University Volume 25 | Issue 11 | Tuesday 15th March 2022
Express
UCCExpress.ie
UCC STARS Awards 2022 Wrapped
ORLA LEAHY News Editor
1 off with an opening address by Mary O’Donnell, current Societies President, The UCC Societies’ Executive hosts the STARS Awards Ceremony at 8:30. Also present to host the evening were members of this year’s Socs Exec. on an annual basis to acknowledge the outstanding drive, commitment The full Exec. this year includes Mary O’Donnell, President, Mair and work ethic of UCC students from all disciplines within UCC Kelly, Vice-President, PR and Media, Philip Krause, Finance and Societies. UCC is home to over 100 societies, from charitable societies, Sponsorship, Jack Murray, Secretary and Awards, Saoirse Trought, to linguistic societies, to everything imaginable between. There is Events and Sustainability, Stephen O’Riordan, Training and something for every student, and a full list of societies, including Accessibility, Barry Sheerin, Development Engagement & New contact details for each, may be found via the UCC Societies’ website. Societies, and Maeve Richardson, the Students’ Union Representative. This year’s STARS Awards, recognising student endeavours from the past The evening included refreshments and live entertainment, with a DJ academic year, took place on Tuesday, March 8th in the Cork International taking to the stage after the Awards. The evening functioned as an Airport Hotel. The Societies Executive (Socs Exec.) arranged for transport for excellent opportunity to both showcase and celebrate the incredible all attendees, to and from the Western Gateway Building. Societies entering the achievements of UCC Societies, and of course, the inspirational Awards submitted their applications by midnight, March 2nd. The Awards kicked individuals spearheading positive development in their respective societies.
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EDITORIAL
Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief – Imasha Costa (Editor@UCCExpress.ie) News Editor – Orla Leahy (News@UCCExpress.ie) Designer – Aoife E Osborne (Design@UCCExpress.ie)
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Welcome back to Issue 11,
Features Editor – Maeve O’Keeffe (Features@UCCExpress.ie) Sports Editor – Sam Curtin (Sport@UCCExpress.ie) Opinion Editor – Claudia Zedda (Opinion@UCCExpress.ie) Eagarthóir Gaeilge – Caitríona O’Connell (Gaeilge@UCCExpress.ie) Online Editor – Edel Lonergan (Online@UCCExpress.ie) Marketing Executive – Imasha Costa (Marketing@UCCExpress.ie) Photographers – Méabh Lonergan; Jack Murphy (Photographers@uccexpress.ie)
This issue is dedicated to Women’s History Month, and features several articles from different writers I want to pay my respects to all the women and woman-presenting people that have fought for our rights, since the Civil Rights Movements, since the suffrage movement and are still fighting for our rights. Let us not forget the names that helped us become more inclusive in our approach to gender, race, and class. Names like, Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis. This Women’s History Month, let us not forget the people that have fought so hard to make our space a better one. We still have a long way to go, but I hope that we are able to reflect on our feminism as well, and make sure that it is an intersectional one. This one is for everyone.
Until our next issue, Love and Solidarity,
Imasha Costa Editor-In-Chief
editor@uccexpress.ie
Byline Editor – Jack Coleman (Byline@UCCExpress.ie) (Deputy Editor) Food & Health – Nathan Carey (Food@UCCExpress.ie) Arts & Literature Editor – Cian Pierce (Arts@UCCExpress.ie) Gaming Editor – Chloe Barrett (Gaming @UCCExpress.ie) Music Editor – Florrie McCarthy (Music@UCCExpress) Fashion Editor – Claire Watson (fashion@uccexpress.ie) Film & Television Editor – Cormac McCarthy (Screen@UCCExpress.ie) Sexpress Editor – Emily Osborn (Sexpress@uccexpress.ie) Deputy News – Ciara Browne (Deputynews@uccexpress.ie) Deputy Features Editor - Sarah O’Mahony (DeputyFeatures@uccexpress.ie) Deputy Sports - Atakan Uzun (deputysports@uccexpressie) Staff Writer: Billy O’Connor
STUDENT EMPOWERMENT AT ITS FINEST Welcome to issue 11 dear readers, our second last issue for this academic year! In news, I cover the STARS Awards, and Green Week, both which happened last week. Ciara interviews Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, Lead Investigator in UCC’s research team at the INFANT Research Centre, about the recent funding his team secured to commercialise a UCC designed medical device to detect brain injuries in newborns. I want to take this editorial to congratulate all of the students who, rather than be deterred by the pandemic, have continued to lead and effect lasting positive change within our university and beyond. It was a pleasure to attend the STARS Awards last week, which ultimately showcased and rewarded students for their impactful endeavours with UCC Societies this past year. With well over 1000 students involved in societies, and over 100 societies, it was impossible for every initiative, event, and individual to achieve personal recognition. The talent within the societies is beyond comprehension, and a huge congratulations to all of the awardees for their achievements, but also to every student empowering positive change across campus. During my time to date with the Express, I have had the honour of covering a vast variety of studentempowered initiatives. From SHAG Week at the start of semester one, to Green Week, to every event in between, I have loved interacting with students from all disciplines. It has been incredible to see students unite and create a positive impact on every aspect of our community. As we continue to transition into life akin to how it was before the pandemic, I hope that student empowerment continues to flourish. I look forward to seeing where UCC’s student body take us. Happy reading Issue 11!
Orla Leahy News Editor
news@uccexpress.ie
Issue 11| tuesday 15tH march 2022 | University Express
NEWS
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UCC Green Week 2022
Cover Story Continued The complete list of winners is as follows: Best Social Society: Harry Potter Best Political & Activism Society: Fáilte Refugees
ORLA LEAHY News Editor
Best Cultural & Debating Society: An Chuallacht Best SEFS Society: WiSTEM Best M&H Society: Emergency Care Best B&L Society: Law Best Charitable & Religious Society: Surgeon Noonan Best Creative Society: Music Best Social Event: NetSoc Best Political & Activism Event: GovPol Best Cultural & Debating Event: Korean Best SEFS Event: WiSTEM Best M&H Event: Surgical Best Charitable/Religious Event: Surgeon Noonan Best Creative Event: Music Best Collab: Engineers Without Borders & Fáilte Refugees Best Financial Management: Harry Potter Best Mental Health Promotion: Fáilte Refugees Best Publicity Campaign: Translational Medicine Best Community Engagement: Friends of MSF Best Online Event: Economics Society Best Green Initiative: UCC Law Society Best Social Media Presence: Friends of MSF Best Innovation: Translational Medicine Best Poster: UCC Scribble Soc, and UCC Harry Potter Best Promo Video: UCC Comedy Best Photo: UCC Fáilte Refugees Societies Choice: Fáilte Refugees & Music STAR Individual Awardees: Lena Dablouk, Natasha Sutton, Mark Vesey, Matthew Quill, Ethan Hussey, Rebecca Batt, Méabh Lonergan, Pia Roycroft, Aidan Molloy, Cliodhna O’Reardon Bene Merenti Awardees: Rachel Deasy, Jessie Perez, Colm Clery, Amano Miura, Johnny Collins, Bailey Lane, Jennifer McCarthy The final categories of awardees will be announced at the upcoming Clubs & Socs Ball, happening Thursday, March 24th, in the Rochestown Park Hotel. Amongst these categories are, Best Intervarsity, Most Improved Society, Best New Society, and Best Society. Additionally, the Best Fresher shall be announced. The nominees are; Caia McIlreavy; Eoin O’Brien; Hazel Young; Roxanne Dcosta; Sarah Lane. The remaining full tickets may be purchased during a flash sale this week, stay tuned ORLA LEAHY .
Image Credits: Méabh Lonergan’s Camera
Image Credits: Aleesha O’Sullivan UCC Green Week 2022 ran last week, from March 7th to 11th inclusive. Maeve Richardson, Community & Engagement Officer of the Students’ Union (SU), has described Green Week as a “week of activism, initiatives, and campaigning by UCC students and staff to create a better world.” The week kicked off with a sign launch on Monday morning at 10:30am. UCC Enactus’ Timothy McGrath created a sign, spelling out “UCC”, by upcycling plastic bottles. The sign was situated outside the Hub, and functioned to raise striking, visible awareness of Green Week and the importance of taking climate action. Ultimately, UCC has witnessed huge reductions in waste, reducing 56% of its waste from 2019-2022. The sign also highlighted how far UCC has come with regards to waste management, but how much more is still to be achieved. Following this, the President’s Picnic took place in the ORB Garden, a round table with the current President of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran, looking at what green initiatives can be introduced to UCC to improve the university’s sustainability. Monday concluded with the “No Plastic Period Workshop.” The UCC Law Society, in conjunction with the UCC Feminist Society, launched the period poverty campaign in UCC earlier this year, availing of Riley period products. Riley, originally founded by UCC students, aims to eliminate period plastic and to end period poverty. UCC Green Campus and the SU have supported the initiative to roll out permanent free, sustainable period products across campus since, following the success of last semester’s programme. Other significant events over the course of the week included the Fashion Fiesta at the Honan Plaza Marquee, to promote second-hand clothes purchases, in favour of more sustainable fashion. Promoting more sustainable eating was the Community Market on Tuesday, outside the Hub from 103pm, and an Instagram live with the UCC Vegan Society at 7pm on Friday. Competitions over the course of the week included the opportunity for students to win a refurbed MacBook Pro, by following a link on the SU socials to plant a tree with refurbed. Students also had the opportunity to post a photo of themselves on Instagram wearing second-hand clothes, tagging Green Campus, to enter a competition for a refurbished Samsung phone. From the 8th-13th of March, the Glucksman Gallery was home to an Interactive Wall of Climate Action in the Foyer Exhibition Space. On Wednesday, in order to raise awareness about the significance of positive action for biodiversity, head gardener of UCC’s gardens, Jack Murphy, guided an urban trail walking tour, in collaboration with artist Cassandra Eustace. Speaking in a press release on the week, UCCSU Environmental and Sustainability Officer, Alicia O’Sullivan, stated, “UCC is an institution that not only actively works in the green space, but we are also aware that we have a long way to go too. This week is about bringing environmentalism and sustainability to the forefront of UCC students’ and staffs’ minds. “ Professor John O’Halloran remarked, “UCC’s Green Campus programme is ‘student-led, research-informed and practice-focused’...UCC has led the way in sustainability in Higher Education and we pledge to continue to be open, ambitious and evidence-based in delivering our climate action and sustainability programme.”
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NEWS UCC Designed Device Secures Enterprise Ireland Funding
Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
CARA BROWNE Deputy News Editor
This Article includes insights and personal responses from Dr. funded research has the potential to result in the commercialization of new innovations. This is by way of new company creation Mark O’Sullivan - Lead Investigator. to help Ireland grow and scale, and compete in international A research team led by University College Cork’s (UCC) Dr. markets. License of that technology to companies in Ireland Mark O’Sullivan in the INFANT Research Centre (Irish Centre would further improve the competitiveness of the Irish industry. for Maternal and Child Health) has been awarded funding by Enterprise Ireland to commercialise a medical device that The programme is also a fantastic opportunity for researchers, like could modify how clinicians are able to identify newborn Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, to launch their device into the medical world. brain injuries. To date, records show that brain injuries in Dr. O’Sullivan said that it offers “fantastic support to researchers newborns are accountable for 23% of all infant deaths and like me, who are very interested in entrepreneurship and the over one million cases of permanent disability each year. commercial potential of their research. The funding provides The Neurobell project being led by Dr. Mark O’Sullivan is additional support of mentorship, access to business partners, and currently supported by Enterprise Ireland. Over the past decade, networking events to help build and grow as an entrepreneur.” the Enterprise Ireland Commercialism Fund Programme has The INFANT Research Centre is a research based centre at UCC been supporting third level researchers through both financial that focuses entirely on pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. and soft support, to translate their research into innovative “The Centre has a multi-disciplinary team with personnel and commercially viable products, services, and companies. across clinic, science, computer science, and engineering Operating throughout the Higher Education Institutions and non- domains,” stated Dr. O’Sullivan. Over the early stages of Dr. profit Research Performing Organisations in Ireland, this state O’Sullivan’s research, he presented new research ideas and
Image Credits: Irish Examiner
Issue 11| tuesday 15tH march 2022 | University Express
expertise and know-how developed during that time as a Postdoctoral Researcher has certainly helped [his] understanding of the different technologies and the wider maternity field.” Dr. O’Sullivan said that he was drawn to the specific area of engineering to begin with, which was algorithm and circuit design for battery-powered and wireless technology. O’Sullivan said that “taking something from idea through to real-world use is what led [him] to pursue engineering in college.” During O’Sullivan’s masters degree, he spent six months developing a smart hearing aid, and it is from this development he realised that he wanted to pursue a PhD in the biomedical electronic field. The INFANT Research Centre and School of Engineering in UCC had a PhD position available at the time, on a project for newborn brain waves (EEG) analysis, and Dr. O’Sullivan said that he was “fortunate” for this. Dr. O’Sullivan stated how there is a significant gap in current clinical practice and saw how this gap could be filled with the possibility of new emerging technologies. After visiting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dr. O’Sullivan said it was “surreal and (he) became very attached to developing new Ireland Student Entrepreneur of the Year,” and subsequently led to getting research funding from Enterprise Ireland. technologies for newborns and the NICU from that experience.”
NEWS
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Image Credits: Twitter
Having become interested in entrepreneurship during his PhD research, Dr. O’Sullivan engaged with the support available through UCC innovation. The first enrollment carried out by Dr. O’Sullivan was in the UCCGateway SPRINT Programme. The UCCGateway SPRINT programme helps UCC researchers to, “develop an understanding of the basic concepts of start-ups and University spin-outs, such as business and funding strategies, equity, IP, and pitching,” and after, Dr. O’Sullivan successfully applied to the IGNITE Graduate Business Programme.
The IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Programme is a 12-month programme, hosted at UCC, that helps founders to develop new start-ups that have potential for positive economic, social and environmental impact. It is a comprehensive incubation programme for founders working full time on their start-up. It includes several essential workshops, mentoring, funding and work spaces. Since 2011, IGNITE has supported hundreds of founders from diverse backgrounds working on a range of start-up ideas. IGNITE start-ups have achieved business success and their founders have received international recognition, awards and accolades. Dr. Mark O’Sullivan was open in saying that “these supports were a key part to the career path [he has] now pursued and led to winning awards such as UCC Entrepreneur of the Year and Enterprise
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BYSTANDER FEATURES
Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
Bystander Intervention in the Workplace MAEVE O’KEEFFE Features Editor
UCC’s Bystander Intervention Programme is, by nature, focused on changing attitudes and behaviours here on campus, and empowering bystanders and witnesses of inappropriate actions to speak out and intervene when safe to do so. As the programme grows, however, there has been an increased appetite for adaptations of the programme for other contexts. One such context in which there is a pertinent need to introduce bystander intervention training is in the workplace. Statistics from the UK indicate that an astonishing 60% of women have had a male colleague behave in an inappropriate manner towards them, and one in eight women have left a job due to sexual harassment. These figures may seem unbelievable, but in reality, they may underestimate the extent of the issue. Many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace may feel reluctant to report due to fears of jeopardising their career, being perceived as difficult, and worries that there is insufficient proof of the harassment to be believed. Power imbalances and colleague dynamics can act as further deterrents from reporting. In many cases, the individual who has been subjected to harassment may not even know who to approach regarding an instance of misconduct in the workplace, and so choose to put up with the situation as opposed to speak out. Not all workplaces have HR departments, and if the allegation is being made against someone who is more senior to you in the workplace, making a report can feel daunting. It may seem like the risk of being branded as troublesome or untruthful, or losing one’s job outweigh any potential benefits to making a formal complaint. The MeToo movement may have opened our eyes to sexual harassment in Hollywood, but it would be naïve to say that this type of behaviour is limited to the movie industry. It is an unfortunate reality that discrimination and outdated attitudes still manifest in many modern workplaces. Whether it’s a slimy customer who calls you a “good girl,” and places a hand on your hip as you serve his table, a hospital patient saying you’re not that bad for a black nurse, an interviewer asking you if you plan on getting pregnant any time soon, a sleazy wink, leering, and sexual comments from a colleague in the hallways, or the implicit expectation that the women will put on the kettle on for tea and wash up in the staff room at breaktime, there a multitude of ways in which people experience occupational harassment and prejudice. It can come from clients, customers, and colleagues, all the way up to management. Individually, these behaviours might seem insignificant, and not worth reporting, but as Laura Bates explains in her book Everyday Sexism, “The more such incidents crop up […], the more they lubricate the wheels of a system that comfortable maintains the […] hierarchical status quo,” making it even more challenging for victims to speak out. This was evident as horseracing was recently faced with scandal when Bryony Frost accused fellow jockey Robbie Dunne of intimidation and bullying. Dunne was ultimately found guilty of bullying by the British Horseracing Authority, and was subsequently banned from horseracing for 18 months, with three months suspended. One has to question how his inappropriate conduct in the weighing room went unchallenged for so long, with Frost saying she felt isolated after making her allegations. Trainer and former jockey Gay Kelleway spoke to Sky News at the time, commending Frost’s bravery in speaking out against a “rancid” weighing room culture that female jockeys were just expected to accept for years. Workplace harassment can occur in secluded offices or bustling bars, with no witnesses at all, or a host of bystanders who maintain that it’s all just a bit of craic, or part and parcel of the working environment. In this instance, the BHA report into the allegations (which was leaked to the Sunday Times) concluded that there was a cultural issue within weighing rooms, where “threatening behaviour is condoned and not reported.”
This case is reflective of the potential benefits of introducing a bystander intervention approach in workplaces. Rather than alienating potential victims and potential perpetrators, bystander intervention aims to leverage all members of the community to set the tone for what is perceived as acceptable and unacceptable within that group. It can prompt a cultural change towards more respectful and equal working environments by speaking to everyone in their capacity to speak out when someone in the workplace acts inappropriately. Alone, speaking out against harassment is intimidating, but when we know that there are supportive colleagues who are also opposed to misconduct, taking a stand becomes a lot easier. Given how frequently concerns about workplace harassment are dismissed and undermined (“Political correctness is gone mad, you can’t say anything anymore, it’s harmless!”), it’s important to know that making an intervention might not even require making a formal complaint. The bystander intervention approach does not seek to ruin the capacity to have a harmless joke among work friends, but rather to highlight when the “banter” is actually offensive, and to empower people to articulate why it is inappropriate. What someone might understand as a hilarious skit might actually contribute to cultures of discrimination, endorse harassing behaviours for perpetrators, and make many individuals feel uncomfortable. Again, an intervention need not necessarily involve a dramatic confrontation over the photocopier. Even just jokingly asking a colleague, “Did you really just say that? Are we in the 1960s or something?” can make them think twice about making an offensive joke again. Even if it feels uncomfortable to intervene in such a way in the moment, we can all be attentive to our co-workers, and check in on them after an incident, showing them support and understanding.
FEATURES
Issue 11| tuesday 15tH march 2022 | University Express
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A Love Letter to UCC Societies AOIFE E OSBORNE Newspaper Editor
Cast your mind back, if you can, to September 2018. It’s Trump’s second year in office, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been married since May and the term ‘coronavirus’ is reserved exclusively for epidemiologists and zoologists. It’s also the year that a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Aoife Osborne starts in UCC. Armed with her Norton Anthology of English, new blue hair and an alarming amount of naivety, she skips off into this new chapter of her life. And then the universe puts out a metaphorical banana peel and she falls flat on her face, Lizzy Maguire-style. I’d grown up through primary school being told ‘once you start secondary school, everything will get better.’ Lies. Then I made it to fifth year and was promised college would be the making of me. After a gap year in which I worked, interned and enjoyed my space, I was ready to start this miraculous transition into happiness and normality. I was ready to turn into this beautiful butterfly emerging from a cocoon – instead, I felt more like the caterpillar at the end of A Bug’s Life with his teeny wings, struggling to get his weight off the ground. I found it difficult to make friends, I struggled with notetaking in classes and the different formats of lectures and tutorials were completely foreign to me. I’d set myself up for an ‘after’ picture and instead, here I was stuck in the ‘before.’ One evening, I found myself bored on campus, waiting for a lift. And then, I saw an Instagram post from the Feminist Society advertising their AGM. I didn’t know what a society actually did, I didn’t know what AGM meant but inexplicably, I found myself walking toward the Boole Basement for the meeting. I got there about twenty minutes early, and saw someone popping up a roller banner for the society. They saw me, said hello with a smile and introduced themselves as Monica, the Chairperson. Now, keeping in mind that I still had no idea what was going on, I was a little overwhelmed and didn’t really know how to interact. I think I may have said my name, and that I studied English. Sheepishly, I asked what was FemSoc, and what did it actually mean. It seems now like a stupid question to me, but nonetheless Monica answered comprehensively and with enthusiasm. ‘We run different events and things for students relating to feminism – panel discussions, we have a conference, we do The Vagina Monologues every February. But tonight’s actually our AGM, you could run for a position on our committee if you’re interested?’ I responded that it sounded great but that I was only in First Year – almost the same way I turn down a cigarette by saying ‘sorry, I don’t smoke’ with sort of a thanks-but-no-thanks connotation. Undeterred, Monica shrugged ‘you could always run for First Year Rep, you’d be able to let us know what’s going on in first year circles and tell us what you think would work.’ And I know it sounds really cheesy to say that something sparked inside me but I don’t know how else to put it. I found myself intrigued, and excited and inexplicably, when the call-out for First Year Rep came, I ran for the position and was elected. Over the next three years, I found myself working with so many different societies; by the start of this year, I had sat on four different committees across three societies, worked in a collaborative capacity with many others, curated and ran events, planned a whole intervarsity conference, directed a play and made so many friends. By the time I started into my Final Year last September, societies were just a part of my college life. And then, the universe decided to throw another spanner in the works. I suddenly found myself without my job, and didn’t know what to do. Anyone who knows me knows that my work for me has never been ‘just a job’ but an escape. I guess the technical term would be ‘career bitch’ or ‘workaholic’ but if that’s the label someone wants to put on me, I wear it with pride. All I knew was that I felt like a part of me was missing again. And then, as if by fate, another post turned up in my Instagram feed, focusing on the next FemSoc AGM. I found myself thinking back to my time with the society, and how happy it made me. I thought about how best I could contribute, skills I had that would be useful and skills I could develop through the society again. And in the back of my head, I thought about how this would be my last year in UCC – so if not now, when? Feeling the nagging little voice in my head telling me that I would be sorry if I didn’t at least try, I decided to try and run for a position. I also ran for a
position with the Harry Potter Society, figuring that if I didn’t get one, I could fall back on the other. And as the universe clearly likes to play with me, it gave me a position on both. I thought about turning one down, and focusing on just one position. When it came to it, I couldn’t do it. So here I sit, writing this little love letter, a proud committee member of three UCC societies. UCC Societies have helped me find myself not once, but twice now. Through them, I have met and worked with some of the most incredible people; many of whom I am proud and honoured to call my friends. I am proud of the things I have learned, done and achieved through UCC Societies. Going into this semester, I’m sad that it’s the last chance I have to make my mark with my little adoptive families but I am so unbelievably excited for everything that we have coming. When I turn down nights out with my friends in favour of weekly meetings or events, there’s usually at least one remark along the lines of ‘but…it’s just society work, right?’ No, it’s not ‘just’ society work and anyone I know who is involved in societies will tell you the same thing. I can’t explain it because rationally, I understand that this every society by definition is a group of people bound together by a shared interest or passion. There’s no monetary gain to societies for the committee members. Unfortunately, the experience isn’t always recognised professionally and sometimes, you can put hours of work into an event only to have a poor turnout. We’re on campus first thing at morning, we stick around until late in the evening once our events finish. We put up roller banners in freezing cold weather, and then we rush to take them down when it starts raining or the wind gets heavy. We carry boilers and speakers and equipment from one building to the next, only to realise we’ve left the tea and coffee at home so we rush to buy some before our event starts. It is hard, and stressful, and tiring. But it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes, I feel like nobody really expects anything from UCC Society events, because they’re run by students. In my time at societies, I have seen drama and theatre productions ran on a budget of €20. I’ve seen people who’ve never met before work together to make sure an event happens. I’ve seen people give their absolute all purely in the name of wanting to make something wonderful for their fellow students, and then I’ve seen those students laugh and enjoy themselves and relax. If you’ve read this article as a society person and even a little twinge of solidarity, then thank you. If you haven’t heard it lately, you are a freaking hero for everything you do and you are an integral part of the UCC community. If you’ve read this and you’ve ever been to a society event, then thank you. You have no idea how every committee member feels when they see someone coming to an event they’ve put together and how grateful they are to see you, so I’m telling you now. And if you’ve ever been curious about why so many of us are so passionate about society work, then I hope this little article has gone some way to answering your question. I also encourage you to seriously think about getting involved with societies – find an event to go to, a committee to join, something to do. You
may
just
end
up
finding
a
whole
lot
more.
I
did.
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BYSTANDER FEATURES
Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
In Conversation with the Neurodiversity Society SARAH O’MAHONY Deputy Features Editor I came across the Neurodiversity society’s Instagram page at the end of semester one and was immediately curious. The neurodivergent community includes autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic people and people with ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and more. Their infographics set out a brief explanation of the ideas of the committee ‘to give neurodivergent people a platform to educate the general public’ and ‘to create a safe and inclusive environment for neurodivergent and neurotypical people to mix and make friends’. Their logo features the rainbow infinity sign which represents the fact that neurological differences are due to normal changes and variations in the way the population ‘process, learn, behave and think’. I sat down with Chairperson Clíodhna O’Reardon, Vice Chairperson and PRO Elliott Mulhall, and Welfare Officer Nora Veski to learn more. We talked diagnosis, navigating college and relationships, labelling, masking, gender constructs and the r- word. The Disability Support Service in UCC sees disability support officers assess the needs of students, offer accommodations and general support through the academic year. Clíodhna shares that they have had a lot of experience with the service and speaks of their advisor. ‘He’s excellent for keeping in contact with you and keeping up to date with your needs’. Clíodhna shares the same advisor as Elliott and they both tell me he keeps in contact even if your communication is lacking at times. They point out this is essential as it can be overwhelming to maintain the rapport all the time. Obviously the DSS doesn’t come without challenges with one psychologist for their offices and one psychologist for student health designated to 25, 000 students. Elliott explains that due to COVID a backlog of the service meeting students has been created, which saw them prioritise first years for a while. This meant ‘they wouldn’t see us unless it was an emergency, but they still fit us in’. Clíodhna and Elliott are both autistic which As I Am, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, gives a comprehensive explanation of. It is a neurological difference which affects how people experience the world around them and how they communicate with others. An autistic person will have a different understanding of the world, a different way of seeing the world and interact with their environment differently to someone who is not on the spectrum. It’s important to note, however widely known it is, that autism presents itself in diverse ways in individuals and the levels of support people may need also varies incredibly. Nora shares that they were diagnosed with ADHD by UCC last year, when the service wasn’t as overwhelmed with the post COVID influx of people. Throughout our discussion it became clear to me that COVID, although presenting issues of alienation and isolation to the community, also served as an opportunity for individuals to sit with themselves and possibly begin the process of diagnosis. ADHD Ireland offer this description Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobiological condition in which the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals; noradrenaline and dopamine do not work properly. It affects learning and behaviour right through the school years and in many cases beyond into adulthood. In terms of a diagnosis, as ever with anything health related in Ireland you are facing the godforsaken divide between public and private care. Clíodhna tells me that they were diagnosed privately with autism which cost 600 euro. However, this is on the cheap side and many people can find themselves handing over the likes of
1, 500 euro. They joke that some need to ‘take out a mortgage on their autism’. Clíodhna also shares that there is no public autism diagnostic route for adults and the public ADHD service for adults only opened in January 2021. It’s unsurprising that it already has a waiting list of ‘two or three years’. Elliott emphasises to me that having a diagnosis is a privilege and that self- diagnosis is completely valid. People who have yet to get a diagnosis are one of the main groups the society is trying to reach; in my view Clíodhna, Elliott and Nora are role models for anyone approaching the mountain of diagnosis or who just need support within the community. However, it’s not all roses once you get a diagnosis. Nora explains that once they got their ADHD diagnosis, applying to the DSS proved too challenging. The diagnosis process is already extremely difficult for individuals with ADHD as it necessitates that you are present for ‘consultations, complete paperwork, get everything done for a certain deadline’ without streamlined support. Although the committee members speak highly of the DSS, Nora has found it difficult to register as the process is inaccessible for them. They mention issues such as the complicated process of providing the DSS with the psychiatrist’s report and feeling overwhelmed with again ‘being present for meetings and keeping up with deadlines without centralised guidance. Something that creates these difficulties is executive dysfunction and demand avoidance. Clíodhna explains that ‘executive dysfunction is basically a breakdown in your ability to complete the tasks of daily living’ and that we all have a certain amount of demand avoidance however it can become ‘pathological’ and affect our day to day. Post diagnosis is another dramatic experience. Nora describes it as a ‘revelation’ where everything finally begins to make sense, particularly how you view yourself. It is inaccurate and unfair to suggest that young people are just searching for labels because it is trendy. The committee members certainly weren’t looking for a diagnosis to flaunt in social settings but instead an acknowledgment of how they experience life and a better understanding of their own needs. However, Elliott explains that ‘it’s okay to be scared’. Society has a lot to say about people who are neurodivergent and some of it isn’t that positive. Following diagnosis, they felt they were ‘putting on’ the autism as part of the imposter syndrome they felt. However, Elliott points out that everyone can get there in terms of ‘accepting yourself’. Clíodhna shares that they obsessed over learning everything they could about autism following their diagnosis. They advise people to not read their report all in one sitting and instead to take it in your own time and ‘surround yourself with community’ because post diagnosis you are on a bit of a rollercoaster. A massive issue that creates trauma in neurodivergent people is masking. Masking involves intentionally learning neurotypical behaviours and mimicking them in social situations. This is particularly relevant for women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). It is important to use the AFAB term as not everyone who is labelled a girl at birth identifies as a girl i.e., they may identify as a boy or they may be gender non- conforming. Noting the difference between sex and gender is particularly relevant in this situation as a large amount of neurodivergent and autistic people in particular are members of the LGBTQ community. Women and AFAB individuals are less likely to be diagnosed with a neurodivergence as historically more research has focused on the diagnosis of men and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB). They are more likely to mask their symptoms and be misdiagnosed, which can result in mental health problems. Nora tells me that in terms of her experience pre ADHD diagnosis, gender constructs ensured that they began masking their symptoms from an early age in school. Girls are expected to sit down, sit still and be quiet more so than young boys. They explain that during diagnosis psychiatrists and psychologists have three groups to categorise you
Issue 11| tuesday 15tH march 2022 | University Express inattentive, hyperactive impulsive and a mix. The behaviour asked from girls in school ensures that they present as more inattentive as they mask their symptoms. Girls learn to mask their physical hyperactivity in any environment because they’re scrutinised and shamed for not conforming to the gender stereotypes of being a girl. Clíodhna tells me that ‘instead of teaching a neurodivergent person how to be socially appropriate, you [must] teach society how to receive their style of communication’. In explaining masking to me they pull up a post by Vivian Tisi a speech therapist who posts content about autism and neurodiversity. It says that ‘if your speech therapy goals promote masking, you are directly causing mental health distress in Autistic people, including the promotion of suicidality’. Conformity can sometimes be the route to the top of the social ladder; however, this practice can be detrimental to those who are neurodivergent. Nora explains that the unmasking process is ‘freeing’ but at the same time you ‘uncover all the trauma’ that comes from realising how much of yourself ‘you had buried’. Elliott points out that it can take a long time for some as you are ‘discovering who you are and [learning] to be okay with showing that’. It’s clear that masking is a result of ableism, which is discrimination and prejudice against disabled people. It is more evidence that we need to value the presence of the neurodivergent person, not shoehorn them into certain social settings or acceptable behaviours. They offer certain strengths and abilities that neurotypical people don’t have due to their ability to think differently. ‘Allow yourself to be upset by the things that upset you. Allow yourself to stim and move in the way you need to regulate yourself’. Stimming is the behaviour of repeated action or movement that can be accompanied with vocal sounds. It is a personalised response to a sensory overload and can come in the form of pacing, moving objects, jumping, hand- flapping and more. As Clíodhna
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states it is about self-regulation and it is not something to be afraid of or to stare at, however difficult you may find it to stop rubbernecking. The main motivation for founding the society is to create a safe and accepting place for neurodivergent people to mix. They are the social repping group of societies rather than the political and activism repping group for this very reason. At the moment they hold ‘Neurodiversitea’ mixer events on campus where you bring your own mug ang get to chatting. They aim to start organising events off campus too. Clíodhna emphasises that this is important as not everyone has someone to go bowling or go to the pub with or maybe they do but their friends just don’t get it and they feel uncomfortable when they go out with them. Again, society has a lot to say. Sometimes you will hear the r- word or other pieces of harmful language slipping into casual conversation, even in conversation with someone you know. Elliott is well able to throw a comeback at queer slurs but not ones about being autistic. It hits harder, with Clíodhna describing the physical reaction they get when someone does it. Elliott suggests that it is because there is still a lot of destigmatising of the neurodivergent community left to do. The society is primarily a space for neurodivergent people but they also welcome neurotypicals and this features in their constitution. An example of this is the future they aim to do events around relationships, sexuality and consent in the context of neurodiversity. This would be a great opportunity for a neurotypical person to understand their partner better. The committee members tell me that they are ‘excluded enough from society, we don’t want to be the one’s excluding’. Growing up my brother Colm who has autism taught me a lot about the perspective of the neurodivergent community. However, interviewing Clíodhna, Elliott and Nora proved to me that there is always more to learn and accept.
