired chronicleoflivingasayoungwoman inIreland,whereashersong“Free”is afarmoreupbeatsongthatdrips withessencesofTheBeatles.

RuaRí’sfivetrackEP,Shepherd’s Delight,istrulyadelight.Track’s suchas“River”And“Shepherd’s Delight”areperfectfolkandblues ballads.ItslikeHozierhadonlyever writtenvariationsofCherryWinefor hiswholecareerandaddedalovely

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etherealtouch.

Goon.Givethemago.

Whiletheseartiststhemselvesareall extremelytalented,itisuptous,the payingaudience,tosupportthemand encouragethemtocontinuetocreate andevolve.Seeingthebigartistslive isfantastic,buthowexcitingwouldit betogoseeanartistdoanopenmic nightoneeveningandthen,three yearsdowntheline,theybecome globallyfamous.Allbecauseyousaw themplaythatsongfortheveryfirst time.

PLEASESUPPORT YOURLOCAL FUTURESTAR

IntermsoftheRockscene,there’s artistssuchasTheLoveBuzz,The

InIreland,anymentionofsexis usuallyfollowedbyeverybodywithin earshotquicklybecominginfatuated withthefloor.Fromtheminutewe begintoaskquestions,themajorityof usaretaughtthatsexisabadword.

Inmanycountries,societydevelops atamuchfasterratethanpolicycan keepupwith,andtheviewsofsexin comparisontoreligionareno different.AlthoughIrelandhasput emphasisonitsseparationofchurch andstateinthepast,themajorityof schoolsintheRepublicofIreland remainprimarilyCatholic,andeven receivemorefundingfromthestate forhavingthetitleofaCatholic school.Religiouspeoplehaveoften acknowledgedthechangingsociety, andhavekeptupwithittothebestof theirabilityintheviewsthatthey hold.Forexample,in2013when askedaboutbothhisownviewsand theviewsoftheVaticanonthe LGBT+community,PopeFrancis said‘IftheyaccepttheLordandhave goodwill,whoamItojudgethem?’It isinterestingthatmanyofthe primarilyCatholiccountriesin Europearealsosomeofthemostsex positive,primarilyItaly,andFrance andSpainasmentionedabove.

Thismaybebecauseitisseenasan adulttopic,orbecauseitjustisn’t somethingtheywantusshouting aboutinajuniorinfantsclassroom. Whateverthereason,theideathat sexisabadwordteachesustobe ashamedofthetopicfromavery earlyage.Wearetaughtfun,‘child friendly’terminologyforourbodies, wearetaughtstoriesaboutstorks bringingpeoplebabies,andweare taughtthatthehumanbodyisnot somethingthatwecanbeneutral about,ithastoremainhiddenatall times.

ISNOTA BADWORD

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Alargeamountofthissexpositivity comesfromthedisconnectionofsex andmarriage,andtheevolutionof howpeopleviewbothsexand relationships,aswellaschanging viewsonmonogamy.IntheWestern world,monogamyisseenasthe primary,orinsomeplacestheonly, relationshipdynamic,andanything otherthanthatisunethical. Monogamyitselfcamefromthe AncientGreekwordformarriage, andisattributedwithhigherratesof

SEX

WRITESCIARABARETT SEXPRESSEDITOR

However,itwasthosefromFrance andSpainwhospokeabouthow luckytheywereforgrowingupin suchsexpositivecultures,abouthow anyquestionstheyhadwere answered,andabouthowtheywere nevertreatedasiftheyweretoo youngtobroachthetopic.InFrance, thereisarequired30-40hoursofsex educationperweek,withfree condomsprovidedbyschoolsto studentsover15.

Theideathatsexisshamefulor inappropriatevariesbetween cultures,butisseenmoststronglyin bothcultureshavestrongreligious elements,andculturesthatareeither thecauseorproductofcolonialism.I spoketopeoplefromvariouscultures totryandunderstandthewaytheir homecountryviewssexand sexuality,andallbuttwohadthe sameanswer.ThoseIspoketofrom Poland,Lithuania,Bulgaria, Germany,Algeria,Ireland,and Chinaexpressedthatthroughout theirwholelives,sexwasashameful topic.Theyallputthisdowntoa combinationofreligionand education(orlackthereof)aboutthe importanceofsex,andbyextension, safesexualpractices.

‘compulsory’RSEprogramis reportedassimplynotbeingtaughtin anumberofprimaryschools,andis outdatedforourcurrentsocial climate.Theprogramnotonly teachesabstinenceastheprimary formofcontraception,butalso focusesonthegenderbinaryand heteronormativesex,focusingon procreationratherthansafetyand enjoyment.Itwaslongbelievedthat ifsexwasnottaughtorspokenabout, peoplewouldnothaveit.In1967, TDOliverJ.Flanagansaidthat therewasnosexinIrelanduntilthe BBCcame,anditappearsthatthis sentimentisstillbelievedtoday. Whilesomepeoplebelievethatthis shamesurroundingconversations aboutsexcomesfromÉamonde Valera’scrusadeforaCatholic Ireland,howevermanyprimarily CatholiccountriessuchasFrance, Spain,andItalyareveryopenabout sex,sowhereisourso-called ‘CatholicGuilt’originatingfrom?

Spanishsexeducationhasbeen lookeddownuponbymanymore conservativecountriesforteaching teenagershowtoputonanduse condoms.Althoughthiswasslammed bymanycountries,itprovedusefulas Spainisamongthecountrieswiththe lowestteenpregnancyratesin Europe.Incomparison,Ireland’s

Religion,education,andhomelife havelargelyimpactedhowIrish societyviewssex,andwhilethisis everchangingandyounger generationsaremoreoutpokenabout sexandsexuality,weareoftenmet withpushbackandbacklashfromour elders.Forexample,many ‘unconventional’articlesexpressing theimportanceofsafesexandsexual healtharedemonisedinIreland,such astheSpunOutarticleonsafetyand

shameandsecretsurroundingsex. Manyhumansarenotnaturally monogamous,butbelievein monogamouslifestylesand relationshipsthroughsocial conditioning.

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Therealityisthatoureducational andtraditionalviewsaredecades behindboththatofothercountries, andourownsocialclimate.

Sexpositivityfocusesonsexasan experienceratherthansexasan action,outliningitsemotionaland physicalbenefits,andexpressingthat sexishealthyandpleasurable,and thatitisokaytoenjoyit.Theshame surroundingsexcanmakeusfeel guiltyforfindingpleasurein somethingthathasbeenhistorically tabooand‘dirty’.

