An Focal (Vol. XXV Edition 4)

Vol. XXV • Edition 4

SHAG WEEK

October 2016

Our Leading Women

Week 8

A New University President

By Paul Saunders

The University of Limerick (UL) has announced that Professor Desmond Fitzgerald is to become the new president of UL. The announcement was made after a specially convened meeting held by Chancellor of the University, Mr. Justice John Murray, on October 6th in which the recommendation of Prof Fitzgerald to be the next president was accepted.

Prof Fitzgerald is the current Vice President of Health Affairs at University College Dublin, and previously held a senior position at the Royal College of

Surgeons in Ireland.

Prof Fitzgerald said: “I am delighted… I am honoured to lead UL during the next phase.

I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to secure a strong national and international academic profile.”

Prof Fitzgerald’s presidency will officially commence on May 1st 2017, when he will succeed Professor Don Barry whose term of office ends in April 2017.

Prof Fitzgerald was one of the highest paid academics in the country last year and has accumulated a range of international networks and partnerships, in particular in the US,

Current president Don Barry

China and Malaysia.

“I want UL to establish and lead pioneering initiatives that will deliver real impact in a range of important areas that are critical to Ireland’s future and the future of the Mid West”. “The University of Limerick has had remarkable success in its short history, due to its staff, its students and the support it has from the community and the Foundation,” Prof Fitzgerald said.

University Chancellor, Mr. Justice John Murray, is pleased with the appointment of Prof Fitzgerald and looks forward to seeing how UL will grow in the future. “I am delighted

to welcome Professor Fitzgerald as the next President of UL. He is a widely-respected scholar and leader in the academic world, with an enviable international research reputation and unrivalled experience gained at strategic levels in a number of highly-ranked universities.

I know I speak for the Governing Authority and the broader UL community in stating how much we look forward to working with Professor Fitzgerald to build on UL’s fine foundations as we realise the institution’s vision and objectives for the future,” Justice Murray said.

In an email to the students of UL, Prof Fitzgerald highlighted the role that the students of UL have in contributing to the university’s success. “I look forward to working with each of you to secure a strong national and international academic profile”.

“I am very conscious that the University has had remarkable success in its short history, due in no small measure to its students and I am honoured to lead UL during the next phase of its evolution… and I look forward to collaborating with present and future students,” he said.

Prof Fitzgerald ob-

Prof. Desmond Fitzgerald will become president of UL in May 2017 tained his medical degree from UCD, subsequently training in Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University in the US. He went on to hold the position of Chief Academic Officer of Ireland East Hospital Group, Vice President of Research at UCD, Director of Research at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Consultant in Clinical Pharmacology at Beaumont Hospital.

Prof Fitzgerald is also the founder of two biomedical companies and is a well-respected clin-

ical academic in translational medicine. He has 450 research publications and on the h-index, which measures an author’s influence and how many times he has been cited by other authors, with a typical professor scoring a value of 3, Prof Fitzgerald holds a value of 57.

Professor Fitzgerald said UL has unique strengths - its staff, students, alumni and friends, its powerful local, national and international partnerships, its stunning campus and its excellent reputation.

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Join An Focal Online Today

Paul Saunders We are over halfway through the semester now and I hope everyone has been enjoying reading An Focal as much as I’ve enjoyed producing it.

I want use this space to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of An Focal this semester and I hope it carries over into the next semester.

I know it’s a bit premature to be thinking of next semester EDITOR: Paul Saunders NEWS: Evie Kearney SPORTS: Caoimhin Reilly DESIGN: Hannah Carr-Murphy COPY: Naomi Deevy CONTRIBUTORS: Sarah Allen Ciara Barry Ariadne Bazaldua Mark Boylan Maxine Bramley Emma Clarke Ann Cronin Aoibhinn Fitzgerald Nicole Glennon Caitlín Griffin Lyndsey Hall Ryan Hanton John Harty Kyle Lehane Martin Lennon Katie Martin Jason McNicholas Federica Montella Tom O’Brien Aisling O’Connor Chloe O’Keeffe Aoife O’Sullivan Yash Sanghvi Chloe Sweeney Stacey Walsh Aimee Wells Maeve Wrixon Baoyan Zhang

but time flies and time at UL always seems to fly by (maybe because we are having so much fun).