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Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
Apps & Healthcare MAEVE O’KEEFFE Features Editor
Given the plethora of ways technology has infiltrated our lives, it is perhaps unsurprising that it is used more and more in a health-related capacity. Particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing reliance on online resources in healthcare, both in terms of treatment and tracking. We all were asked to download that garishly yellow Covid tracking app for the facilitation of contact tracing and the identification of close contacts during the height of the pandemic, and many have argued that the smooth system of contact tracing was reliant on access to mobile phones and the HSE website to register as a positive antigen case and notify close contacts. As well as that, the provision of many vital services remotely led to us all having to become used to phone and video consultations, even sending WhatsApp pictures for doctors to observe, rather than risk an in-person visit. Of course, the provision of services tending to our physical health were not the only things affected by lockdown, as therapeutic and counselling services also had to move onto online platforms. Beyond counselling sessions being conducted online, there has been a burgeoning industry of online apps for mental and physical wellbeing, before ever covid-19 was an issue. In many regards, the proliferation of apps to promote user wellbeing and mental health is a good thing. While we strive to dismantle the stigma surrounding behavioural and/or mental health concerns, there are still many barriers that deter vulnerable people from seeking help, and online apps can help overcome some of these barriers. Mobile, largely inexpensive (if not free), and anonymous, it is not hard to see why the use of an app to help with mental health issues would be more accessible and less daunting to many people than traditional forms of therapy or visiting a healthcare professional. I spoke with Dr Samantha Dockray, senior lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology, about the development and use of apps in healthcare and wellbeing. “Apps are really terrific,and they offer people a relatively low-cost way to get help and guidance on how to improve their health, or psychological wellbeing,” she tells me; “It’s really wonderful to think how this can break down barriers to support people in areas that might be sensitive topics.” However, when one delves a little deeper, it is apparent that despite the widespread availability of mental health apps, very few of these apps are scientifically informed, with many lacking rigorous evidence for their efficacy. In fact, a high volume of these apps lack any form of clinical expertise in their design and development, with some promoting strategies that are outdated or unsupported by evidence. Some apps actually incorporate approaches that are proven to be beneficial, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), guided meditation and mindfulness, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). These may be helpful when used either alongside or as an alternative to traditional forms of therapy. But it would be misguided to assume that all apps are backed up by such proven therapeutic or behaviour change techniques. The challenge for the consumer is distinguishing between which apps are supported by evidence, and which are simply attractive click-bait in the app store. “It’s difficult for anyone to quickly assess how much evidence and testing is behind the product that sells itself as a healthcare product. An app’s popularity is often based on its appearance, or if it has high ‘usability’, that is - it looks good and works smoothly,” says Dr Dockray. Considering how many of us rely on the average user ratings to decide which apps are worth our time, it is important to remember that user ratings are merely reflections of the app’s popularity, not
necessarily its efficacy or usefulness. As well as this, many apps use impressive sounding psychobabble and jargon to create the illusion of a scientific base that can seem reassuring to the consumer, without having used randomised control trials and experiments to verify the app’s effectiveness during development. With this in mind, many mental health professionals are reluctant to promote the use of mental health apps instead of therapy among vulnerable people. Ultimately an ill-informed app design is no substitute for the benefits of the guidance and intervention of a professional who has dedicated years of their lives to becoming a competent counsellor, therapist, or coach. What we need are more mHealth and eHealth apps developed by researchers in universities like our own. One such application is the MyUse app, which was recently developed by an interdisciplinary team with researchers from the schools of Applied Psychology, Business Information Systems, and Public Health, alongside the UCC Student Health Department. Dr Dockray was part of the “team of researchers and practitioners with high-level expertise in student health behaviours,” who “spent 3 years researching what works for students, for specific health behaviours and tailor-made it for college students.” The purpose of this app is to reduce the harm that can accompany the use of drugs, and was informed by extensive research into the factors that determine why third level students increase or decrease their drug use. Dr Dockray explains how, “It was also really important that we worked closely with UCC students and we got advice from students with a range of drug-use experiences, and representing the diversity of UCC students. These students advised us on the ‘real world’ of college life so we could make sure we were translating the research evidence into something that we are confident will work and be useful for students.” This marks a stark contrast to many of the apps purporting to be of use to vulnerable populations, when in reality, they lack any scientific grounding. The Appstore is overflowing with sleek-looking apps, whether promising that you’ll get abs in three weeks, give up smoking for good, or calm your anxiety. Dr Dockray urges consumers to look beyond usability and appearance, however, to ascertain, “if it can have any effect on health, or help change your behaviour, you need to check out how the content was developed? Was a psychologist involved? Was a health practitioner part of the development team? Then you wonder - well, what’s their expertise in this area?” She advises consumers to “look up the research team - check their credentials,” remarking that, “it might take you ten minutes but that’s a better investment of time than downloading an app that has no research to back it up.” This makes sense, as the time spent investigating an app’s credentials is certainly more productive than time spent using an app with no proven benefits for health and wellbeing. Regarding her work on the MyUse App, Dr Dockray is proud to use her expertise to develop apps with meaningful applications for users, in this case, students. “We gladly share our research so people can check that we are experts, and qualified and experienced in this particular area,” she tells me. Given the substantial body of published articles and research projects under her belt, she reiterates that, “it doesn’t take longto check the research evidence and credentials of an app , and everyone should invest that small bit of time making sure they’re getting what suits them best - and the best app for what they need!” We are fortunate that there is such a range of apps available to us, with more and more tailoring health programmes and information to your unique needs.
Issue 11| tuesday 15tH march 2022 | University Express While the distinction between contact with a professional healthcare provider and the use of a healthcare app is typically clear, there is increasing investment in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) health coaches. An example of one such coach is on the MyLife app, developed by Irish Life insurance company. The app is described as a “personalised health and wellbeing app, that inspires people to live a healthier and more active life.” Irish Life customers can claim rewards from engagement with the app and its personalised AI health coach. Though many may find the idea of engaging with an AI health coach off-putting, this digitisation of wellbeing could be perceived as an innovative approach that incentivises people to be better informed and more attentive to their health. The element of concrete rewards for Irish Life customers can claim rewards from engagement with the app and its personalised AI health coach. Though many may find the idea of engaging with an AI health coach offputting, this digitisation of wellbeing could be perceived as an innovative approach that incentivises people to be better informed and more attentive to their health. The element of concrete rewards for Irish Life customers based on improvements in their health score on the app is a sincere attempt to encourage people to improve their health-related behaviours, and illustrates scope in how technology and healthcare can interact. In providing information about health-related behaviours for app-users, apps like this may be seen as a bridge to accessible healthcare for individuals who face barriers to more traditional engagement with healthcare experts. That said, engagement with healthcare apps need not necessarily be reliant on the potential to claim rewards. There are a host of other applications which use other techniques to encourage use and engagement. During lockdown, for instance, I became hooked on an app that tracked my runs. Each day, I would receive a notification with statistics about how I had improved the speed or duration of my run. Tracking my progress became addictively satisfying. It’s therefore unsurprising to see how many healthcare apps are focused simply on tracking health-related behaviours. Not only are there apps like Strava that track the user’s activity, but many
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women use apps like Flo to monitor their menstruation and fertility. There is also an abundance of sobriety trackers available for individuals seeking to change their substance-use patterns. And of course, one of the most ubiquitously used types of healthcare app is the calorie counter, where users can scan the barcodes of the food they consume to keep an eye on how many calories they consume every day. Many of these apps also give insight into macronutrient values, for those seeking in-depth knowledge into their diets. While these apps can of course be useful, they can also be perceived as a hindrance to users’ spontaneity and freedom when it comes to food. Research conducted by Dr Dockray alongside her colleagues, Linehan and Ryan (2021) explored how people use tracking tools for weight loss, and investigated the implications that can inadvertently accompany use of such apps. She explains that “when an app isn’t evidence based, or not developed by people with expertise and then tested really well, there’s a risk of negative consequences.” Commonly used apps that track calorie intake, “can have unintended, unforeseen consequences,” for users, which may be amplified when they have not “been developed by teams who have research expertise combined with practitioner experience,” according to this recent research. She reminds readers therefore that “these are things to check for.” Ultimately, apps can be amazing tools in promoting improved health and wellbeing. Apps allow for knowledge and information to be dispersed to more people with great ease. They can also allow users to learn more about issues that remain somewhat taboo, through community forums about health concerns, allowing individuals to discover what works for others suffering from the same or similar conditions. Healthcare apps have the potential not only to inform users, but also prompt palpable behavioural changes when it comes to health and wellbeing. Access to mental health services is arguably still inadequate, so the scope for apps to help people who are struggling cannot be underestimated. That said, when these apps are not informed by expertise and research, then the benefits of apps aimed at improving physical and mental health are entirely undermined.
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OPINION
Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
Marriage Won’t Change My Identity CLAUDIA M. ZEDDA Opinion Editor
On International Women’s Day, we reflect on all gender issues concerning women and hopefully also think about how to address these issues too. While I am aware that there are thousands of other more important issues, among these there is something I just cannot get over with: women have to (or better, are supposed to) give up their last name when getting married to a man.
and mind the kids”, changing last names made sense from a financial, religious and institutional perspective. Nowadays gender inequality is diminishing and women finally have the chance to work for themselves and create a name for themselves in all sorts of fields that, in all fairness, do not want to give up.
As reported by the BBC, more than 90% of British women still follow the tradition of changing names after marriage. In Ireland, according to a recent survey by the Independent, 57% of women still decide to adopt their husband’s last name. Only 23% of women would keep their own last name and 2% would merge their last names with their husbands. Finally, 10% of women say they would go for a double-barrel option.
As most of you could guess, taking a husband’s name is a tradition that emerged from patriarchal history. It is surprising to me that most Western women still follow this tradition since it comes from the idea that a woman, on marriage, becomes a man’s possession. Although there is no legal requirement in Ireland to change your name, most women end up doing it anyway. The majority of western Europe still follows this tradition too, with the exception of Spain and Iceland, where women tend to keep their maiden name; and Greece, where it is mandatory by law to keep your birth name for life since 1983. So why do women still give up their maiden names? Is it just tradition or is there more behind this harmless decision? According to some research papers, there are two main reasons driving this tradition. The first one is the persistence of patriarchal power, either directly or indirectly. The second one is linked to the fact that couples believe having the same name creates a sense of unity, symbolises commitment, and ties you and any potential children together as a family. The research also found that this “good family” narrative is more present amongst women who had had children. Some women who did not want to change their last name after marriage changed their minds after giving birth. They do so because they want to have a stronger connection with their child, but again, what’s stopping you from giving your child two last names? In places like Spain and Portugal, this is very common and does not seem to be creating any huge issue to anyone living there.