Thereisnothingwrongwith monogamyormonogamous relationships,howevertheydo increaseratesofsecrecysurrounding sex,suchastheshameandsecrecy surroundinginfidelity.Monogamyis widelyendorsedbytheCatholic Church,withdivorcestillbeingseen asasindespitepoliticaladvancesin theeventofseparation.

Sowhatcanwedotochangethat? Howcanweopenupthediscussion ofsexinawaythatsaccessibleand comfortabletoallages?Sexpositive conversationisparamount.

Theemphasisonpleasureand enjoymentcanbefoundinsocieties asfarbackasancientGreece,where masturbationandsex(including LGBT+sex)wereseenasfreeingand important,anideathatwaslater discouragedbythechurchinthe middleages.

Whilemarriedcouplesinmany countriescanseekadivorceforany numberofreasons(withsome countrieshavingstricterguidelines thanothers),thisisacivildivorceand thecoupleisstillseenasmarriedin theeyesofGod.Acommonlyused argument,spokenaboutbysexand relationshiptherapistEstherPerel,is thatmonogamousrelationshipscan changehowwomenviewsex, changingtheviewofsexfrom‘thisis whatIwant’to‘thisiswhatIam supposedtodo’,increasingthelevels ofshameanddiscomfortsurrounding sexasaconversation.Thisinturn decreasesawomanswillingnessto discusssexwiththeirkidsasthey believeittobesomethingexclusively betweenthemselvesandtheir husband.Inturn,weseenegativeor uninformedviewsofsexfromyoung women.

Whileschoolplaysalargepartin education,socialeducationand conceptssuchasshamearelargely taughtthroughenvironment,andsex andsexualityarenottheonlythings impactedbythediscomfortof parents,suchasmothersnotteaching theirsonsaboutcookingor houseworkduetoenforcedgender rolesintheirownlives.

Sexhasbeenhistoricallymoralised andstigmatised,andthemore positiveconversationwehave surroundingit,thehealthierour societywillbe,bothphysicallyand emotionally.

Positiveconversationssurrounding sexandsexpositiveculturesare showntohavelowerratesofsexual violence,teenagepregnancies,and STIsasteenagersaregivenaccessto theinformationandresourcesthey mayneedfromasyoungas13-14. Sexpositiveconversationshelpto replaceshameandguiltwith knowledgeandfreedom,andare importantateverystageofphysical andmentaldevelopment.

SEXISNOTABADWORD WRITESCIARABARETT

enjoymentduringthreesomeswhich wascondemnedbyseveralpoliticians andnewspapersalike.Many teenagersandyoungadultsrebel againsttheideathatsexisshameful, andarebecomingmoreopenabout sexnotonlyassomethingfor procreation,orsomethingbetween heteronormativemarriedcouples,but asanexperienceforeveryone regardlessofgender,sexuality,or maritalstatus.

Sorcery!’sunconventional presentationallowsittoaccomplisha levelofplayerfreedomthatsimply isn’tfeasibleinmostgames,evenbigbudgetAAAproductions.By substitutingvisualrepresentationsof in-gamescenariosforwhatevera playercanenvisionintheirmind,the gamecanfocusinsteadondesigning encounterswithamyriadofdifferent approachesandresolutions.Itcomes atacost,ofcourse;thisstyleofgame isn’tforeveryone,andmanygamers mayfindtheendlesswallsoftext Sorcery!throwsatthemdaunting andoff-putting.Buteveninsmaller doses,theconceptofusingthe player'simaginationstoenhancea game’smechanicsorstorytellingcan beapowerfultool.

RimWorlddiffersfromthe previouslymentionedgamesinmany ways,butthemostrelevantoneis thatapartfromtheoutlined

TakeBethesdaGameStudios,the developersofrole-playinggameslike FalloutandTheElderScrolls,who arerenownedfortheirenvironmental storytelling.Thesegamesfeature sprawlingopenworldsthatcontain countlesspointsofinterestfor playerstodiscoverastheyexplore. Fillingtheselocationswith meaningfultraditionalstoriesand characterswouldbeamonumental task,andcouldevenbeconsidereda wasteofeffort,giventhefactthat manyplayersmightsimplyskippast theseplacesormissthementirely. Butasitturnsout,there’sanother way;onethatdoesn’trequirewriting thousandsoflinesofdialogueand hiringvoiceactorstobringthemto life.Thisentails,asyoumightguess, outsourcingsomeofthecreative heavyliftingtotheplayer’s imagination.

world’stragichistoryastheyexplore. Alongsidethegame’smore conventionallyassembledmain storylineandareas,Falloutprovides animpressivesetoftalesforplayers toenjoy.BethesdaGameStudios havebecomemastersoftellingastory withoutactuallytellingit,andthey’ve onlybeenabletodosobyputting faithintheimaginationofplayers.

WRITESLUKECONDON GAMINGEDITOR

It’sinterestinginthatreally,it’smore ofabookthanagame.Adaptedfrom SteveJackson’schoose-your-ownadventurebooksofthesamename, Sorcery!isanalmostentirelytextbasedgame.Whilethisisatraitoften sharedbygamesinthevisualnovel genre,Sorcery!couldn’tbemore dissimilartothem;it’safully-fledged action-adventuregamewith mechanicslikehealthpoints,stamina, andtheworks.It'srarethatagame takesonsuchaform,althoughhereit hastheadvantageofbeingbackedby someimpressivesourcematerial. Sorcery!’sunusualstructureis assuredlyasignificantdeparture frommostgames’designs,butitdoes havesomethingincommonwith manyplot-focusedtitles:a requirementthatplayersusetheir imaginationinordertofillinthe blanks.Theseblankscanbegapsin information,visuals,sounds; anythingthataplayerneedsto conjureupintheirmind’seye,rather thanhaveitserveduponaplatterby thegame.Novelsdependontheir readerstodothisthroughouttheir entirety,butisitfairforavideogame toaskthesame?

Sorcery’spremiseisquite straightforward;youareaskilled sorcererandswordsmanwho embarksonaquesttoretrievea mysticalartefact.Todothis,youmust makeyourwayacrossanumberof towns,cities,andwildernesses,using bothmagicandbladetoovercome opponentsandobstacles.Standard fantasyfare,really,butwhatmakes Sorcery!specialisthefreedomof choiceplayersareaffordedduetothe game’suniquemodeofdelivery.

I’verecentlybeenplayingthroughan interestinglittlegamecalled ‘Sorcery!’.