And now I hope that everybody who has been picking up a copy of An Focal will go online and check out a redesigned website which is full of brand new and brilliant content.

Last week, we published our first quiz: Can You Guess the UL Building Based on One Picture?

While many students spend hours maybe even days scrolling through Buzzfeed for their procrastination fix, you can now do that with anfocal.ie.

We have GIF lists, reviews for everything going on around campus and we want everybody to get involved and make anfocal.ie the best website it can be.

By now both you and I are definitely sick of me telling you that you can have your say in the paper but now you can have your say online too.

We want feedback, criticism, comments, shares, likes and everything else you have.

So find us online and get scrolling through a beautifully designed mobile website so you can never be too far away from An Focal.

October 2016

Limericks from Limerick

By Martin Lennon

Garryowen

Kick the oval in the air Then run faster than a hare Eyes up high To the sky Catch it, or move to Adare.

An Focal Crossword Test your knowledge of this week’s edition!

DOWN ACROSS 6. _____ Fest takes place in Week 8 8. Prize won by Ann Enright 10. A recently reinstated society 12. Location of the Kayak Club’s annual trip 13. Surname of the new UL President 14. ULSU mascot

@AnFocal_UL

1. The An Focal Editor 2. Group who played Music Week 3. A popular hair trend 4. Location of the Head of Charles Rowing Regatta 5. Name of new app created by UL lecturer 7. Disease meaning you can’t have gluten 9. Irish Times Innovation Award Winner 11. Drama Soc had a ____ hour theatre challenge

An Focal

AnFocalUL

October 2016

3

A Letter to the Eighth Amendment

By Hannah Carr-Murphy Dear 8th Amendment, I know you must think of me as an interloper in this conversation.

After all, I’m an American citizen. I won’t have a vote when a referendum to repeal the Eighth goes to the people of Ireland.

I also never had to campaign for the right to get an abortion, because Roe v. Wade was decided long before I was born.

I was born into the right that Repeal campaigners are currently fighting for, and have taken it for granted for much of my life.

I know you’re probably worried, Eighth, that you will be forgotten as soon as the Re-

“Once you win the fight for your right to choose, you have to fight against the erosion of that right.” peal campaign is successful, but I’m here to assure you: your legacy will live on.

For the men, women, and nonbinary/ genderfluid persons campaigning for reproductive justice in Ireland, the fight won’t end when the Eighth is repealed, it will just change shape.

For example, in the current dumpster-fire-turned-presidential-election, the Republican field of candidates originally included former CEO Carly Fiorina who, at a televised primary debate, told a graphic and fictional story

about evil scientists harvesting the brain of a helpless aborted “baby.”

This type of fear-mongering works.

It plays on the stigma of abortion to give people without clear opinions on reproductive rights a horror story that confirms their undefined concern about the ethics of abortion.

And Carly Fiorina’s fabrication was only one small footnote in what has been a rough election cycle for women’s healthcare – and women in general.

Even forty-three years after the Su-

preme Court of the US ruled abortion to be a right, there is significant pushback against abortion providers and those who affirm the right of uterus-having people to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy.

Forty-three years later, and universities in the states still have Right to Life organizations on campus.

People with giant, gory banners depicting “dead babies” stand outside the student union and loudly preach to young women – who are simply trying to get to class – about the mortal sin of

abortion.

Forty-three years after losing the fight to restrict the rights of others, protestors still scream at people going in and out of healthcare facilities that offer abortion.

There is a lot of ugliness in the anti-choice movement (which would more accurately be named a “standstill” than a movement), and it won’t disappear when - not if - the Eighth is repealed.

In the US, the Hyde Amendment and other sneaky legislation limit the access to abortion and other vital healthcare services by cutting funding or forcing reproductive healthcare centers to close.

The Republican party platform, a committee-written document outlining the values and stances of the party on a host of issues, named the elimination of Planned Parenthood as a goal for Republicans in government.

This is an unprecedented move from a party desperate to slow the progress of gender justice in the US in any way they can.