Times are changing, and so new generations are. If we think about a few decades ago, when women did not have many employment opportunities and were expected to “stay home
Another eye-opening factor was when same-sex couples were finally able to get married in 2015. When you take away the malefemale formula, it is not as easy to come up with a family name to
There are plenty of reasons why I think this is wrong; and as you can easily guess, I am not going to change my last name when, or if, I ever get married. Don’t get me wrong, I would not do it because I like my surname, in fact, there was never a time in my life when I liked being called “Zedda”. But for the love and respect I owe to myself for working, studying, struggling to keep myself together or simply just for being alive, I will not let anyone change my name. After all, would you let anyone change your first name? Most of you will probably say no. And men who are reading this piece, would you ever give up your own last name when getting married? Again, I do believe that most of you will say no. So why should women do it? A name is not just about what’s on your birth certificate. Your name belongs to you and you only, it’s your identity, your heritage, your family and your past.
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keep. This was really important in making me realise that there is actually no need to take someone else’s name at all. When there is a balance between two individuals, no matter their sex, identity, culture, job, race or beliefs, keeping their own last name should be normalised. Please note that I have nothing against women (or individuals) who want to take their husband’s name (or their other half’s name) for whatever reason. I just believe that not taking the last name should not be criticised, and most importantly, should not become a public matter. When it comes to women keeping their maiden name there is always a cohort of people (mostly family and friends) who feel entitled to criticise this choice and question it like it was a referendum. I found myself in this situation multiple times (although I am not married and I do not plan to be anytime soon), and despite me not being so open about personal matters, I had to justify myself on why I believe it’s not fair on women to have to give up their birth names. Many people see this as an act of feminism. It’s really not about that.
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For all the men out there that see this as a lack of commitment in the relationship, or expect their children to only take their last name… I urge you to rethink the way you see your family and you see your relationship. Imagine yourself with another last name on your passport and think about how that would make you feel. If you really strive for equality and equal division of family labour, then both parties should also be entitled to keep their names. It is not about feminism. It is not about “having a good family”. It is not about your last name not being good enough. It is about women not wanting to give up their identity. In my particular case, with myself being a Sardinian living in Ireland, changing my last name would feel like losing boundaries with my own home place. I am proud of my heritage, my culture, my past, my present and the person that I am today. If I end up being successful in life, in one way or another, I will make sure it will be by my own name, not anyone else’s.
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BYLINE VOLUME 7 ISSUE 11
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EDITORIAL
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Issue TEN Hello, and welcome to another edition of Byline! This is our penultimate issue, the year has gone by so fast. It’s been my pleasure to watch each of our section editors improve their skills and find their own unique styles of writing. We’re heading into both election and exam season soon, exciting and stressful times ahead here in UCC. I hope however you’re feeling, Byline can give you some much-needed entertainment. My piece this week is a combo piece about the anti-war game “This War of Mine” and shining a spotlight on Ukrainian game developers and how they’re faring during this despicable invasion. The cover for this week is a street mural painted by MyDogSighs. It is located on Northcote Lane in Cardiff and depicts the tragedy of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As for the rest of Byline, we have some articles written for Women’s History Month, including a look at the role of the law in sex work, a piece highlighting major woman characters in gaming and so much more! Read on.
Jack Coleman Byline Editor
byline@uccexpress.ie
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Ó Bhéal na mBan
CAITRÍONA O’CONNELL Eagarthóir Gaeilge Grúpa banfhillí atá i gceist le Ó Bhéal na mBan agus iad ag scríobh trí mheán na Ghaoluinne. Thosnaíodh an grúpa i 2021 agus d’éagraíodar roinnt imeachtaí le haghaidh Poetry Day Ireland 2021. Tá rudaí nua ag teacht uathu go luath, coimeádaigí súil amach dóibh!
Bláthscaoileadh
Le Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin
Tiarnaí Teanga Le Aimée Ní Chonaing
Is muidne tiarnaí na teanga, Cailleach ana clabarachta. Tagann ár ndraíocht ó tobar na bhfocail. Tríd na glúinte, Trasna na gaoithe, Ár sinséir ag cogair linne. Is linne í, Ta sé grannta inár gcroíche, Stroiceann muid iad in airde daoibhse. Ní chaithim mo scéalín ar sciathán mo gheansaí, Ach ar leathnaigh bána macánta, Na línte ag cothú mo ruin ar nós cairde. Chan dubh agus bán amháin, Tá míniú eile le haimsiú i dtobair m’fhocla domhain. Comhrá faoi cheilt, Na cogair atá againn. Nuair a mhúchann na soilse ‘S muid inár luí. Míníonn an pheann pian an cheann, Agus cruthaíonn sé ealaíon álainn as. Is muidne tiarnaí na teanga, Is linne na focail ar ár leathanaigh bána.
Síol beag nár gineadh Gníomh breá nár deineadh Nó beatha a coscadh Le frithghinniúint shaor. Nuair a scaoiltear an bláth Nuair a leathann an fhuil Ní haon chúis ghoil í Nár gineadh an ghin. Mar nár chailleamair aon rud Dhiúltaíomair deis Tiocfaidh ceann eile Is bláth eile leis.
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Todhchaí ár dTeanga Le Caitríona Ní Chonaill
Traidisiún ag fáil bás bagrach brónach Faoi bhrú from the new, Teicneolaíocht ag tabhairt buama ama don teanga, Caifear coimed suas leis an seafóid sealadach The loquacious lies we tell ourselves, “I’d love to learn the language, but I don’t have the time”, “I’m not fully líofa ,it doesn’t feel like mine” A swirling cesspit of cacamais agus crá croí! This is our native language and it belongs to you and me! I refuse to let my teanga dúchais die, Because some of ye were too scared to try. Use your cúpla focail, don’t fuss over an urú. “Nobody speaks it anyway” , Well we could start with me and you. Cabhraigh le do chultúr, shur g’wan give it a go, Úsáid do chuid Ghaoluinne agus úsáid é le bród. “You don’t use it, you lose it”, it’s an awful price to pay. Is linn go léir an Ghaeilge agus is féidir é.
Dánta Gailf
Le Ava Ní Loinsigh Bíonn laethannta ann gur mhaith liom na leabhair sa leabharlann uillig a léamh, An domhain a iniúchadh ó gach aon taobh, Ba mhaith liom mo shaol a ciatheamh le gach duine is brea liom, De bheith ag labhairt ‘s ag éisteacht, ag damhsa ‘s ag canadh (go donna), go deo, Go mbeadh na daoine sin i gcónaí beo, Ba mhaith liom gach duine agus rud a shábháil, na daoine breoite uaigneach nó bocht, Na ghéarchéime uillig a réiteach, maireachtáil gan locht, Ba mhaith liom gach teanga a labhairt, na teangacha comharthaíochta leo, Iontas ar an saol laethúil, is féidir le gach cineál aimsire a bheith álainn an ghrian ag gobadh amach as ceo Eispéiris mhóra agus beaga. Ba mhaith liom é a dhéanamh ar fad Is é mo shólás amháin san fhoirm mharfach seo, agus b’fhéidir nach mbeadh am agam gach rud a dhéanamh, ná go bhfuil fhios agam …Níor theastaigh uaim riamh in aon corr a bheith bainteach le galf!
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This War of Putin’s JACK COLEMAN Byline Editor
This article originally began as a look at the game “This War of Mine” in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, I expanded it to include some of the responses from the gaming industry at large, the experiences of Ukraine-based game developers and Ukrainian esports players and teams. This invasion has shaken everyone to their core and the scenes we are witnessing in Ukraine are sickening.
only gets bleaker as the game progresses. I know character death is a possibility and I’d like to avoid that at all costs, this is the reason why I ended up stealing from that elderly couple. Honestly, an accurate representation of wartime as people get more and more desperate for scarce resources. Let’s hope peace can be brought to Ukraine before this level of desperation is reached.
“They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason” - Ernest Hemingway. This quote is displayed on the opening screen of the 2014 anti-war survival game “This War of Mine”. I’ve been thinking about This War of Mine more and more in the wake of the ongoing abhorrent invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. It’s a game that does not glorify war, it focuses on the dark and grueling experiences of civilians living during conflict. In This War of Mine, you play as three characters simply trying to survive in an apocalyptic cityscape.
Developer of This War of Mine, 11bit Studios held a fundraiser in support of the Ukrainian Red Cross which began on February 24th. For the last two weeks (as of the time of writing) 11bit Studios have been donating all proceeds from sales of This War of Mine to the Ukrainian Red Cross. As of March 4th, over $850,000 has been raised by the initiative. The Polish game studio also inspired other indie game developers to follow suit, State of Play (KAMI), Beetlewing (Slipways), Crunching Koalas, ALL iN!, Huuuge Games (Traffic Puzzle), RedDeer.Games (Buck Bradley), Thunderful Games (Steamworld Heist) and Acid Wizard Studio (Darkwood) have all started similar fundraising efforts.
The game offers little guidance before you gain control of your three protagonists, sheltering in a crumbling building. You’re immediately placed into a pressing situation as one of your characters is sick and requires medicine. Your head will immediately be awash with thoughts on what needs to be done to survive, you’ll need to scavenge what little materials are available in the house, find a method of gathering clean water, build beds for your characters to rest in and find a means of defending your home from violently desperate individuals.
I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight some Ukrainian game developers that may be struggling due to the ongoing invasion.
During the night, you are given the option of sending your characters to scavenge in nearby locations, this is an absolute must as you will quickly fully loot your house. On my third day, I entered a location called “Quiet House”, expecting any number of horrors to be waiting for me behind its door. I was met with something unexpected, an elderly couple sitting by a fire. They were confused by my arrival, but not hostile. Realizing my people were already struggling for supplies, I knew I could not go back empty-handed. I made the harrowing decision to steal from the couple. When the old man exclaimed “Please do not take my wife’s medicine”, it broke my heart. One of my characters was sick. I took the medicine. After arriving back at the house, one of my character’s status effects was simply “sad”. A dark choice fit for the tragedy of war.
The game helps to uncover the psychology of a civilian during war. The game helps to uncover the psychology of a civilian during war. I found myself not trusting anyone. As soon as there was a knock on the door, I attempted to arm my character before opening the door (this isn’t a feature, as far as I can tell you are safe during the day). It turns out the man at the door was just Franko, a friendly traveling trader and a great source of wood. I’ve only put a couple of hours into the game so far but from what I’ve read online, it
I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight some Ukrainian game developers that may be struggling due to the ongoing invasion. The developer of the Metro series, 4a Games, was founded in Kyiv in 2006 and remained there until they moved their headquarters to Malta in 2014. Though, they retained their Kyiv location as a substudio. Their statement regarding the invasion includes: “There are no simple words that happen in Ukraine at this very moment, in the country that is home to many of us. None of us has ever thought that the world of the 21st century can get to the borderline beyond which our game scenarios start resembling reality”. At the onset of the invasion, 4a offered to relocate all Kyiv-based employees to any other studios owned by their parent company, Saber Interactive. Frogwares, developers of “The Sinking City” and the recent “Sherlock Holmes Chapter One” are headquartered in Kyiv with subsidiary offices in Dublin. They have been live-tweeting the experience of their team during the invasion. One of these tweets that struck me was “Day 7. Last week we were making games. Today there are people on our streets running with guns in their hands. Bombings of our cities haven’t stopped. Our people remain strong. Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)”. It’s astonishing how quickly things can change, I don’t think I’m the only one who believed Russia would never launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine despite their posturing
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on the border. As of Day 10 of the invasion (March 5th), Frogwares reported that “the team is overall ok” despite their difficult situation. GSC Game World, most famous for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R series of games, is based in Kyiv. As Russian forces crossed the Ukrainian border, the developers tweeted out a statement that included: “Our country woke up with the sounds of explosions and weapons fire, but is ready to defend its freedom and independence, for it remains strong and ready for anything”. The studio later released a video, showing some of the footage captured of the Russian invasion. They ended the video promising to continue game development “after the victory, glory to Ukraine”. Vostok Games is a breakaway from GSC known for developing “Survarium” and “Fear the Wolves”. On February 25th they tweeted “As things stand we are safe. We continue our work remotely for the moment and will react to the situation, depending on how it develops. Lastly, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our brave soldiers fighting to defend our nation. We salute you! #StandWithUkraine”. Unfortunately, the ten-year anniversary of Vostok was not a happy one as war still rages in Ukraine.
The senseless fighting in Ukraine has upended the lives of the 41 million people living within its borders.
byline focus The senseless fighting in Ukraine has upended the lives of the 41 million people living within its borders, from the game industry and beyond. Ukrainian-born Oleksander “s1mple” Kostyliev, widely regarded as one of the greatest Counter Strike: Global Offensive players of all time, tweeted on February 24th: “I cry thinking about my family and friends in Kyiv. I’m “lucky” that I’m not at home, but you can’t even imagine how much I want to be there”. His professional esports team, the famous Ukrainian organization NAVI, released a statement shortly after the invasion commenced: “Russia attacked Ukraine. And now there are hostilities that take human lives and destroy actual destinies on the territory of our country. It is impossible that during the war we pretend that everything is okay. It is not. We are devastated. Our main goal right now is to try and stay calm and take care of ourselves, our loved ones and those who need help. We are all together in this. And together we’ll get through it”. All we can do is hope for peace in Ukraine soon. The international community needs to maintain its economic pressure on Russia and make Vladimir Putin regret his warlord fancies. I sincerely hope all the game developers and esports personnel that I have highlighted here remain safe in these dark times.
I sincerely hope all the game developers and esports personnel that I have highlighted here remain safe in these dark times.
FILM & TV
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The Winners and the Rest My 2022 Oscar Predictions
CORMAC MCCARTHY Film & TV Editor The Oscars are due to be held on Sunday the 27th of March. The ceremony selects the best that the medium of film has to offer and gives them little gold men to celebrate. Although, admittedly, it’s quite hard to understand the prestige attached to the Academy Awards.
just give him one at this stage. Although I have been repeatedly told that I am in fact not in charge of who, I would have given it to Belfast.
On one hand, It is as vacuous as any other award show. As Stewart Stafford once said, “The foundation of Hollywood alchemically turned celluloid into gold and insincerity into an art form.” The ceremony has had every accusation of gender, racial and age discrimination. The awards have seen their fair share of controversy, to say the least.
This one was the toughest pick. The Power of the Dog has its essence of Americana, Dune is the perfect manual on how to adapt science fiction, Drive My Car deals with grief through both the personal and universal. The Lost Daughter, I think, will just win by a hair for nothing other than being the best.