Otherscenesareplayedforcomedic effect,soyoumightfindsomepoor soul’sskeletonperchedonthetoiletin abathroomstall;truly,oneofthe moreunpleasantwaystodie.Atthe oppositeendoftheemotional spectrum,theseskeletonscaneven tellsomeheart-wrenchingstories. Undergroundprisoncellscanbe foundlockedwiththeirdeceased occupantsstillinside,despitetheir subterraneanpositionshieldingthem fromthenuclearblaststhemselves. Twoskeletonslockedinanembrace, burntoutschoolbusesfullof upsettinglytinybones;displayslike theseforplayerstostumbleupon ensuretheygetasenseoftheFallout

TheFalloutseriestakesplaceina barrenwasteland,devastated centuriesagobynuclearbombs,and somostofthegames’explorablearea consistsofcrumblinghigh-risesand destroyedtowns.Asettinglikethis, devoidofmostlife,rulesoutthe possibilityofdottingnon-player

Sorcery!andFallouttakeadvantage ofunorthodoxnarrativetechniques totelltheirstories,butinboth instancesthere’sstilla‘correct’way forplayerstointerprettheplot,even iftheyhavetodoabitofimaginative conceptualisationtofigureitout. Thisisn’talwaysthecase,however. RimWorld(no,it’snotwhatitsounds like)isasci-fibasebuildingand charactermanagementsimulatorthat toutsitselfasaprocedural‘story generator’aboveallelse.Setonan unknownplanetintheouterrimof human-controlledspace,RimWorld hasplayersoverseeanumberof pseudo-playercharacters,or ‘colonists’,astheystruggletosurvive andeventuallyescapetheworldthey havefoundthemselvesstranded upon.

charactersaroundeverycornerto impartbackstoryandworld-building. Instead,Bethesdasavesresourcesby delegatingthisjobtosomeunlikely candidates:skeletons.Indeed,it’s hardtotakeastepinFallout’sworld withouttrippingoverthebonesof someonewhoperishedwhenthe nuclearbombsstruck.Eachonetells astoryofitsown,andplayerscan piecetogetherthesestoriesintheir headbyexaminingthecircumstances surroundingthem.Manycadavers canbefoundplacedinnormal, everydayscenarioslikeatatrain stationorbank,toillustratejusthow suddenitwaswhenthebombs dropped,changingtheworldina matterofseconds.

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ridiculousness;youcouldtrytoblow themawaywithagustofwind,smite themdownwithalightningboltor evenplayatuneonamagicalpipeto forcethemtodance.Thisisonlya smallsampleofthemanycoursesof actionavailabletoSorcery!players, andnoneoftheseactswillresultin thesameoutcometwice.

GAMESTHAT LEAVEMORETO THEIMAGINATION

Whilethegameprovidesafewvisual aidestohelpplayersenvisionthe eventsofitsstory,suchasdrawings ofmapsandtheoccasional illustrationofsomefantasticalbeast, themajorityofactionhappeninghere takesplaceinsidetheplayer’s imagination.Uponencounteringan enemy,thegamewillusuallygiveyou afewlinesoftextthatdetailsaidfoe’s appearanceanditsbehaviour.You’re thenpresentedwithanumberof optionsthatvarygreatlyintheir

FalloutandRimWorldutilisethe powerofimaginationinvery differentways,buttheyshowusthat, inpractice,ahybridapproachto storytellingingamesisincredibly effectiveatdeliveringamore completenarrative(ornarratives) whilesimultaneouslysaving resourcestobespentelsewhere.

However,thethreegamesI’ve mentionedinthisarticlearen’talone inemployingthesemethods.Almost everysingle-playergamenecessitates thatplayersusetheirimaginationto someextent,beitbyreadingin-game loreentries,figuringoutenemy weaknesses,orfindingthesolutions totrickypuzzles.

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Colonistswillbeattackedbybandits, struckdownbydiseaseandsubjectto theeffectsofdevastatingnatural disasters,butthey’llalsobuild friendships,getmarried,and establishbitterrivalrieswitheach other.

There’sareasonthinkingoutsidethe boxisencouragedwhilstenjoying mostformsofart;whyshouldvideo gamesbeanydifferent?

beginningscenario,itdoesn’thavea singular,set-in-stonestorytoimpart. Instead,thegamesimulatesitsworld andinhabitantstoproducesemirandomeventsthatmakeupitsstory.

Sowhatdothesegamestellusabout thisparticularapproachtogame design?Sorcery!dependsalmost entirelyonplayersusingtheir imaginationtofollowitsstory,butI’ll concedethatitisarathernichegame, anditsaudienceisdwarfedbythose oftheothertwoexamples.

Intermsofgraphics,RimWorld’sare ratherbarebones,consistingofflat 2Dcharactersandobjectswithbasic animations,sowhileplayersaregiven somethingofavisualguide,they’ll stillhavetoapplytheirimaginationa bittogettrulyinvestedinthegoingsonoftheircolonies.Thosewithout thedesiretothinkabstractlyasthey playwon’tgetmuchoutof RimWorld,astheaimhereisn’t actuallytowin,buttosimplyenjoyan ever-evolvingstoryofacommunity thatplayerscaneitherguideto success,ordoomtobecomeaflaming ruinasaresultoftheirdecisions.

GAMESTHATLEAVEMORETOTHEIMAGINATION WRITESLUKECONDON

Jewellerywouldprobablybemy favouriteformoffashion.Jewellery mightornotbeconsideredasectorof thefashionindustrybysome,butI adorejewellery(eventhoughI’m brokeandshouldstopbuying earrings).Jewelleryhasprobably beenthemostenduringformof accessorieswithinfashionfromthe bronzeagetotheoverwhelming jewellerycollectionofMarie Antionettelikeherpendantthatwas auctionedoffforthirty-sixmillionUS dollarsin2019.Whilethejewellery I’velistedandadmireareobviously outsideofmybudget(sorryfornot beinganAustrianarchduchess)Ican stilltakecomfortinPenney’sand Parfois.