What I have learned as an American in Ireland during this historic time is that I have

been complacent about reproductive justice in my own country.

Once you win the fight for your right to choose, you have to fight against the erosion of that right.

I have seen the character of the Repeal movement in the short time I’ve been in Ireland, and I’m confident they will succeed and keep on succeeding.

I am heartened by the diversity and thoughtfulness of the movement, and how people speaking on behalf of Repeal the Eighth have been strong while remaining civil to those they disagree with.

I know, Eighth, you’re probably not looking forward to being repealed, but know that you will never be forgotten.

Whenever women are told they can’t do something, you will live on.

When women have to deconstruct stigma before making the choice to terminate an unwanted or unviable pregnancy, you will be there.

Wherever there is reproductive coercion – a form of intimate partner abuse where the partner forces a woman to become pregnant – you are there too.

So long before long Eighth Amendment, and good riddance.

Sincerely, Hannah

Are you interested in writing a Letter to the Eighth? Whether you are for or against, we want to hear from you.

Email anfocal@ul.ie for more information.

October 2016

4

Farmers Prepare for a Rainy Day

By Federica Montella UL Senior Lecturer Dr John Garvey has created a free app to help farmers and suppliers make investment decisions and cope with the financial issues that bad weather conditions bring.

FarmHedge aims to reduce costs for both users and suppliers by allowing farmers to book deliveries of feed, fertilizer or animal health products from their regular suppliers.

It also provides precise weather risk information and alerts, combining forecasts with the farm’s 10-year weather history.

Dr Garvey’s personal experience has provided him with a good knowledge on farming and inspired him to create the app.

“I grew up in a farm in Ennis and I spent my life working with my father and my

brother. Some of the stuff I teach relates to how energy companies can transfer the financial risk of weather. In farming, I wanted to figure out a mechanism so that farmers can get compensated if weather is very wet or cold,” he said.

FarmHedge provides a venue for suppliers where they can view all farmers in the country on a map, select a group of users that are

in a particular location and make them a bulk offer – it saves suppliers distribution costs, and it allows farmers to get lower costs.

The app was officially launched in September 2016, and it has already more than 1500 users based around the country.

The company’s priority at the moment is to build the number of farmers and suppliers that participate on the

app and to get funding to expand the platform beyond Ireland.

Dr Garvey has been working in the University of Limerick since 2002 and is now a Senior Lecturer in Risk Management and Insurance.

“I love interacting with students and meeting very unique, different people every year. I also love the research I do. It is really nice to take an idea that I have devel-

oped within a research and turn it into a business,” he added.

He is a graduate of English & Economics from the National University of Ireland (Galway) and defines his literary studies as “the most important and enjoyable part” of his education.

“I love the whole process of writing, making an argument scientifically sound. My English studies framed the way

I think about economy and society, they had a major influence in my education.

“My app for example tries to connect farmers that are working every day in isolation from a commercial aspect, and it takes an understanding of society to do so.”

Dr Garvey said that the thing he values most in terms of experience and success is travelling.

“Living and working in a different environment, or travelling for its own sake is hugely valuable.

“My experience in New York has been extremely eye-opening and rewarding. When I started studying Arts in Galway I didn’t really have a plan to become a lecturer, I just kept falling into different things.

“The most important thing is probably always enjoying what you’re doing.”

SoUL Fest Gets a Unique Filter for Capturing Your Snapchat Story

By Maxine Bramley Week Eight’s SoUL Fest get to enjoy their very own snapchat filter thanks to UL student Liam Lennon.

Music Media and Performance Technology student Liam is currently doing his co-op in the Student Union’s Marketing and Communications Office where he created the filter.

The filter will be avail-

able to use around campus from the beginning of the event on October 24th until the evening of October 28th.

Liam said that he drew the design first and then created it on Adobe Illustrator.

The process of creating the filter took a few days before it got approval from Team Snapchat.

“We were trying to make one for Freshers’ Week but we ran out of

time so we made sure to plan this one in advance,” Liam said.

Students’ Union Clubs and Societies Coordinator Michelle Whyte who organised the SoUL Arts Fest only had words of praise for the new Snapchat filter.