On the other hand, sometimes it’s just nice to watch millionaires give each other golden trophies for pretending to cry. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Here, I will attempt the possible and aim to get every single Oscar pick correct. To make it interesting for yourself reader, why don’t you write down your own picks and see if you get more correct than me. If you win, and manage to prove it, I’ll buy you a Freddo. As a disclaimer, I will say that I have not watched all of these films. In fact, it is quite ridiculous for you to assume so. How dare you. Best Picture – The Power of the Dog This film chronicling the strained relationship of two brothers, framed against the tumultuous American West is so dripping in Oscar Bait it practically has it already won. It’s a shame because I thought Belfast was delightful. Best Director – Jane Campion (Power of the Dog) Similar to the previous entry, the trophy cabinet is already being installed in Campion’s home. Not only the raw talent on display in the film and the well overdue Oscar for Campion but a female director winning against a plethora of established male contenders would be a fantastic sight to see.Best Actor – Will Smith (King Richard) Best Actor – Will Smith (King Richard) There is none quite as overdue for a nice Oscar win as Will Smith, although the alleged 40 million he earned for the film might be reward enough. This is his third nomination for Best Actor as well as having just won the SAG award two weeks ago. So yeah, my money’s on him. Best Actress – Kristen Stewart (Spencer) I’m going against the bookies on this one, but sure what do they know. Nicole Kidman may have impressed in her nuanced capabilities, and Jessica Chastain’s bizarre but brilliant performance is immaculate. However, Stewart’s portrayal as Princess Diana wasnothing more than a revelation. Best Screenplay (Original) – Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza) PTA has a triple nomination for Directing, Producing and Screenplay. After 11 nominations without a win, I would hazard that they might
Best Screenplay (Adapted) – Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter)
Best Animated Feature – Encanto Certainly not the best but it does have the people’s vote. Luca and Mitchells vs the Machines are both beautifully animated and character-driven stories about family and identity. However, Encanto has the by-the-numbers magical girl so it’s a no brainer for betting. Best
International
Feature
–
Drive
My
Car
A deserved winner in every regard. A critical and commercial darling, Coming off the back of a Golden Globe win in this category, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s irreverent story that can’t quite be summarised here, takes you on a philosophical treatment of grief and love. The characters are as tangible as they are engaging and the plot never seems to drag. Best Cinematography – Janusz Kaminski (West Side Story) Bold, I know but I have my reasons. A film vibrant with colour but never once overwhelming, West Side Story might just win. Macbeth has its magnificent black and white and The Power of the Dog has its salivating shots of the rugged American rust, but West Side Story harkens back to a time when films looked more than a washed-out tapestry of grey. Best Score – Hans Zimmer (Dune) Good old Hans is back at it again and he’s outdone himself this time. Really he shouldn’t have. A marvel of a score that deserves to be listened to in proper surround sound in a good cinema, it is bombastic, majestic and exquisite. This is one where I’d be genuinely shocked if he didn’t win to be quite honest with you Well, there we have it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fit in the full list as I have not seen enough of the films to warrant a proper judgement. How did I do? How did you do yourself? Did you decide to go for West Side Story for Best Picture instead? You fool. Email me to see how you did at screen@uccexpress.ie
FILM & TV
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The Enduring Legacy of The Godfather Fifty Years On CORMAC MCCARTHY Film & TV Editor
This lack of recent exposure enhanced the experience, allowing me to both notice details that I hadn’t before, while still giving a new and fresh experience as a viewer. The Godfather: Part One was, at one point in time, the highestgrossing film ever made worldwide, universally celebrated for its quite groundbreaking and genre-defining qualities. Among these, it is its acting that stands the test of time. The stellar cast includes Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. While Brando commands a presence in every scene he is in, it would be wrong to identify any of the cast to be the standout performer, as this is an ensemble piece. It is not the characters themselves that make the film so enduring but rather the interplay between them and how the constant struggle for control dominates their lives. The Godfather is a film in which a minor character can prove to be the most memorable. The sleaziness of Police Captain McCluskey or the sneering Sollozzo is the essence of the film’s quality. A film is only the sum of its parts, and great care is given to every detail of The Godfather. Its iconography within American cinema is also down to its authenticity. From the costumes to the dialogue (both English and Italian), to the very intricacies of the American Mafia. It brings effervescent energy to the film, without ever feeling overdone or laborious. While glamourizing in a sense, the constant threat of violence and atrocity that bubbles underneath the surface indicates to the viewer that this world is ultimately a destructive one. The Godfather: Part Two furthers these themes of power and vengeance by continuing the saga. Francis Ford Coppola was given full creative control on the film so that his full artistic vision could be brought to the fore. The sets are more glamourous, the stakes are higher, and the prestige is even grander. The film splinters into two parallel plotlines. The first follows on from the previous film where Michael has assumed command of the family. Here, we see him wrestling to control operations while constantly living in the shadow of his father’s glory.
IMDB has a famous list of the top 100 films ever made, as voted for by the users of the site. At number one is The Shawshank Redemption, at number two is The Godfather: Part One and at number three is The Godfather: Part Two. While IMDB should never be a metric of a film’s inherent quality and of course, no two people have the same top 10 film list, it still is quite incredible the sheer adoration and critical praise that is directed at both Godfather films a whole fifty years after their release. Both winning Best Picture in 1972 and 1974 respectively, they are the only set of films in which the original and the sequel won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Part Two, itself, is one of only two sequels to win Best Picture (The other being The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King) Thanks to such a legacy, many cinemas throughout Cork were screening the films for those of us too young to have seen it in its original release. I myself took this opportunity. I had seen Part One many times, although not in a year. Similarly, I had only seen Part Two once the previous year.
The second storyline brings the viewer back in time to early 20th century New York City. Here, the film follows the early years of Michael’s father Vito Corleone as he slowly builds the foundations of his soon-to-be crime empire. Robert DeNiro’s performance is quite magnificent here, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the process. He takes on Brando’s interpretation of the character of wisdom ahead of his years while still bringing a sense of innocence of a character that is at the start of his own journey. The film juxtaposes the two plotlines as we see Michael and Vito’s own methods of grappling with the power in which they have themselves. Both enact their own vengeance against those who have wronged them. The theme of vengeance framed against their own Catholic guilt is a theme present in both films. The legacy of these films does not come down to one particular thing but I would hazard that it comes down to the fact they are universal in their theme of loyalty to family. At the heart of both of these films is that man is not an island and should never forget that fact. I would highly recommend. Although a bit slow-paced for the modern era, it is perfect in its faults.
FOOD & HEALTH
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The Women Shaping Ireland’s Food and Beverage Industry NATHAN CAREY Food and Health Editor
To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month I wanted to shine a light on two amazing food and beverage based businesses run by two incredible women. Both of these individuals have not only shaped their local food and beverage scenes but have also personally inspired me in my own life. First up is Kamila Bystrzonowska who runs Momo restaurant in Waterford City. Kamila began Momo with the hope of sharing world-class dishes created with the very best of locally sourced ingredients. As stated by McKenna’s Guides “Some restaurants cook for you. And others feed you. Momo is one of those rare places that feed you”. The food here is nothing short of sensational. I recently had the chance to catch up with Kamila to chat about the inspiration behind Momo and what this restaurant means to her. Firstly I wanted to ask what inspired you to create Momo and if you always knew you wanted to run your own restaurant?
I can attest to the amazing quality of food around Waterford, I’ve grown up eating in a lot of these places and they’ve really shaped my perception of good food! If you had any advice for someone looking to start their own business in this sector what would it be? “You just have to be sure that you have a clear vision and that you know what you want to do. When opening any business it can be hard to stay focused and to believe in your idea, but when you have a clear vision it makes it so much easier. In the first year of Momo, we struggled a bit to find our footing and a business consultant came into the restaurant one day suggesting we should pivot to selling burgers as they are very easy to sell! I know that you can make money selling burgers, but I don’t believe in that, and I can’t sell something that I don’t believe in. The bottom line is that if you really believe in something from the inside out, then you have a great chance to succeed.”
“In the early 2000’s I was working in pubs around Kraków and I remember loving the job and thinking to myself that I would one day open my own bar or pub. As the years went on I ended up working in a restaurant in Waterford as a waitress. While waitressing and talking to customers, I could see that there was something missing in the restaurant – a link between the customer, That is really great advice! Finally, I wanted to ask what you think the food and the restaurant itself. I began thinking about setting the future holds for Momo? up my own business where this problem could be addressed. “I really want the restaurant to mature a little bit. If I’m honest I do have So my original idea began to change from a bar to a restaurant.” notions of opening something else in the future, but right now my focus is That leads nicely into my next question which is what is the best on improving Momo. I hope to continue to change the menu seasonally and serve locally sourced dishes to feed the people of Waterford!” part of running your own business – the freedom? “Yes, it’s the freedom of being able to do what you want and how you want to do it. To treat staff and customers the way you want to. In the first pub I worked in for 3 years, I had the most wonderful woman as my boss. She taught me so much, she is my real role model and she taught me how to treat staff, how to respect people and how to look after customers – I actually have it in the back of my mind to reach out to her soon, 20 years later, and just tell her ‘thank you’ because I really learned so much from her.” That’s so nice! It’s great to hear that you had an incredible woman as your boss 20 years ago, do you think that the food industry today is more male-dominated and if so how do you navigate that world? “It is male-dominated, even when we look at it from the chef’s point of view – a lot of the highly trained chefs are men. Eventhinking back a few years ago when a young woman won Irish chef of the year, the presenter exclaimed you’re the first female chef to win, and we were all like she is the chef. It doesn’t matter that she is female. She herself said it’s like being called the first left-handed chef to win, it shouldn’t matter. I have also found it hard dealing with certain people who won’t take me seriously because I’m a woman. Over the years in Momo I’ve had people say that I don’t really own the restaurant and that I just run it for my husband – which is obviously very frustrating. At the same time there are so many wonderful chefs and restaurant owners around the country that are women, even here in Waterford you know we have Sarah Richards of Seagull Bakery who is one of my heroes as well as Nicola from Mezze in Tramore.”
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FOOD & HEALTH
Next up is the founder of Beekon Batches, Karen O’Neill. Beekon buzzed onto the alcoholic beverages scene in 2019 with two flavours – classic and ginger & lime. Since then the brand has grown and the flavour selection has doubled. The drink itself is a carbonated “honey refresher” that has a light refreshing taste, contains only natural ingredients and is the perfect accompaniment to a summer’s day. Having followed Beekon since its launch I was thrilled to sit down for a chat with its founder Karen. How did the idea for Beekon begin? “I started my career in a corporate structure but always felt like I was the entrepreneur within that role, trying to do things differently. I eventually got to a point where my ambition and desire to do something different and dare I say better superseded my desire to grow my career within the corporate structure. I felt like things could’ve been more innovative and impactful and that’s where the idea of Beekon came along. You have to also keep in mind that the alcohol business is a very male-dominated industry. Alcohol just generally is, so I decided that I was going to go and do something that imbues a real positive female impact and create a new category that a lot of the big players couldn’t or weren’t willing to do.” What’s your favourite part of being your own boss? “It’s total freedom. Ultimately I control my own destiny and at the end of the day success for me isn’t a bottom line but is quite personal – did I make an impact on customers’ lives or have a positive impact in any way on society, and if I did well that’s success to me. This freedom also enables me to bring out new flavours, for example, without needing the approval of a nation.” Yes, that freedom must allow so many opportunities to come your way. You touched on it a bit earlier but how do find navigating the male-dominated beverages industry? “I’ve been around this business 23 years so you get used to almost always dealing with male buyers – but there is an influx of women coming through in recent years definitely. Interestingly for females in the business, they are almost expected to have male energy which is quite bizarre. Having learned how to navigate the industry I personally just try to show up authentically, to be myself and hope that all my years of experience and understanding can stand on its own as opposed to the fact that it’s male or female - so to take that off the table altogether and let my experience speak for itself. However, a point I often raise is “When was the last time you had an Irish female founder in front of you who has created, developed and launched a new alcohol category?” – it hasn’t really happened before.” The brand you’ve created over the last couple of years is really amazing, I have spent many an evening sipping on a ginger and lime Beekon in my back garden during the summer! What do you think the future holds for Beekon? “I have to believe that I’ve created a space and product that people genuinely respect and believe in on a multitude of levels. I do have ambition to move beyond Ireland and take Beekon global, but ultimately for me I want to look back and have no regrets – and honestly, if Beekon didn’t go anywhere beyond where it is today I’ve created a product that I truly believe in and hopefully anyone who’s been on this journey with me can see that and have enjoyed it. I hope that I’ve inspired at least someone to go do something they love and chase their dreams.”
I hope that I’ve inspired at least someone to go do something they love and chase their dreams.
MUSIC
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Secret Committees & Brown Envelopes: The Grammy Awards FLORRIE MCCARTHY Music Editor
For this issue, I wanted to delve into the noise created in the news by the artist known as The Weeknd in 2021 when he made some scathing comments about the Grammy Awards and pulled what might develop to be a somewhat revolutionary stunt. On the 25th of November 2021, the day after the Grammys Show, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, tweeted “The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency...”. This was in lieu of his 2020 album “After Hours” not getting a single look by the Recording Academy this year, for album of the year nor R&B album of the year or even R&B progressive album of the year. If you are not so familiar with his work, the aspect of this that makes it all the more perplexing and ridiculous is the real crime in that the hit single off this album, “Blinding Lights”, which was actually released in November 2019 was not to be seen anywhere either. Not a single nomination was to be seen in R&B song of the year, best R&B solo performance, best pop solo performance, let alone song of the year, which makes no sense at all contrasted with this song’s whopper achievement for 2021: longest-charting song of all time in the Billboard Top 10. The song has spent an entire year, that’s a record of 52 weeks in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, although it was only 40 at the time of these Grammys, even then this was beating the 39-week record held by Post Malone’s track “Circles” which did in fact get a nomination for song of the year in the 2021 Grammys. The main scandal of this hullabaloo was when The Weeknd announced that he would be boycotting the Grammys permanently, saying “Because of secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys”. For one of the most influential pop/R&B artists of the last 10 years to remove themselves from the running of perhaps the most iconic authority on what’s good and what isn’t in music, this is huge. Perhaps off the cuff, it has the appearance of being hurt and coming from a place of embarrassment, as if he was so convinced his work was worthy of their recognition and was appalled when it turned out the members of the Recording Academy did not even care to look at it. However, digging a little deeper brings one to wonder about more insidious structural problems within the system. This was the 63rd year of the Grammy Awards, run as usual by the body known as the Recording Academy, formally the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The Academy admits thousands of voters, between individuals and media corporations, to submit nominees. Committees
are then formed every year to veto the nominations, see that the submissions are made in their correct categories and narrow the selections down to their final shortlists. Once the shortlists are completed, the final voting ballots are sent to the most prestigious members of the Academy who are renowned experts of the recording industry, to make their final votes. The members are asked but not obliged to vote in the category in which they have the most expertise. They are also asked not to take into account the commercial success of a record but purely the quality. Now, if this were purely the case then perhaps we would only see Grammys given to lesser-known, niche artists producing highly intellectual music, however of course the initial submissions are made by the recording labels who own rights to the songs and individuals all over the world, so realistically the list is going to be made up of popular songs. And it all sounds very fair until you start to discover more and more outcry that has been made over the years by people like The Weeknd. Zayn Malik, former member ofBritish pop supergroup One Direction, also made publicly clear his disdain for what he deemed to be secretive,
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MUSIC or conscious, intentional or unintentional, especially when, realistically, all of the above – The Weeknd, Ocean, Kendrick – are popular because the actual cultural spaces from which they come are those that dominate the scene right now. Where “pop” music simply stands for popular music, then pop music today is hip-hop, it is R&B, it’s rap, soul; and if it isn’t, it’s more often than not full of features that come from those cultural spaces.