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The‘reusing’ofjewelleryis somethingthatIfindconflicting.This involvesmeltingdownoldjewellery tomakenewpieces,usingthe preciousmetalsandstonestoturnthe jewelleryintosomethingnew!Thisis calledupcyclingorreusing.An exampleofIrishjewellerythat upcycleswouldbeAoifeO’Mahony designs,whoisn’ttakingonanyextra workofreusingjewelleryrightnow, whichliterallydoesn’thaveany impactonmeormynon-existent jewellerycollectionbutIstillcan’t helpbutfeeldisappointed.Aoife O’Mahonytakesafreshapproachto upcyclingjewellerybytakingthe stonesfromthepieceandworkingit intoanewone,orjustreplicatingthe piecealtogether.Theeffortsofthe jewelleryindustrytominimisetheir impactontheclimateareappreciated asminingfordiamondsinvolves waterintensiveprocessestoextract thediamondsfromrock.Thishasa detrimentalimpactonthe environmentasthiscontaminates water,withthedustfromitcreating suspendedsolids.Thesuspended solidsarethenshippedtoslimedams wherethecontaminatedwatersettles onthebottomwhilethecleanwateris pumpedbackintotheminetorepeat

Anotherwaythejewelleryindustry ispromotingsustainabilityisselling vintagejewellery.Therehasbeena riseinthepromotionofvintage jewelleryoverthecourseofseveral yearswiththeCovidpandemic havinganimpactoncustomers interests,makingthembeenthused bywell-madeluxurypiecesover lowerpricedjewellery.Another aspectthatappealstojewellers’ customersishighendorunique vintagepieceswhichhasledtoa growthintheglobaljewellerymarket. Theappealforvintagejewelleryis clearonboththesustainabilityand sentimentalityfront.

JEWELLERY

WRITESKELLIEMURPHY FASHIONEDITOR

Ontheonehandavintagepieceof jewelleryisoftenuniqueand nostalgic.Itharksbacktoatime whentheownerwasyoungorlong beforethebuyer'stime,a romanticisedperiodandthatappeals tojewellerywearersbecauseitissuch anostalgicaspectoffashion.Your vintageringwouldbeuniqueand well-madeasvintagejewellerywas made,notonmassproductionas modernjewelleryistoday.The jewellerwouldonlyhaveone,making itoneofakindwhichcanonlyappeal

Acurrenttrendinthisfashionsector issustainability.Thejewelleryworld ismakingeffortstobemore sustainableintheirproduction.Their effortsareadmirableintheirpartto helpreducetheirimpactonthe climateandIthinkitbodeswellthat theyareawareandconsciousof consumers'needsforamoreethical fashionindustry.Thetwowaysthat jewellersandtheirshopspromote sustainabilitythatinterestmemostis ‘reusing’jewellery.Thisinvolves reworkingthemetalandreselling vintagejewellery.Let’spretendthat mostofuscanaffordtobuy expensivejewelleryinsteadofreality: hittingupPenney’s.Andlet’stalk aboutthejewellerysector's promotionofsustainability.

theprocess.Inopenminingthemost visibleenvironmentalimpactonthe earthisthedisturbancesontheland askimberlitepipes:funnelsofrock areminedtoextractthediamonds.

Becausethesepipesaresodeep,large amountsofsoil,wasterock,sand,and processedkimberlitebuilduparound thediamondmine,turningthearea intoawasteland.Otherdamagesto theenvironmentbythejewellery industry'sdemandforpreciousstones includedeforestation,soil disturbances,airemissions,surface waterpollutionandgroundwater contamination.Othereffectsinclude noise,dustandworkplacesafety.So, asyoucansee,thereusingofold jewelleryhelpstoavoidallofthese detrimentaleffects,makingmefeela bitmorereassuredwhenIwatcha DavidAttenboroughdocumentary. Notonlydoesthisshowashiftin perspectivefromthejewellerysector ofthefashionindustry,italsosounds verybeautiful.Theupcyclingof jewelleryallowsmorecreativityon thepartofthejewellerswhentheytry totakeapieceofjewelleryandmake itintosomethingnewwhiletryingto pleasetheircustomers.Itsoundslike achallengebutafunoneasyou’re giventhespacetothinkofideasand tryandcombinethemwithwhatthe ownerswantwhilebeinglimitedto thepieceorthepreciousstonesand themetalthey’llbereworkedwith.It soundslikeanexcitingwaytowear fashionandminimiseyoureffecton theenvironment.

THEEFFORTSOFTIMELESS OBJECTSTOBEMOREMODERN

Ican’thelpbutthinkaboutthelosses thatthisgivesus,aswellasthegains. Yes,therearebenefitstoreusing jewelleryandbuyingvintagejewellery thatmuchisclear,butarewelosing outonsomethingelsethroughefforts tobemoresustainable?Thereusingor upcyclingofjewellerycompletely transformsthepiecewhichgivesa creativefreedomtothejeweller,butI nevermentionedthelossesthatcomes withthis.Bymeltingdownthemetal andtakingoutthestonestobe transformedandalteredtoanewpiece ofjewellery,theoriginalpieceof jewelleryisdestroyed.Thiscausesthe piecetoloseitsartisticvalueifitstill remainsafterithasbeenupcycled. Vintagejewelleryhashistoricvalue evenifit’sanoftenoverlookedpartof history,andbyreusingoldjewellery evenifit’sapiecefromtheeighties we’restilllosingapiecefromthepast. Theolderthepiecethemorehistoric valueislost,likejewelleryfromthe fiftieswhencomparedto2000’s jewellery.Theringfromthefiftieswas madewithmethodsandinadesign thatissodifferentfrommodern jewelleryandwhenthey’reupcycled weloseitsartisticvalueandthis exampleofcraftsmanshipisgone. Jewelleryisnotacorepartofhistory; itisnotdiscussedasmuchinacademia aswarsandrevolutionsbutthatdoes notmeanitislessimportantthan them.

Jewellerystillmattersinhistory.It tellsussomuchabouttheperiodin whichitwasmade,whatsociety valuedandwhattheyscorned,how thiscornerofthefashionindustry displayedeconomicandsocial backgroundswhilealsopointing towardsthefuture.Thisissoclear duringtherenaissancewhenthe reformersturnedtoplain,sober clothingwhichledtotheabandonment ofjewellery.Whichofcoursewas adaptedbyjewellerswhothenbegan toputpreciousstonesintimepieces thathavenowremainedastapleinthe designofwatches.Isthedismantling ofvisualhistoryoneofouronly optionstomakejewellerymore sustainable,can’twetrytodomore?

tothewearer,knowingthatyou’re wearingsomethingthat’sindividualto you.Thishasbenefitsforthe environmentaswellasbeingawinfor thepreservationofoldjewellerystyles. Becauseoftheresellingofvintage jewellerythiswouldavoidthe exploitationofnaturalresourceslike goldandsilverwhichistraditionally usedtomakejewelleryaswellasthe miningofpreciousstoneswhichhas negativeeffectsdespitethe opportunityforemploymentthat comeswithit.Buteventhathasits darkside.Asshownabove,miningfor mineralresourceshasadetrimental impactontheenvironment,butby wearingvintagejewelleryinsteadof buyingnewpiecesyou’renotfeeding themarketandinsteadcontributingto thegrowthofthevintagejewellery market,whichcreatesamore sustainableindustry.