“I’m delighted that it got passed by Team Snapchat as it’s such a rare thing to happen,” she said.

Ms Whyte said having a filter to represent the

event will have great impact on UL C&S. “I think that it will really help towards promoting the societies of UL for this Arts Festival week because it’s something that everyone will have access to.”

As Snapchat is so popular at the moment, the filter will bring more publicity to all of the societies and bring the SoUL Fest into the mind of more people, she added.

October 2016

5

10% OFF FOR STUDENTS EVERY TUESDAY

10% OFF FOR STUDENTS EVERY TUESDAY

10% OFF FOR STUDENTS EVERY TUESDAY

10% OFF FOR STUDENTS EVERY TUESDAY

October 2016

6

Study Shows Protein at Breakfast and Lunch Essential for Healthy Ageing

By Nicole Glennon A recent study undertaken by University of Limerick Professor Phil Jakeman and colleagues has revealed that eating an even amount of protein at each meal may be more beneficial than consuming most of our protein at dinner time.

The study, which was funded by Food for Health Ireland, sought to investigate the role of milk proteins in healthy aging and performance nutrition.

The Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences said: “Healthy active aging and improving sports performance have a lot in common as far as muscle is concerned. As we age the amount of muscle and lean tissue mass begins to decrease. This can

lead to frailty, disability and loss of independence in older adults.”

Contrary to what many people believe, the human body begins to decline between the ages of 20 and 30 years old.

These age-related changes in body composition include osteopenia (bone health) and sarcopenia (muscle health).

Prof Jakeman acknowledges that most of us are familiar with the deterioration in bone density but believes many people are not aware that our muscles also start declining at this point.

“We only really become aware of it when we can’t run or lift our luggage into the overhead bin in an airplane anymore.”

Prof Jakeman believes that all students should be aware of this change in body composition with age.

“If you are technically ignorant of something that may affect your well-being then you have limited choice to change. However, if you are educated, informed, then you have a choice – for example to change a behaviour.

“We are starting to understand more about the processes involved and about what the right foods are to eat and when,” he said.

“For example, we eat about 1,000 meals a year but we tend to eat a lot of protein just once a day with our dinner.

This is reducing our opportunities to ingest protein to one third and muscles can only ab-

sorb so much protein.

If we were to divide the protein across the three meals it could have a much better effect.”

DCU Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology Brendan Egan also offered some advice on how the aver-

age person can incorporate this in to their daily life.

“Based around real food, this would look like having a high-protein yoghurt or a couple of eggs with breakfast or, if having a salad at lunch, making sure

to have a meat or fishbased option,” he said.

Other Principal Investigators on the project included Dr Brian Carson (PESS), Dr Pat Kiely and Professor Sean Arkins from the Department of Life Sciences at UL.

Irish Laureate for Fiction Visits UL

By Chloe O’Keeffe The University of Limerick Writing Centre were fortunate to play host to Man Booker Prize winner Anne Enright last Thursday October 6th in the Kemmy Business School.

As part of her duties as the Irish Laureate for Fiction, Ms Enright is to give at least one talk and one lecture per year.

Ms Enright delivered a very satisfying and humour-filled lecture as well as a truly inspiring talk about fellow novelist Maeve Brennan.

She was the first Man

Booker Prize recipient to deliver such a talk to the university.

“The first ever Booker Prize winner to visit UL is one of the most important Irish writers of her generation,” said Professor Joseph O’Connor.

Prof O’Connor along with Frank McCourt of the Writing Centre were the people behind the show as they decided to invite the Irish laureate to the University of Limerick.

As part of UL’s creative writing programme, students are lucky enough to experience teaching visits, seminars and readings from

a range of outstanding contemporary authors from Colum McCann to Richard Ford.

The evening began with UL resident writer Donal Ryan crediting Ms Enright’s many accolades - from winning

the 2007 Man Booker Prize for her novel The Gathering, to winning the 2015 Man Booker Prize and Book of the Year for The Green Road.

Ms Enright began with a short lecture on

fellow essayist, novelist and New York Times journalist Maeve Brennan who she said is “an amazing writer… a solitary and interesting person.”