corrupt selection on the part of so-called impartial expert panels. In a deleted tweet he has said “F**k the Grammys and everyone involved. Unless you shake hands and send gifts, there are no nomination considerations”. I find this very interesting to observe; that while the advertised description of the process might sound neutral and fair, an industry artist’s insight like this would suggest otherwise. But this isn’t the first time the Grammys have received backlash. Other artists have cried corruption before as well, but for different reasons. Indie R&B superstar Frank Ocean has had things to say about the ceremony, too. He released his full album Blonde in 2016 to massive acclaim. He purposefully released it under his own label so it would be easier for him not to submit it to the Grammys awards, just like The Weeknd has done. He has said that “the institution certainly has nostalgic importance. It just doesn’t seem to be representing the people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down.” He specifies the same fact that most black artists who have spoken out about the Grammys are unhappy about – only a few black artists in recent times have won Album of the Year, namely Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Outkast and Herbie Hancock. Ocean said he would rather have his “Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit in the audience”. Generally, it would appear many black artists are unhappy with the Grammys for this reason, claiming that the black and other non-white artists tend to get overlooked for the white artists, whose music could often, in places, be described as influenced by black music and culture. Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp a Butterfly, I think, is a perfect example. It is recognised as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, as well as generally being seen by critics as a deeply meaningful, artistically masterful and carefully produced masterpiece, bringing really inspired innovation into the texture of the music. However, it was beaten by Taylor Swift’s album 1989 for album of the year in 2016. It’s not to say that 1989 isn’t a good album, but while its hit singles were huge that year I think it’s safe to say that it can’t be described as anything but a generic pop record (some of my best friends are Swifties, I promise). We can’t help but wonder at what motivates things like this, be they subconscious
Regardless, the pressure didn’t seem to be on the academy after Frank Ocean’s comments in 2017 when the then-president Neil Portnow said “I don’t think there’s a race problem at all. [...] Remember, this is a peervoted majority… We stand 100% behind the process: it’s a democratic vote by majority.” He may have been confident then, but after the Weeknd’s snubbing, it would appear the bigwigs in command perhaps got nervous at some flaws they were happy not to notice for a few decades. After the Weeknd’s comments, chief acting executive Harvey Mason Jr. said: “We’re all disappointed when anyone’s upset. But I will say that we are constantly evolving. And this year, as in past years, we are going to take a hard look at how to improve our awards process, including the nomination review committees.” Whatever your opinions on the type of corruption that might exist in the Grammys – be they racially biased or fuelled by brown envelopes and surprise gifts – I know I’ll be watching this year’s ceremony on April 3rd.
GAMING
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The Gaming World Would Not Be The Same Without These Women CHLOE BARRETT Gaming Editor
Women’s history month is an incredibly important one worldwide. And as we celebrate it here at the Express, I wanted to introduce you to some cool, badass, and overall amazing women main characters in video games. Unfortunately, there is a shortage in comparison to their male counterparts within the gaming world. Thankfully we have moved away from the damsel in distress stereotype, but a lot better could still be done by gaming companies. The Walking Dead has certainly established itself as an iconic tv show, being a long-running series that is coming to an end soon. However, in its run time, the series has branched out into other areas, such as video games. While there are quite a few, such as mobile games and even a VR experience, the most popular has to be Telltale’s series. Divided into interactive episodes within multiple series, the game focuses on Clementine, a young girl who is protected by Lee Everett in the scary, zombie-ridden world. However, she must learn to fend for herself while taking care of others, which is a big ask for any girl. Throughout the seasons, you see Clementine evolve into an admirable protagonist, and see her prove that she can survive in the face of an apocalypse. She has been an inspiration for many girls worldwide, and as a woman of colour, her influence extends to many fans.
play as a woman in these scenarios, which are usually dominated by male characters? There are many other Resident Evil adventures with female characters, so take a look if you’re in the mood for a spook! Something a bit less scary and easier to play, perhaps? Night In The Woods might strike your fancy. You play as Mae Borowski, who has recently dropped out of college and returned to the place where she grew up. But, there is something amiss. You must venture Metroid is critically acclaimed both as one with her friends to figure out exactly of Nintendo’s best series and known for what is happening in Possum Springs. its amazing twist, which was revolutionary Everyone knows who Lara Croft is. She is in 1986. Samus Aran, the bounty hunter the tomb raider. Many see her as one of and main character of the Metroid games, the most important characters in gaming to was assumed by many gamers to be a date, even having two movies based on her, male when they first picked up the game. one where she is played by Angelina Jolie. Wearing armour and committing acts That’s awesome, right!? Lara’s goal is to that men would never assume a woman find and protect specific ancient artefacts could ever, many were in denial over that others are searching for, usually with her revealed sex. Even afterwards when evil motives behind them. As a character, it became common knowledge, some she has been around for over twenty years continued to refer to the character of and still is the best at what she does. Samus as a man, which is a strange choice to make. Samus donning her Zero Suit is There are so many other amazing games an iconic look, and featured in the games, out there that feature women at their core, so either in endings or even gameplay. In please show your support, both this month Super Smash Bros, you can even play and always. From creators, designers, as Zero Suit Samus, a fast, customizable writers, animators and women-led studios, character who is sure to leave a shocked the gaming industry would not be what it expression on the face of your enemies is today without strong women behind it once you show them what she’s capable of. If something a little scarier is what you have in mind, both Resident Evil 2 and 3 have two amazing female characters. Even though they share the spotlight with the male controllable characters in their respective games, a large portion of the games is spent through the women’s eyes. Claire Redfield accompanies you during Resident Evil 2 as you try to escape the terrifying place of Raccoon City after most of its residents turn into zombies. Originally a 1998 release, it was remade in 2019 for a smoother experience, which gives you no excuse not to delve in deep into either of these copies! Jill Valentine takes the helm in Resident Evil 3, but she is no stranger to fans of the series. Being a protagonist in the first instalment, she is often deemed as a fan favourite and all-around amazing character to play as. Your objective is to search for a vaccine to cure, you guessed it, a zombie outbreak. Isn’t it awesome to
29 GAMING So You Want To Be a Gaming Influencer? CHLOE BARRETT Gaming Editor
With the accessibility of platforms and the technology we have at hand, it truly has never been easier to record yourself or stream games. There are thousands of people across the globe that embark daily on the scary decision to put themselves out there on the internet to make content for others to watch. And it can be easier to do than you might think.
The two main platforms to broadcast your gaming abilities are YouTube and Twitch. The two main platforms to broadcast your gaming abilities are YouTube and Twitch. The former has been around for many years and is still a strong platform, but some active gaming influencers prefer to keep their streaming and normal recordings separate. Uploading a video on YouTube may seem like a daunting process, but once you get started you will never look back. To record a video you will need a capture card if you are planning on mainly console gaming. But, for computer-based games, there is a wide variety of screen recording software out there, many of which offer great trials. The same goes for editing software. You may need to try a few of them out before you find the perfect one for you, but it will be worth it. For any music, you will need to be extra careful to avoid any copyright claims on your channel. By getting claims, you lose benefits, such as the ability to set custom thumbnails, and if you get too many your whole channel will be at risk. Try to search for some royalty-free tracks and be cautious because certain game music is copyrighted. Thankfully, there is usually an option to choose copyright free music, which is ideal if you are recording or streaming.
Your streams will stand out if you have an awesome layout accompanied by cool alerts and lots more. If streaming sounds more interesting to you, it is extremely doable! Streaming on Twitch is as easy as making an account, setting up your microphone and camera, then hitting the live button. There is software developed specifically for streaming, and many come with the ability to design your widgets. Your streams will stand out if you have an awesome layout accompanied by cool alerts and lots more. Deciding on what to stream can be a tricky decision, as there is truly so much that you can record. Twitch has over a hundred categories, such as one dedicated to Just Chatting, which is a nice, casual space where you can easily interact with your viewers. Other popular games like Fortnite are constantly filled with thousands of steamers, whereas older games may have fewer gamers playing. There is something for everyone, and you will fit in great. If you are worried about your setup, you can set up subscriber goals and fundraisers to buy yourself some new equipment, such as a better camera or microphone. You never know who will tune in and donate, so it is worth a shot. Some of the most popular gamers out there have dedicated videos with their top tips on getting started in the gaming world, which is definitely worth checking out. Remember, you can do this. If recording gameplay without a face cam and audio is more your style, go for it! As long as you are having fun and staying safe while doing it, you will be the best content creator that you can be.
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30 Reflections on the Red Light District: The Power of Decriminalising Sex Work CHLOE BOLAND Student Contributor
This week, Chloe Boland, chairperson of UCC’s Feminist Society will be discussing the role of the law in the sex work industry, and how it can affect the safety of sex workersWalking along the canals of Amsterdam in the Red Light District was certainly an interesting experience, and put many questions into my mind. What exactly are the laws regarding sex work in the Netherlands? How is the attitude to sex work so different from here in Ireland? Do the different attitudes and laws create a safer environment for sex workers in comparison to Ireland? Amnesty International recently released a report regarding the laws on sex work in Ireland. The report, entitled, “We live within a violent system”: Structural violence against sex workers In Ireland”, shows clearly how the criminalization of sex work puts sex workers in Ireland in more danger. Before getting into the laws around sex work, it is important to understand what is actually meant by sex work as per Amnesty’s report. Sex work refers to a consensual exchange of sexual services between adults for some form of remuneration – money or goods – with the terms agreed between the seller and the buyer. Ireland has a very closed off and ignorant attitude towards sex as a whole. We can see this all around us, especially in our education system where fear-mongering and abstinence are still featured heavily in sex ed classes. The Catholic Church’s influence can still be felt all around us in this country’s attitudes towards sex, and the laws around sex work are, unfortunately, and dangerously, no different. The laws regarding sex work in Ireland claim to exist to protect sex workers, but by listening to sex workers’ lived experiences, we can see this is not the case. As of 2017 when the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act made amendments to the preceding 1993 Act, the purchase, but not selling, or sex between two adults became criminalized - this is known as the “Nordic Model”. Furthermore, “the organisation of prostitution” and the “advertising of brothels and prostitution” are prohibited. What is very important to note from the 1993 Act, which is still in place today, is that “brothelkeeping” refers to two or more sex workers selling sex work from the same premises, and this is currently criminalised. The serious implication of this is that it can prevent two or more sex workers from working together even if it is for safety reasons. Many of the sex workers interviewed in Amnesty’s report reported that they share premises with other workers to help them improve their safety. However, many also reported that they were too afraid to do this, even if it would improve their safety, as there is the risk of being criminalised. It is clear from Amnesty’s report that working together improves sex workers’ safety but as this is criminalized under Irish law, many sex workers are in even more danger as a consequence. As with all feminist issues, intersectionality is really important to consider, and this is no different in the sex work industry. The criminalisation of brothel-keeping affects all sex workers’ safety but can also pose even more issues for migrant sex workers and sex workers of colour. Migrants and people of colour are more likely to be prosecuted if they are caught working in a brothel (bear in mind, under Irish law this can simply mean two or more sex workers working in the same
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premise). So while many sex workers are willing to take the risk of prosecution of working together so that they are safer while working, this is a much greater risk for migrants and people of colour - putting them even more at risk. The safety of sex workers is not a priority in Ireland, despite the current laws claiming they were put in place for safety reasons. Listening to sex workers and reading Amnesty’s report, it is obvious that sex workers are not safe. On the question of what needs to change to improve sex workers’ safety, the majority of those interviewed for Amnesty’s report said that they want it to be legal for sex workers to work together. As some of the interviewees remarked, they work together for their safety because it is dangerous for them to work alone. Furthermore, the majority of participants in the report are calling for the complete decriminlisation of sex work in Ireland. Coming back to intersectionality, the vulnerability of sex workers is impacted by numerous factors such as their gender, race, sexuality, disability, migrant status etc., and completely decriminalising sex work would create a safer environment for all sex workers across the country. Total decriminalisation of sex work brings us to the Netherlands. Prostitution was legalised in the Netherlands in 2000, and this included lifting the prohibition on brothels. This decision was made by the Dutch government with the aim of improving working conditions and giving sex workers more autonomy over their labour. The Netherlands has been remarked as a global leader in the decriminalisation of sex work. In the case of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, there is management, police, a safety network and colleagues nearby which improve the safety for the people working there. In comparison to Ireland, where workers can be criminalised for being with other workers (which as seen in Amnesty’s report, is mostly done for safety reasons), and are in most cases too afraid to call the police if they find themselves in danger, these seemingly small elements make a huge difference to the safety of sex workers. Of course, it is important to note that the Netherlands is not perfect, and there are still many issues pertaining to sex work. There is still a major stigma surrounding sex work, and still, sex workers do not have access to the same rights asthe rest of the labour force. There is certainly a long way to go, but there is evidence that allowing brothels to run, and decriminalising
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sex work as a whole actually increases sex workers’ safety. Advocating for sex workers’ rights goes beyond advocating for better safety or total decriminalisation, it is also advocating for better housing, and for better support for the most marginalised people in our society. Something that is included in Amnesty’s report but is often overlooked when we talk about sex work is the reasons that lead people to begin sex work. People start sex work for a variety of reasons, but for many sex workers, it is because they have already been abandoned by the state and it has become the only viable option for them to make money. Many sex workers are already marginalised in our society. One of the participants in Amnesty’s report talks about their experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, and how this led them towards selling sex online. The lack of support from the government with regards to the Disability Allowance, which was not enough for them to support themselves, and the nature of Multiple Sclerosis making it difficult to keep a “normal” job, led them to online sex work as a means of being able to support themselves. A quote from another participant that really highlights this point is, “We’re doing sex work because we need to survive because nobody will hire us”. There are many reasons why people find themselves doing sex work, and it is no one’s place to judge someone for the work they do to survive. Sex work is a feminist issue and as feminists it is our job to look at the ways our society oppresses and marginalises people, putting them in positions where their only option is to work in a sector that puts them in danger. It is also our job to advocate for better laws and supports for sex workers, both worldwide and in Ireland, so that they can simply do their job without putting themselves in danger, so that they can have the same support and security as all other workers. If you want to read Amnesty’s report it can be accessed here: https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ EUR2951562022ENGLISH.pdf. If you want to learn more about sex work in Ireland more generally, Red Umbrella Front is an incredible organisation that supports sex workers and adovcates for their rights. The only way we can make sure that we are properly supporting sex workers is by listening to what they have to say. I can write, and I can talk, and I can give you all the information I can find, but if we’re not actually listening to sex workers - the people affected by all these issues - we will never achieve any meaningful progress.