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JEWELLERY-THEEFFORTSOFTIMELESSOBJECTSTOBEMOREMODERN WRITESKELLIEMURPHY

Thisdoesnotsuggestthatweshould burnthePenguinclassicswhichwe holdsodear.Norisitawitch-hunt forourliterarylegends.Itisa reminderthatwehavea responsibilitytoteachnovelsinaway thatcriticisestheirhatefulmessages. Moreimportantly,perhaps,itistime thatwediversifythebookswedeem “essentialreading”.

oftenleftoutofthesyllabus.Instead,we teachouryouththatcharacterslikeJay andHoldenwarrantoursympathy.

WRITESSARAHKENELLY ARTS&LITERATUREEDITOR

Ourreadinglistshelptoreinforcethe incelbeliefthatthesexualneedsof menareapublicconcern.Notonly aretheirfantasiesattheforefrontof theplotbutragecharacterisestheir lust.

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THEFANTASYWORLD OFINCELS

FromTheGreatGatsbytoCatcherin theRye,wearetaughtthataman’s sufferingcouldendifwomenjust“put out”.Unfortunately,thiscritiqueis

Incelfigureshavebeguntoadopt theseclassicstofittheiragenda.The group,alongwiththealt-right, considerthemselvescustodiansofthe literaryclassics.Theylooktowards novelslikeMansfieldParkas

Forthem,herworkrepresentsthe prototypeforanimaginedwhite Europeanparadise.Austen’swork certainlydisplaysprejudicebutit wouldbeadistortiontosuggestthis. Incelshavemuddiedhernarrativeto fittheirpoliticalone.

Involuntarycelibatesor“incels” foundtheiroriginsinthepick-up artistindustry.Althoughmovieslike Hitchseemtoconvinceusthesemen areswoon-worthy,theircareersare rootedinthebeliefthatmenareowed sex.Thishasinspiredagenerationof incelswhoblametheirsexual frustrationsonwomen.

sexuallyassignedtoincelsinasystem ofenforcedmonogamy.Although theseplanssoundoutlandish,many prominentright-wingfigureslike JordanPetersonhaveopenly supportedthestrategy.

Thisteachesusthataggressionisa naturaltraitofmalesexuality.Our literaryworldsrevolvearoundhorny men,relegatingthedesiresofwomen totheshadows.

Fromayoungage,wearetoldto studythe“great”novelsandtolearn fromthevoicesoftheirbrilliant authors.Theissueisthattheyoften spewhatethatisonlycritiquedona surfacelevelintheclassroom.One exampleofthisishowthesexual frustrationofmenisdisguisedas “unrequitedlove”.

Infact,anynovelthatcounteracts thisnormislabelledasfeministin genre.Theirstoriesaredeemedmuch tooradicaltoteachyoungmen.This isironic,consideringwearesoquick toexposeouryoungwomentoplots aboutsexualviolence.Ourteenagers havebecomeaccustomedtoplotsthat degradewomenbecausethecontrary islabelledtaboo.

Althoughtheeffectsofliteratureon theincelmovementaresubtle,it warrantsdiscussion.Thestoriesthat wegrowuplovingteachustosee throughtheeyesofangrymen.It createsaculturewhereweempathise withpeoplelikeMinassianand villainizethewomenwhoupsetthem.

In2014,ElliotRodgermurderedsix innocentpeopleinIslaVista, California.Later,hismotivewouldbe revealedasapunishmentfor“all femalesforthecrimeofdepriving [him]ofsex”.Thiswouldmarkthe beginningoftheso-called“Incel rebellion”,whichwouldinspire deadlyattacksinToronto,Umpqua College,andmostrecently, Plymouth.Now,theriseofincel terrorismisaregularintheheadlines. Yetitseemslikeweareevenfurther fromunderstandingthemovement.

ThedarkcornersofRedditsubpages haverevealedtheirplotwhichis groundedineugenics,racism,andthe genderbinary.Theproposedincel rebellionencouragesandeven celebratesviolenceagainst marginalizedgroups.Theultimate aim?Toreinstatetheirsupposedlost positioninthesocialhierarchy.For thistohappen,womenwouldbe

blueprintsfortheirmythologised society.Theirdeliberatemisreadings usethesebooksasjustificationsfor theirviolence.Theymaintainthatthe promotionofracialandsexualpurity isatthecoreofAusten’snovels.

Thehorrifyingdetailsoftheirgrand planonlybegsthequestion,howdid incelscomeabout?Manyrightfully pointtoourtoxicinternetculturebut therootsofthemovementwere plantedmuchearlierthanthis.Itisin thepagesofourfavouriteclassics thatwecanseethefirstseedsofthe incelmovementbeingsown.The extremismhasstemmedinpartfrom aliterarycanonthatromanticizesthe sexualfrustrationofmen.

strongwillpowerandaproclivityfor testingtheboundaries.Thesetraits arereflectedinalmosteverypieceof workshehascreated.Her comfortabilitywiththe uncomfortableissomethingshe famouslybringstoherart.

RHYTHM0

Abramoviçgarneredattentionfrom criticsevenintheearlieststagesof herartistry.Shelaunchedhercareer withtheRhythmseriesin1973which captivatedaudiences.Shecompleted fiveworkswhichaimedtotestthe mentalandphysicallimitationsofthe humanbody.WitheachnewRhythm completed,abarriertoselfrealisationwouldcollapse.The performanceswouldvaryfrom plungingaknifebetweenherfingers tolayingatthecentreofaflaming woodenstar.ForAbramoviç,there wasnosuchthingasgoingtoofarfor art.Infact,shecameclosetodeathin

THEMOSTSINISTER PERFORMANCEINHISTORY

Itwasnotuntilthefinalact,Rhythm 0,thatAbramoviçhadfoundher limit,leadingtothefinalcurtaincall oftheseries.Itbecameahistorical turningpointforthedefinitionofart. Duringthesix-hourperformance,the artistrelinquishedherbodily autonomytotheaudience.They wouldinteractwithherasthey pleasedandinreturn,shewouldnot object.Seventy-twoitemswere providedfortheiruse,rangingfroma pentoagunloadedwithonebullet. Initially,mostpeoplewererespectful toherandevenplayful.Astime passed,thegroupbecamemore aggressive,rippingherclothesoff andslashingherneckwitharazor blade.Whentheperformanceended, Abramoviçbeganwalkingtowardthe crowdwhoranawayinfear.