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Up the Upcycling! CLAIRE WATSON Fashion Editor
projects flourishing in the wild. Milo’s favourite creation is a denim jacket he made for his partner, that includes an embroidered ribcage encompassing the back panel. Otto’s favourite piece is also an altered denim jacket, this one featuring Medusa’s head. He says, “I think I could probably do a lot better now but I’m still really proud of how they turned out!” As someone that’s seen these jackets IRL, they are phenomenal! Milo posts his work on Instagram @ mornings.violet where you can also commission him. I do also want to give a shoutout to Otto’s teeth vest. It’s a vest with teeth (not human) glued onto it. It’s absolutely amazing. The favourite thing I’ve made is also a denim jacket. They’re such a great canvas to work on! I spent the summer working on a cat-themed jacket. I made stencils to paint a pattern on the back panels, and I lined the cuffs, collar, pocket, and some hems with a frilly fabric I found for a euro in Vibes and Scribes! There’s a big environmental aspect to this as well. Not only are you contributing to the fight against fast fashion by reusing and Making custom clothes isn’t a viable option for everyone- myself repurposing old clothes, but you’re also reducing textile waste, included. It can require a lot of time, skill, materials, and even a big contributor to landfills. Milo explains how they use “fabric space. However, there’s another way to create unique, personal, scraps around that [they] use and reuse in appropriate projects.” and funky items while using the skills and resources you have. Both of my interviewees agree that there’s a lovely community By taking something old and customising it to fit with your style, surrounding upcycling here in Cork. Plenty of Upcycling you too can jump on the handmade bandwagon! workshops are run on campus by different societies so keep I spoke to a few students about their interest in the craft and an eye out for those! Finally, I asked both what their favourite had them share a few words on their experiences. Milo is a part about upcycling is. Otto says, “I love the control it gives me postgrad student who sews, creating fine, detailed pieces by over how I present. I’m able to make pieces that are completely means of embroidery. Otto is a second-year BA English student unique, and tailored to my specific interests/aesthetic. I also specialising in “kinda sticking pieces of fabric onto other pieces really enjoy the making process, watching as a project slowly of fabric.” Making elaborate patches by painting or sewing onto comes together, piece by piece.” And Milo says, “My favourite thing would have to be the creativity of upcycling. There are so fabric scraps. many different methods and materials and creative things that Milo explains how he learned the tricks of the trade from his can be done. It’s another way to express yourself in something family but continues to upcycle as a way of “saving money and perhaps a bit less permanent than tattoos.” preserving clothes.” But also, “[they] just like making fun little clothes because it makes [them] happy to have something cool that I made [himself].” Whereas Otto and I both got into upcycling because we both find it difficult to dedicate the time and energy to building a new garment from scratch. Personally, I can’t work a sewing machine, I find the material to be an expense, and I simply don’t understand how patterns work. What I do understand, however, is paint, sewing, and embroidery. As Otto puts it, “upcycling seemed like a fun way to use those skills and make something cool, without a ton of commitment.” Upcycling can be a great way to unwind. It can be a way to destress, listening to a podcast, as Otto does, and let yourself wander away from reality as your muscle memory does all the work. Or, it can be a cathartic way to get out all the creative juices and express yourself. Milo says that his favourite thing about upcycling is “making something your own in your own way, even if it is not perfect or flawless.” Being friends with Otto and Milo means that I get to see their
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Crocheting up a Storm CLAIRE WATSON Fashion Editor
“Twee is coming back,” “Jorts are gonna be the hottest thing this spring,”
took over the trend, bringing it “down” to the people.
This is very fitting for the accessory, seeing as the balaclava has a lot of historical and political meaning behind it, generally People are bad at many things, but something that people these associated with ideas of protest, anti-fascism, and anarchy. days are terrible at is recognising trends. Not to talk about the trend There is also this rising aesthetic of anonymity, through the use cycle, but to talk about the trend cycle, these days as consumers of face masks and gas masks, also tied to left-wing ideology. we are so accustomed to revivals that we fail to recognise Of course, this accessory is as practical as it is aesthetic. By what’s new. Trendy does not equal what is in Penny’s windows. covering the mouth it could be used as a face mask- though Trendy is what people are talking about and trying on for the this would really depend on the wool and how tight the finish first time. Sometimes it’s a specific garment, other times it’s a is. Remember, balaclavas are not medical grade! The more material, but most times- like twee and mod fashion, it’s a whole obvious use is to ward against this spell of cold weather. Given artistic movement. It’s fascinating being at the start of a trend the soft material and the full coverage, the crocheted balaclava because we’re still finding our footing in the fashion world. will do wonders for insulation and comfort. “2022 is the year of stripes,”
This trend is not something that can be thrown onto and pulled off of a shelf. Rather, this trend is born in living rooms with the fire lit and the 6 o’clock news on. It’s born from quirky college students passing the time on the bus or making a dreary lecture entertaining. It’s born from grandparents and passed down through generations. This movement is born from a ball of yarn, and a trusty hook.
Another accessory I see propping up on my respective social media feeds is a blend of beanie and bucket hat that forms two little cat-ear shaped spikes at the top. This piece is absolutely adorable and is perhaps a little more digestible for those that are not wholly on board with the whole balaclava thing.
Last summer we saw crocheted bralettes, and these are still going strong. From dainty cottage-core pieces to grunge, spiderOf course, you can find knitwear in nearly every shop. Knitwear web styles pieces, there truly is something for everyone here, is nothing new. But this sudden surge in crocheted clothes and a diverse community of artists creating beautiful pieces, just highlights our want for something personal and unique. We’re waiting for your support. growing tired of the same thing marketed to us every single And it’s not all about buying! Crochet is an incredibly accessible day, and all these stories of real human beings being exploited medium, especially compared to similar forms like knitting. All it by wealthy millionaires are just sickening. Buying handmade needs is a yarn, some fingers, and a hook! Crocheting doesn’t clothes is a two-way street. You’re supporting an artist, paying require a special setting for you to be in either. I’ve met people their bills and maintaining their passion, while also receiving crocheting away on the bus, in cafes, in the Boole, and it’s something made with love and specially made for you. especially great for those wanting to stay wrapped up in bed, or The crocheted balaclavas are what first come to mind sprawled out in front of the telly. when thinking about this fashion movement. These This trend is a healthy step away from fast fashion. There’s no pieces ironically began as these high fashion articles, doubt that we will be seeing these kinds of pieces cropping up made by labels like Miu Miu and Calvin Klein. However, in H&M and on Asos, but what really seems to be at the core of artists saw these and thought: “hey I could do that” and this trend is supporting local artists.
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Women of Colour in Science Fiction & Fantasy IMASHA COSTA Editor-in-Chief
It has only been recently that there has been a mass representation of women of colour within the science fiction and fantasy genre. The likes of growing up with Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings, it has been eerily uncanny that it has not been possible to see people of colour represented within the genres. Yes, you could argue, that elves are meant to be fair-skinned, and are therefore white, but every single character within the genre? That’s a bit like saying, Tolkien’s world is all white, and therefore there are no people of colour that actually exist. The same goes for George Lucas & Disney’s Star Wars trilogies, where there are no women of colour – to my knowledge. However, in my opinion, there is the token person of colour – usually a man, such as Lando Calrissian, Finn or even the character that Samuel L. Jackson plays. There is not much of a plotline about their background or even what they are meant to be doing. For most of the newer Star Wars franchise, Finn is literally running after Rey, a white woman. I rest my case there. However, there has been a shift for more involvement of women of colour within the fantasy/science-fiction genre, and I think, this was first visible in Game of Thrones, with Missandei, who is first a foremost, an ex-slave, that has been freed by her oppressors. However, the one who does free her, could be argued to be seen as a “white saviour”. Even though it is great to see women like Missandei taking charge of their agency, it is still a bit complex to think that it is necessary for a white person to allow to give autonomy to a person of colour – in particular to women of colour.
lead person of colour. Take, for example, Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad. Cora, a slave, determines to find her own agency and escapes from the plantations in search of freedom and almost achieves it, but she ultimately fails. Visualising a future that isn’t all “white”, but instead filled with the experience of people of colour; the ability to infuse history with the future allows those that have lived the same experience of oppression of people of colour, allows one to see themselves within the world of the future, the rising world of technology. Another great visualisation of women of colour within the genre is Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone, where the main characters Alina and Inej, are both women of colour, taking on strong fighting roles as well as important storyline arcs. Even though Inej, was sold as a slave, and forced into prostitution, there is still the character arc of wanting to achieve her freedom and doing almost anything and everything to attain it. And she does, by the end of Season 1, potentially. Embodying the history of people of colour, such as slavery, colonization, and oppression, it is important to highlight that maybe we, women of colour, are able to achieve that freedom from oppression, and are destined to become better people, to be a fighter.
I say this as a woman, but I am also a person of colour first, and the fact that I am able to see a potential of myself on screen has really allowed me to feel more comfortable about watching/ reading fantasy. I try my best to find fantasy novels written by people of colour about people of colour, and by far, I have found some amazing writers and storylines. Take, However, with the emergence of a new genre, Afrofuturism, for example, Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone and there has been a shift in the narrative with the history of the how the writer compiles African folklore into a world of fantasy
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arts & literature
and magic and addresses a coming of age character. The author initially wrote this as a response to police brutality within the United States. The story is influenced by the Yoruba Culture, Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. Quoting Adeyemi, she wanted to write “a story so good that even racists would read it.” The book invokes the issues of race and class and how it divides a nation. And it is an ideal read for understanding how in a fantastical world, there is the division between race and the effects of class. The more oppressed you are, the worse it is. The fact that there has now been a rise in women of colour being featured within science fiction has allowed them to be involved in the conversations of their future. For far too long women of colour have often been neglected, and something interesting that Whitehead does in his novel shows how women of colour have often been oppressed by the innovations of newer technology. Sterilization has been one of the most oppressive forms of new technology that Black women have had to face within society. Involuntarily, women have been forced into sterilization and have been threatened by it because of their immigration status, housing, and employment. Whitehead highlights this in his newly imagined North Carolina, where Cora runs for freedom, yet freedom is not achieved. Coming back to that idea of the emergence of women of colour within fantasy, they are far too often linked with slavery and breaking from slavery. Missandei in Game of Thrones, I love her, but she is still a slave to Daenerys Targaryen, and so is Inej in Shadow and Bone. When will they achieve freedom? Is it on the horizon for them? Or will they never see it? This is a question that will forever be asked, because of the history for people of colour, they will always be searching for freedom, yet women of colour have had it worse, due to the unwanted acts of violence they have had to endure, and are yet still not acknowledged. But they are being acknowledged now, and that is a good thing. However, we still have a long road ahead of us, and supporting women of colour writers is a step that you could take. Buy books, art, music, by women of colour, be it young adult fantasy or science fiction. And this women’s history month, think about the women that have dedicated their lives towards making sure that we have the rights that we have right now. Marsha P. Johnson, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Audre Lorde.
Poet’s corner
This edition, I wanted to highlight one of the most influential and famous female Irish poets. ‘My Country in Darkness’ is a poem that reflects a great hardship that faces Ireland that I can greatly relate to and that I think most young people will be able to relate to.
‘My Country in Darkness’ By Eavan Boland After the wolves and before the elms the bardic order ended in Ireland. Only a few remained to continue a dead art in a dying land: This is a man on the road from Youghal to Cahirmoyle. He has no comfort, no food and no future. He has no fire to recite his friendless measures by. His riddles and flatteries will have no reward. His patrons sheath their swords in Flanders and Madrid. Reader of poems, lover of poetry— in case you thought this was a gentle art follow this man on a moonless night to the wretched bed he will have to make: The Gaelic world stretches out under a hawthorn tree and burns in the rain. This is its home, its last frail shelter. All of it— Limerick, the Wild Geese and what went before— falters into cadence before he sleeps: He shuts his eyes. Darkness falls on it.
Photography UCC DANCE @ eng soc ball Photos by jack murphy
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glass pants Photos by jack murphy
Issue 9| MONDAY 14TH February 2022 | University Express
SPORTS
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Is The Saudi Golf League All But Over Before It Started? ATAKAN UZUN Deputy Sports Editor
The proposed Saudi-backed golf league has received considerable controversy in recent weeks. This threat of a breakaway league has been on the cards for the past two years. There are two entities trying to rival the tour: the Premier Golf League and a Saudi-backed golf tour. The PGL was the first of the groups to coalesce in 2020, backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. However, the PIF—the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, has $580 billion in assets—eventually backed another entity in the newly formed LIV Golf Investments. LIV Golf aspired to have its own global professional tour, often referred to as the “Super Golf League.” The PGL attempted to achieve a partnership with the European Tour but failed, with the Euro Tour eventually agreeing to a “strategic alliance” with the PGA Tour. Though the PGL still exists, and reportedly has reached out to the PGA Tour about forming a partnership, its prospects have faded with the emergence of LIV Golf. “If someone wants to play on a Ryder Cup for the U.S., they’re going to need to be a member of the PGA of America, and they get that membership through being a member of the [PGA] Tour,” Waugh said. “I believe the Europeans feel the same way, and so I don’t know that we can be more clear than that. It’s a little murkier in our championship, but to play, from a U.S. perspective, you also have to be a member of the tour and the PGA of America to play in our championship, and we don’t see that changing.” Arguably, the comments of the experienced Phil Mickelson attracted the most controversy, regarding the Saudi-backed league. . It emerged that in November 2021, commenting on Saudi Arabia and a proposed golf league, ‘we know they killed (Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal) Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights,” Mickelson said. “They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape how the PGA Tour operates. “They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics but we, the players, had no recourse. As nice a guy as (PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan) comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right. And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want (the new league) to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the (PGA) Tour.” Mr. Mickelson was seeking to use this as leverage against the PGA Tour, whom he has criticised on a number of occasions. In an
interview with Golf Mickelson speaks of players to consider offers larger purses,
Digest while playing in the PIF Saudi International, the PGA Tour’s “obnoxious greed,” which was leading playing in the Saudi-backed league that reportedly guaranteed pay-outs and 54-hole, no-cut tournaments.
“It’s not public knowledge, all that goes on,’’ Mickelson said. “But the players don’t have access to their own media. If the Tour wanted to end any threat, they could just hand back the media rights to the players. But they would rather throw $25 million here and $40 million there than give back the roughly $20 billion in digital assets they control. Or give up access to the $50-plus million they make every year on their own media channel. “There are many issues but that is one of the biggest. For me personally, it’s not enough that they are sitting on hundreds of millions of digital moments. They also have access to my shots, access I do not have. They also charge companies to use shots I have hit. And when I did ‘The Match’ — there have been five of them — the tour forced me to pay them $1 million each time. For my own media rights. That type of greed is, to me, beyond obnoxious.” The PGA refused to comment on this matter. Along with his comments on Saudi Arabia and its human rights abuses, Mickelson said, ‘he and three other unnamed players paid for attorneys to draft the proposed league’s operating plan. Mickelson also suggests that the league, which has the backing of LIV Golf Investments, is part of the Saudi government’s attempts at “sportswashing.” When this interview and the comments of Phil Mickelson became public knowledge, several players distanced themselves from the proposed Saudi-backed golf league, including Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Rory McIlroy, who initially, was a vociferous critic of Phil Mickelson and this proposed golf league. In the wake of Mickelson’s comments, several of his loyal sponsors, including KPMG, Heineken N.V., and Amstel Light announced, they were cutting ties with the golfer. In summary, it appears that this golf league is over before it even begun. After Mickelson apologised for his comments and announced, he would be taking a break from golf for the immediate future, there are no high profile names, which have backed, joining the breakaway, Saudi-backed league. At this present moment, unless there are a severe change in circumstances, I cannot foresee this league, rivalling the PGA Tour, and becoming a viable league.
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SPORTS
Issue 11 |Tuesday 15tH March 2022 | University Express
Cheltenham: The jewel in Racing’s Crown SAM CURTIN Sports Editor
To begin this piece, I must admit to knowing very little about Horse Racing despite coming from a household which is fanatical about the sport. Namely my old man. However, like many people, Cheltenham along with the Grand National, is the time of year when we all believe ourselves to be experts on the sport. It’s somewhat ironic then that a sports fanatic like myself is not a fan of the Ireland’s most successful sport and an invaluable industry to the national economy. Although even this industry was hit hard by the pandemic with most racing taking place behind closed doors including last year’s festival. While it may have been quiet off the track, events on it, from an Irish perspective, were stellar. 2021 went down in history as the ‘greenwash’ with 21 winners. 6 of those going to Champion jockey Rachel Blackmore who in the months that followed would transcend the sport both home and abroad. A generational talent with the personality to boot. The Gold Cup is the only major prize to elude her and will look to go one step further then last year’s 2nd place. Her partner in crime Henry De Bromhead also won 6 including three feature races with the most important one being the Gold Cup after Minella Indo ridden by Jack Kennedy holding off Blackmore and A Plus Tard. Indeed, the battle for best trainer promises to be one of the highlights once more this year after Willie Mullins won for a record 8th time last year. The fact he only gets a couple of lines reflects the sheer volume of success he has had over the years and Ireland is certain to be spoiled once again with these two men at the helm. Gordon Elliott also makes his return after suspension last year for leaked photos of him posing with a deceased horse. And so, what about this year? The festival welcomes back full crowds in what should be an atmosphere to savour for those lucky enough to be there in the flesh. For the ordinary punter at home
however there is still plenty to look forward to over the next few days. One of these will be the handicap races (horses are weighted according to their ability/success) which many people believe will be
the most competitive with regards to the Ireland v England showdown which is always a dominant narrative every year. More so of course when Ireland is the one coming out on top. Add full attendances back to the mix and it promises to be carnival like atmosphere on and off the course. Another one of the narratives as briefly mentioned already will be if Rachel Blackmore can replicate last year’s heroics and finally land the elusive Gold Cup. The Tipperary woman is set to once again ride A Plus Tard in the race and is the current favourite with the bookies. Perhaps Minella Indo can retain the crown which is a rare feat in of the world’s most famous races. Speaking of superstars, the Champion Hurdle on day one is one of the most prestigious races in the hurdling and is the final part of the Thriple Crown. Honeysuckle led once again by Rachel Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead will go in as the clear favourite. The mare who will be 7 this year, puts her unbeaten record on the line in a race which always guarantees drama. With all of the positivity and excitement Cheltenham brings, it would be remiss of me not to mention some of the issues the industry faces going into the festival. There is ongoing investigations into alleged doping involving some Irish stables. The stories are only beginning to emerge, and it is imperative that Horse Racing Ireland deal with the issues in the strongest possible terms. A doping scandal is the last thing the sport which already divides opinion, in this country needs. It would certainly tarnish the legacy which has been built especially over the last couple of decades. Overall, whether you love it or hate it, there are few occasions to match the Cheltenham Festival and even for the most fair weather of fans, it is an event not to be missed. Irish success in our nearest and dearest’ backyard on the global stage and Colm Meany’s Cheltenham ads? What’s not to like? The
Cheltenham
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SPORTS
Issue 11| tuesday 15tH march 2022 | University Express
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2022 Formula 1 Season Preview ATAKAN UZUN Deputy Sports Editor
MERCEDES Mercedes will be aiming to win their ninth constructors’ championship in a row, having won the previous 8 championships. With Lewis Hamilton, joined by new team-mate, George Russell, in the Mercedes squad, they will be as eager as ever to challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championship. At the time of writing, based on the first test, having set the fastest lap time for the entire test, and the second-most mileage, behind Ferrari, with a total of 393 laps, across three days, it is likely that they will be closely battling Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren. My championship predictions for each driver at these early stages are, 1) Lewis Hamilton, and 4) George Russell. My bold prediction for this team is that Russell will outpace Hamilton in qualifying, but will struggle to live up to his pace in the races, and end up playing a number two role for his team-mate. RED BULL Red Bull will be hoping to clinch their first constructors’ championship, since 2013, during the glory days of Sebastian Vettel. Having narrowly missed out on the 2021 constructors’ championship, despite clinching the drivers’ title with Max Verstappen, Red Bull will be back stronger than ever, ahead of the new season. Returning with driver pairing Max Verstappen, who recently signed a new contract, which expires at the end of the 2028 season, and Sergio Perez, whose contract is ending at the end of the 2022 season, Red Bull will face an intriguing season on both sides of the garage. Verstappen will be hoping to retain his title, and the #1. Meanwhile, Perez will hope to build upon the foundations of the 2021 season, and improve this season, to match his team-mate’s pace on a more regular basis, which lacked at times during the 2021 season. If not, he could be at risk of losing his seat to former Red Bull driver, Pierre Gasly. So far, after the first test, they had the fourth-most laps turned in Barcelona, with 358 laps, across three days of testing. My championship predictions for both drivers are 2) Max Verstappen, and 6) Sergio Perez. My bold prediction for this team is that Perez will lose his seat at the end of the season, and may be replaced by Pierre Gasly, if he continues the form that he has shown in recent seasons with Alpha Tauri. FERRARI 2022 is a huge opportunity for Ferrari. After 15 years without either a driver or constructor championship, this is surely the year in which Ferrari can finally break this drought. With the returning driver pairing, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, they are in a great position to move up the pecking order. So far, to date, the reliability of the car appears to be faultless, with evidence, showing from the Barcelona test, that the team turned the most laps with 439 laps. However, I believe, it will be a stretch for the team to challenge for the drivers and constructors’ championship this season, but they will be competing at the front, more regularly. My championship predictions for both drivers are 3) Charles Leclerc, and 5) Carlos Sainz. My bold prediction for this team is that Leclerc will beat his team-mate, Sainz this season, after trailing him last season. MCLAREN McLaren will be looking to continue their seismic progress in the past three seasons or so. With driver pairing, Lando Norris, who, at the age of 22, is continuing to exceed expectations and show potential and maturity beyond his age, and Daniel Ricciardo, after he struggled in his first season with the team, they are in a stronger position than they have been, since at least, 2012. It is an important season for Ricciardo this season, to challenge more regularly at the front and match the pace of his team-mate, Norris. With a fast and reliable car, evident from the first test, they will be hoping to challenge at the front. My championship predictions for both drivers are, 7) Lando Norris, and 10) Daniel Ricciardo. My bold prediction for this season is that Ricciardo will struggle to match his younger team-mate Norris, like he did last season. ALPINE This is an important season for Alpine. With one of the best driver pairings on the grid, Ocon, and two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, they have the drivers to deliver them, solid results across the season, as evidenced by last season. Despite having an average car, they only failed to score points at the Bahrain and US grands prix, last season. So far, indications are that the team has an improved car. While the team did not run the DRS (drag reduction system) at the first test, the team were fairly positive and optimistic about their 2022 challenger. Whether it is consistent enough to challenge the likes of Mercedes, and Red Bull, is another question. My championship predictions for both drivers are, 8) Fernando Alonso, and 11) Esteban Ocon. My bold prediction for this season is that Ocon will lose his seat at the end of the season, despite having a contract until the end of the 2024 season, to reigning F2 champion, Oscar Piastri.
ALPHA TAURI Alpha Tauri will be hoping to continue their progress in the past few seasons to challenge more regularly at the front of the grid. Having clinched a win and a podium in the last two seasons, under star driver Pierre Gasly, this is another opportunity for them, against all odds, to challenge the bigger teams, such as McLaren. With a returning driver pairing of Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, who, undoubtedly, is an improved driver, compared to a year ago, they will be looking to spring a surprise, and secure an odd podium or two. My championship predictions for both drivers are, 9) Pierre Gasly, 13) Yuki Tsunoda. My bold prediction is that Gasly will go on to replace Perez at Red Bull, while current F2 driver, Liam Lawson will replace him in Alpha Tauri in 2023. ASTON MARTIN This season is crunch time for Aston Martin for several reasons. One because the team struggled to replicate the pace, shown by its predecessor, Racing Point in 2020. Second because its position in the pecking order, this season, could influence the future of veteran four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel. He returns alongside Lance Stroll. So far, it appears that their car has made improvements, but I do not think these improvements will be enough to convince Vettel to stay on for another season. My championship predictions for both drivers are 12) Sebastian Vettel, and 15) Lance Stroll. My bold prediction for this team is that Vettel will retire at the end of the 2022 season. WILLIAMS Returning with a revised driver pairing of Alexander Albon, who lost his Red Bull seat at the end of the 2020 season, and spent his 2021 season driving with a Red Bull-backed AF Corse Ferrari in DTM, he will be hoping to score points on regular occasions. Meanwhile, Nicholas Latifi returns alongside Albon. It is likely that their car has improved, and they have made steps, compared to previous seasons, but I do not think it will be enough to regularly challenge for the top six positions. My championship predictions for both drivers are 14) Alexander Albon, and 18) Nicholas Latifi. My bold prediction for this team is that Latifi will lose his seat at the end of the season, if he does not show any sign of progress this season. ALFA ROMEO Alfa Romeo, with a new driver pairing, will be looking to return to the speed, which they showed in the 2018 season, under Charles Leclerc and Marcus Ericsson, where they scored points on regular occasions. With a new driver pairing, Valtteri Bottas, and the only rookie on the grid, Guanyu Zhou, they will be hoping to challenge for the points-paying positions throughout the season. However, so far, at the time of writing, the team has struggled in the first test with teething problems with its new 2022 challenger. My championship predictions for both drivers are 16) Valtteri Bottas, and 17) Guanyu Zhou. My bold prediction for this team is that it will rank behind Williams, again this season. HAAS Last, but not least, Haas has attracted the most attention in recent weeks. At the time of writing, one of its drivers, Nikita Mazepin was dropped from the team, after the team lost one of his main sponsors, Uralkali, due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed, because of this invasion. Former driver, Kevin Magnussen has secured a return to the team with a multi-year contract, alongside Mick Schumacher. While they put all their eggs into one basket for this season, and wrote off their 2021 season from the get-go, it is likely that the team will struggle to make progress from last season, and is likely to be the slowest of all the 10 teams. My bold prediction for this team is that Mick Schumacher will leave the team at the end of the season, and will join Aston Martin to replace Sebastian Vettel.
University
Sports
UCCExpress.ie
Volume 25 | Issue 11 | Tuesday 15th March 2022
UCC Sport Round up: UCC Teams Continue to Impress on the Basketball Court SAM CURTIN Sports Editor
With so much sport happening over the past couple of weeks involving UCC, it is time to look at some of the highlights across a range of sports.
Basketball It has been a successful couple of weeks for UCC basketball in both men’s and women’s competitions. There is nowhere else to start than with The Address UCC Glanmire who won the MissQuote.ie Super League after claiming an 80-54 win at DCU Mercy last Sunday week. Not only was it their first super league title since 2017 but it also completed an historic double after winning the National Cup in January. Mark Scannell’s side will have collected the trophy at their last home game against Trinity Meteors by the time this is published.
Rugby It has been an excellent couple of weeks for UCC Rugby in the SSI competitions. Both the men’s and women’s teams have qualified for finals. The men defeated GMIT 28-5 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final tomorrow. The women’s team overcame NUIG 31-5 to qualify for the final which will also take place tomorrow in what promises to be an exciting double header. Venues and opponents to be confirmed. Soccer
Carrie Shepard has been an instrumental figure for the side this season and helped herself to 25 points ensuring another top scoring game. Tierney Pfirman had 14 points and Claire Melia had 10.
No less than seven players are part of the Cork City women’s squad for the 2022 WNL season which began last Saturday week. This is a testament to the work going on in not just UCC but in the whole of Cork.
After the game, Scannell was understandably, in a joyous mood in what has been a special year for the club. “We’re delighted, we’ve had a very, very good season, the girls were very focussed all year and worked very hard and they deserve everything they get today.”
Rugby
Thoughts over the next couple of months will turn to next season as UCC Glanmire will look to retain both trophies and establish a dynasty to match the appetite that exists for basketball in Cork. If they can recruit smartly while also retain the likes of Shepard and Melia, then there is no reason why they won’t be contending for top honours again next season. As for the men, UCC Blue Demons ensured top spot in the Southern Conference of the InsureMyVan.ie Super League after they defeated IT Carlow 81-72 in a top of the table clash at the Mardyke Arena last Sunday week. Toby Christensen top scored for Demons while Irish international Kyle Hosford was also very influential chipping in with 14 points. This victory puts them on 42 points and an impressive 14-1 record. It also extends their lead at the top of the conference to 9 points. By the time this issue comes out, they will have played Portlaoise Panthers away. Dan O’Mahony’s side will look to finish the regular season with a win to maintain momentum going into the play-offs later this month.
The annual Colours game made its return after a two year absence last Saturday week. Unfortunately for the college they lost out to UCD 33-12 at the Mardyke. They play Landsdowne at the Aviva Stadium Sunday March 27th before preparing to take on Ballynahinch in a relegation play-off. Hockey The great work being done by UCC Hockey continues to make headlines as Caoimhe Perdue has been named in Sean Dancer’s 25 player squad for this summer’s World Cup and Euro Hockey Qualifiers which take place in July and August respectively. What to Look Out For There is plenty more action this week. Both archery and table tennis have intervarsity events this week in UL and UCD respectively. There is also women’s hockey and Olympic handball taking place at the Mardyke Arena. For more results and upcoming fixtures, check out the new revamped UCC Sports website at www.ucc.ie/en/sport/ .