WRITESSARAHKENELLY ARTS&LITERATUREEDITOR

Whenwethinkofartwethinkof beauty.Wereminisceaboutgalleries filledwithintricatesculpturesand vibrantwatercolours.Whatdoesn’t cometomindisartthatcould frightenus.

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER202228ARTS&LIT

Howcouldanartworkleaveuswith afeelingsounnervingthatwemust lookaway?Theperformanceartof MarinaAbramoviçhasaimedtodo justthis,instillingfearinher audiencessincethe1970s.Atpresent, herproductionsareenjoyinga peculiarresurgenceon

theartist’soriginalintention,critics havedescribeditasafeministstaple. Theperformancerevealsthe misogynisticpsycheoftheaudience whowerequicktoobjectifyand inflictviolenceonawoman’sbody.

TikTok,inparticularthe performanceRhythm0.Creatorsare hailingitasthegreatestandmost horrifyingperformanceofalltime. ThebizarrenatureofAbramoviç’sart makessensewhencoupledwithher eccentricpersonality.

Thescarstheperformancelefton Abramoviçwerenotonlyphysical butmental.Sheendedthepieceby vowingtoneverputherlifeatriskin thesamewayagain.Itmarkeda transformativemomentinhercareer fordrawingalinethatshewouldnot cross.Nearlyfiftyyearson,theseries continuestohaveadeepeffectonits audiences.Itslegacyhaslastedasone ofthedarkestartworksofalltime.

AlthoughRhythm0cemented Abramoviç’sstatusasthemotherof performanceart,itinvitedcriticism. Theromanticisationofself-harmand masochisminherworkisundeniable. Sheachievedthereceptionshe desiredbutwemustaskourselves,at whatcost?Thebuddingartistsof GenZarebecomingenamouredby herartandsomemayevenseekto imitateit.Itbegsthequestion,how farshouldtheartistgo?

Althoughshebeganherartistic journeythroughpainting,she yearnedforamoreflexiblemedium. Performanceartwastherouteshe wouldsettleon,becomingthemost famouscontributortothegenre.

GrowingupinanOrthodoxreligious householdwasanythingbut acceptingofherunconventionality. Yetitwasthiscontrolling environmentthatallowedherto flourishasanartist.Shedeveloped

twooftheseperformances.She wouldpusheveryphysicaland mentalboundaryuntilshebroke.

TheimpactofRhythm0reverberated throughtheartcommunity.It exposedhowthedarkestdesiresofa groupcanbeunveiledwhentheyare absolvedofguilt.Althoughitwasnot

Greetingstonewandcontinuingstudentsof UniversityCollegeCork,andasincere‘fáilte romhat’tothesportssectionoftheUniversity Express.MynameisMarkCooper,andIamlucky enoughtohavebeengiventhereinsofSports

Iwasluckyenoughtoattendthe officialopeningceremonyofthe ‘KillarneyValleyAthleticsClub Arena’,afacilitywhichinspiteof Covid-19disruption,planningissues, fundingwithdrawalsandloan uncertaintymanagedtocrossthe finishlineofcompletion.The constructionisahigh-fencedallweathersportsfieldsurroundedbya runningtrack,withfloodlights encirclingthespace,offeringsporting accesslateintotheevening.One musttrulyseethefacilityintheflesh toappreciateitsboundlessutilityfor thoseyoungandold,able-bodiedand withdisabilities.

Thesportssectionthisyearwillcovereverything fromfeaturedarticlestoUniversitysportsupdates acrossalldisciplinesandcommentaryonthewider

UNIVERSITYEXPRESS 12TH SEPTEMBER2022 ISSUE1 SPORT 29

Killarneyisatownsteepedin sportinghistory,andupuntilthis pastyear,athletesinthesurrounding areawouldhavetodrive(ormore likelybedrivenbyparentsor volunteers)overtwenty-fiveminutes tothetownofCastleislandtotrain, competeorspectate.Giventhe sportingheritageofKerry,itis incrediblethatatownofitssizehad neverbeenservicedbyapurposebuiltathleticsfacilityupuntilthis year.Thissituationisnotananomaly. AccordingtoAthleticsIreland’s

website,therearejustover35 traditionalrunningtracksinthe RepublicofIreland,withmanyof thoseoutsideofDublinoruniversity campusesbeingsmaller200mtracks (whichitmustbesaidarealso invaluablefacilities,butcruciallynot capableofhostingaccredited competitions).

WELCOME!

WhileGaelicGames,soccerand rugbyoftenstealthelimelight, followingTeamIreland’sreturnfrom theirmostsuccessfulEuropean AthleticsChampionshipsofalltime, onemustquestionwhyathleticsin Irelandappearstohavetakenaback seatintermsofnationalinterest. Howcoulditbethatanationso steepedinsportingprowesshasfailed totrulyperformtoitspotentialona globalathleticsstage?Thequalityof coachingcouldwellbetheanswer.

THEFORGOTTEN MIDDLECHILDOF IRISHSPORT ATHLETICS

Thesetop-classmentorswith incrediblelevelsofexperienceand dedicationmustoftenpaytheirown wayforflights,accommodation,food andthemanyothercostswhichgo intopreparingaworld-classathletein theirchosendiscipline.Inarecent interviewwithPhilHealyinthe SouthernStar,thisissuewastothe foreoftheOlympian’sconcernsfor thecontinuedgrowthand developmentofIrishathletics.In referencetothelargesumspaidto coachesinGaelicGames,Healy statedthatsheandherfellowathletes “arehereonaninternationallevel withvolunteercoacheswhodon’t evengettheirexpensespaid.”.One

Gillick,aWorldChampionship400m finalistin2009,emphasisedthat while“[f]acilitiesarethere,”for athletestocompeteontheworld stage,“thefundamentalthinginthe worldofathleticsiscoaching.”.And thisisanareawherethenationis almostentirelyreliantonvolunteers.

WhenIrishathletesreachthestart lineandlooktotheirleftandtheir right,theyknowtheyareonaplaying fieldwhichisskewedagainstthem. DavidGillick,whowastotheforein muchofRTE’scoverageofthe EuropeanAthleticsChampionships inMunich,spokeoftheundeniable gapbetweenIrelandandits competitorswhenitcomesto coachingandhigh-performance training.

WRITESMARKCOOPER

SPORTSEDITOR

cannotarguethatthissystemis conducivetohighperformancefor ourbrightestathletictalents.Itis quitepossiblethatthecurrent financialsystemofAthleticsIreland iscreatingagulfintoptalent,with theinevitableresultbeingthatofan exodusofqualityinternational standardcoachesfromourIrish teams.

Editorfor2022/2023.

MinisterforEducationNormaFoley cametothepodiumandspokeofthe greatachievementofKillarney Valley’sfundraisingandorganising committeewithreferencetoits “incredibleimportanceforthe communityatlarge”,beforeIrish InternationalathletesSarahLeahy, JordanLeeandCiaraKenneally showcasedtheirathleticprowessin sprintingandhighjump,respectively. Welloveronehundredchildrenstood inaweofthesefineathletes demonstratingtheirincredible strength,speed,powerandprecision, manyofwhomI’msuredreamof followinginthetrio’sfootstepsonthe globalstage.Itwasinwitnessingthe joyandenthusiasmofthemany youngathletesinattendanceatthe eventthatonebegantowonderwhy trackandfield,andathleticsin general,havegenerallytakenaback seatinIrishsportinglife.

WhileinGaelicGames,rugbyand soccer,evenlocalamateurteams outsideofacounty’stopdivisionswill paymanagers,coachesandstrength andconditioningexpertsvast expensesinreturnfortheirservices. Thisisnotsowhenitcomestothe majorityofcoachesandtrainers withintheworldofathletics.Many athletescompetingatEuropeanand WorldChampionships,andeventhe OlympicGames,arecoachedby volunteers.

worldofsportinIrelandandbeyond.Inclusivity willbetotheforeofallsportsreportingthisyear, andassuchIthinkitisfittingthatwebegintheyear withafocusonathletics,abranchofIrishsporting lifewhichoftenfliesundertheradar.

FeidhlimKelly,coachofanumberof internationaltrackandfieldathletes includingEuropeanbronzemedallist MarkEnglish,recentlyrevealedthat hisownexpensesarebarelycovered bytheminimalfeeshecharges athletesinordertokeephishead abovewater.Ahighlyqualifiedand internationallyaccreditedcoachin anyothersportwouldsurelynothave toresorttomovingbackhomewith theirfathertoallowhimtosupport hisathletesincompetitionsacrossthe globe.

ThirteenHighPerformanceCoaches acrossNewZealandarepaidinthe regionof60to100,000dollarsayear tocoachtopathletesinthecountry,

Dennehy’sfrustrationlaynotwith Chambers’promotionofthe achievementsoftheTeamIrelandper se,butwiththehypocrisyofsuch celebrationinthefaceofglaring fundingissuesintheworldofIrish athletics,inparticularwhenitcomes tocoaches.

IrelandwithPaulMacnamara,head ofhighperformanceinSportIreland statingthattheorganisation“willbe lookingtocontractanumberof coacheswhoworkwithourleading athletestowardsParis2024andLA 2028.”.

CoacheslikeKilgallonareavitalcog inanathleticmachine,andifwetruly wishtoseehighachieversprosperin thegreensingletofIreland,changein howwesupportthosewhosupport ourathletesmustcomefast.

ChambersintheIrishIndependent, CathalDennehytookumbragewith thepolitician’sliberaluseofsocial mediatocelebratethesuccessof athletessuchasCiaraMageean, IsraelOlatundeandRhasidat Adelekeattheaforementioned EuropeanChampionshipsin Munich.

withaviewtowardsextractingthe highestperformancepossiblefrom theirteams.Thismodellookslikelyto befollowedby

Ultimately,thegreathopeforIrish athleticscoacheshascomewiththe successandexposurebroughtabout bycoverageofthisyear’sEuropean AthleticsChampionships.

ofIrishAthletics,butthiscannotbe achievedwithoutasustainableand significantinvestmentinIrish coachingtalent.

Itispromisingtoseeakeypriority fortheorganisationfocusedonthe supportofcoachesofathletesacross alldisciplines,includingelitelevel internationals.However,aswith manygovernmentpolicies,this strategicplanwillbeallbarkbutno bitewithoutadequatefunding.Inan openlettertoMinsterforSportJack

ATHLETICS-THEFORGOTTENMIDDLECHILDOFIRISHSPORT WRITESMARKCOOPER

Theletterlookedatthelevelof fundingavailableinNewZealandin comparisontoourownsimilarly sizedandpopulatednation,andthe structureswhichareinplaceinelite sport.

ThefirstpillarinIreland’sStrategic DevelopmentPlanfortheyears 2021-2028wasentitled“Coaching”, withAthleticsIrelandseekingto “furtherdevelopcoachingand technicaleducationacrossallofour sport”.

Ahighlyqualifiedandinternationally accreditedcoachinanyothersport wouldsurelynothavetoresortto movingbackhomewiththeirfather toallowhimtosupporthisathletesin competitionsacrosstheglobe.

WiththeabsenceofGaelicGames activity,fullcoveragecouldbe offeredtothemassesforthefirst time,andtheresponsewas undeniablypositive.Theappetite mostcertainlyexistsforthe continuedgrowthanddevelopment

ThelettertookOlatunde’scoach DanielKilgallonasanexample,with referenceto“unsustainable”systems whicharecurrentlyinplaceto supportsuchmentors.

Ourathleteshavethebestoffacilities andindividualfunding,butwithout elitecoacheswhocancommittheir timeandknowledge,theywillalways beonestepbehindbeforethestarter pistolisevenfired.

FeidhlimKelly,coachofanumberof internationaltrackandfieldathletes includingEuropeanbronzemedallist MarkEnglish,recentlyrevealedthat hisownexpensesarebarelycovered bytheminimalfeeshecharges athletesinordertokeephishead abovewater.

12UNIVERSITYEXPRESS TH ISSUE1SEPTEMBER202230SPORT

The Mardyke Arena UCC operates two cardio gyms. The

The Mardyke Arena UCC Climbing Wall offers an exciting challenge for complete beginners through to

the arena clinic is a unique clinic, incorporating physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and specialist rehabilitation. We strive to provide excellence in terms of expertise and equipment to all clients, regardless of ability. A discounted student rate is available. You can book online at www. thearenaclinic.ie or by phone at (021) 490 4760.

POOLSWIMMING

Our relaxation area includes a sauna, steam room and heated seats. It is an ideal location to relax and unwind.

All students must have a valid UCC Student card to access the Mardyke Arena UCC

COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES AT THE MARDYKE ARENA UCC!

The Mardyke Arena UCC are delighted to welcome you and all your fellow students back for Semester 1 of the new academic year. A very special welcome to all the incoming fresher’s, we wish you every success on your visits to us here at the Mardyke Arena UCC.

RED GYM

• Sauna & Steam Room

instructors will guide you in using all equipment, plus give coaching tips on how to improve your climbing –

ISO 45001 CERTIFICATION EUROPE

of cardio equipment and selection of both machine weights & dumbbells.

GYMS

CLIMBING WALL

THE ARENA CLINIC

• Children’s Swimming Pool

years. To book a session on the wall, contact Reception on (021) 490 4751 to check availability

There are two state of the art Squash courts at the Arena. Playing squash is a fun way to develop key abilities such as (021)contactpatience.perseverance,concentration,andTobookReceptionon4904751.

SQUASH COURTS

The Mardyke Arena UCC offers the following facilities within the Swimming Pool:

OUR FACILITIES

BLUE & GREEN GYMS

a vast array of equipment including squat racks, benches, dumbbells, and cable machines. To use our Red Gym, you must pre-book via the Mardyke Arena UCC App.

• 25 meter Swimming Pool

Members & Patrons should check swimming pool timetables on our website for both pools, as availability might be limited due to pool activities.

RELAXATION AREA

Our free weights (Red Gym) is located on the

• All new users will be automatically defaulted as ‘Non Member’ and you will only be able to

• Open the Mardyke Arena UCC app

• necessary, to ‘Student Member’.

NoPolicyShow ISO 45001 CERTIFICATION EUROPE

note: The Swimming

REGISTERING FOR THE MARDYKE ARENA UCC APP Should you have any queries please email: mardykecheckin@ucc.ie

• Select your class/facilitypreferredtimeslot

• Enter your UCC Student Email Address, preferred password and personal details, so we can verify your account.

• 3rd offence (9 strikes) – No Arena Access for 6 weeks

• 1st offence (3 strikes) – No Arena Access for 2 weeks

• Once your status is changed you will be able to book a Class, Course or Red Gym time slot.

• 2nd offence (6 strikes) – No Arena Access for 4 weeks

and both the Green & Blue Gyms operate as walk in’s only. Our Red Gym, Fitness Classes & Courses must be pre booked via our Mardyke Arena UCC App. APP

• Click ‘Book’

• Select Classes / Facilities or Courses depending on what you are looking to book

• Read & accept the terms conditionsand

MAKING YOUR BOOKING NO SHOW POLICY – 3 STRIKE PROCESS

Student Member

• Click ‘Book’

Please Pool REGISTRATION & BOOKING PROCESS &

• Download the Mardyke Arena UCC app from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

• Open the app and Click ‘Register’.

• Please read our terms and conditions and accept.

HOW DO I USE THE MARDYKE ARENA APP?

DOWNLOADING

If you cannot attend a booking please cancel at least 1 hour in advance via the Mardyke Arena UCC App or Online. Failure to attend or cancel a booked session will result in a strike. The accumulation of 3 strikes will mean that you cannot book a facility here at the Arena for a 2 week period for the initial offence. You will receive an email notifying you that you have received 3 strikes and the date you will be able to book facilities again.

Visit www.mardykearena.com to view our timetable or book via the Mardyke Arena UCC App. FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE LOST / STOLEN CARDS ABUSE OF CARDS ISO 45001 CERTIFICATION EUROPE To cancel via the APP; • Open the Mardyke Arena UCC App • Click ‘Bookings’ at the bottom of the screen • Click the activity you wish to cancel • Click ‘Cancel’ To cancel via the Website; • Log into your account via www.mardykearena.com •• Click ‘Bookings’ • Click the activity you wish to cancel • Click ‘Cancel’ CANCELLING A BOOKING If you cannot attend a booking and to avoid a strike being applied to your booking privilege, please follow the below at least 1 hour in advance of the booking:

ASKED QUESTIONS

Wednesday Apply online at www.mardykearena.com or Freephone 1800 490 475 for more information WE ARE HIRING JOINTEAM!OUR

Yes, you may park in the Arena while you are using our indoor facilities only - maximum 3 hours. Members will be asked to present their Student card to the attendant on duty on each visit to the Arena and you will display a valid parking ticket on your dashboard. Any abuse of this will result in your parking privilege being withdrawn.

Members are asked to please use the lockers provided at the Arena. The Mardyke Arena UCC will not accept liability for any damage or loss to personal property from the changing rooms or lockers. Lockers may not be used overnight. Members

Can I bring a bag into the gym?

Once you have a valid UCC Student Card you can use the Mardyke Arena UCC facilities. Our Swimming Pool and both our Green & Blue Gyms operate as walk-ins only. If you would like to use our Red Gym or attend a Fitness Class, you must download and register for the Mardyke Arena UCC App with your UCC Student email or alternatively register online at www. mardykearena.com Once registered, the Mardyke Arena UCC will verify your membership, which will then allow you to book a timeslot.

We ask all members to wipe down equipment before and after use. When wiping down equipment, members should spray onto the paper towel and then wipe the equipment. Please do not spray directly onto the equipment.

ISO 45001 CERTIFICATION EUROPE

Yes, we require all members to cancel their time slot or class, as a courtesy to other members, well in advance of your booked time but no later than 1 hour. Failure to do so will lead to a ‘Strike’ being added to your account. The accumulation of 3 strikes will mean that you cannot book a facility here at the arena for a 2 week period for the initial offence. 2nd offence – 4 weeks and 3rd offence – 6 weeks.

Can I park in the Mardyke Arena UCC?

• Free Exercise and Fitness classes (subject to availability)

Do I need to bring a towel?

members own risk.

FREQUENTLY

I am a new UCC Student or I am a returning UCC Student, what do I have to do to use the Mardyke Arena UCC?

What do I need to do in the gym?

T: 021 4904751 | E: mardykearena@ucc.ie | W: www.mardykearena.ie Mardyke Arena, Mardyke Walk, Western Road, Cork

Note:

Keep up to date with all information through our website www.mardykearena.com. Follow us on our social media channels.

Opening Hours

Sunday:

• Unlimited use of the Swimming Pool, Sauna and Steam Rooms

Note: Bank holidays operate as Sunday hours. The Swimming Pool closes at 21:30 Monday -

No, the booking can only be availed of by the person who books it.

Should I cancel if I am not turning-up?

• Free access to Indoor Climbing Wall & Squash Courts

Saturday:

Yes, all members must bring a towel for personal use, do not wipe down equipment with your personal towel.

Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 22:30 09:00 - 19:00 10:00 - 19:00

Can I pass my booking to a friend, if I cannot attend a booking?

What does membership of the Mardyke Arena UCC offer to UCC students?

• Unlimited use of the Fitness Gyms