Ms Brennan was dubbed the “Gaelic Princess,” as the audience were told it was “hard to find a description that doesn’t show her ethnicity.”

Proceeding the heart touching, yet witty talk on Maeve Brennan, Ms Enright followed with a few short readings from her award winning novel, The Green Road.

Ms Enright read the extracts with such pas-

sion and clarification that it was easy to relate to the humour filled yet serious events of the novel, particularly the Christmas Eve shopping experience endured by one of the characters.

In a short Q&A to conclude the events of the evening, Ms Enright admitted that she worried and cared for her characters and that she “liked [her] sentences to surprise [her].”

Ms Enright is the first ever Irish Laureate for Fiction, awarded by the Arts Council and began her three-year term at the beginning of January 2015.

October 2016

7

UL Company Leads in Tech Innovation

By John Harty Arralis, a tech company based in UL, recently won the Irish Times Innovation of the Year Award.

The company won the award for designing the ‘Arralis 94Ghz’ - a radio chip with numerous possible functions that will have far reaching effects across the world The radio chip is set to make waves on the radio and communication landscape as it can be used in aircraft unmanned landings, self-driving cars, airport radar communication and even for 5G internet telecommunications.

Arralis CEO Barry Lunn said: “While 94Ghz isn’t anything new, it’s never been done on a commercial scale, and our aim really is to make such radio chip’s more accessible.”

Arralis have been working on the radio chipset for two years with a team of 16 peo-

ing they have been forced to seek their business clients from abroad.

“The big thing about the award is the recognition we’ve gotten.

We’ll be able to sell to more companies and make more deals, that’s what we’re excited about.”

The Irish Times Innovation of the Year Award is currently in its sixth year and has been a great way to showcase Irish companies in the world of innovation and technological change.

“We were up against stiff competition; I was especially a fan of one of our competitors, Moocall for example,” Mr Lunn said.

For Arralis, the Innovation of the Year Arralis receiving the Irish Times Innovation Award Photo Credit: Conor McCabe Award has only been the “icing on the cake” ple and are hoping to ty of the company as several foreign compa- These success have for their hard work, as expand further within the radio chip becomes nies. not been met without they plan future prothe next year more popular.”

“Out of the top ten air- difficulties - the current jects and an expansion “We have big plans for Prior to receiving the space companies, we’re Irish technology sector within the next year.

2016 and 2017, our goal award, Arralis had been now partnered with six hasn’t been able to keep is to increase the abili- attracting interest from of them,” Mr Lunn said. up with Arralis, mean-

Law Students Create Database to Track Prison Deaths in the State

By Baoyan Zhang

will helped change lives of oppressed people for Ten fourth-year stu- the better and for me dents UL students have there can be no greater designed a database reward than that,” Mr for recording deaths in Strauss-Walsh said. prison.

“While the research Research by these ten does not provide any students on the estab- definite solutions it lishment of the data- clarifies the questions base was written over that we should be askthe course of a semes- ing which is just as imter, according Steven portant,” he added.

Strauss-Walsh, who The database will rewas involved in the cord personal details of project. deceased prisoners and “My goal was to effect data will be collected change and when such a over time and used for database is established I significant sources for

reform, in order to determine statistics such as causes of death.

Mr Strauss-Walsh said: ”Prison does not cure prisoners. In fact it does not even solve the enigma of how to effectively punish crime. It just produces criminals, who move

through prison as if it were a revolving door.

“The question must be asked as to how exactly the penal system can be reformed and what a potentially better system might look like.

“I think the implication of this research is that it will raise weighty

questions about the nature of crime and punishment in Ireland.”

Judge Michael Reilly,the Inspector of Prisons offered high praise to the design of the database for gathering comprehensive information to encourage evidence-based policy

within the Irish prison system..

Professor Shane Kilcommins from UL School of Law and Dr. Eimear Spain in Health Law also supported the research.

The other nine students research participants are: Blathnaid Christian O’Shea; Caoilinn Doran; Cillian Flavin; Luke Mulcahy; Maire Ciepierski; Michelle Kavanagh; Rachel O’Carroll; Niall Foley; Roisin Cahill.

October 2016

8

Busy Week Planned for SoUL Fest

By Maxine Bramley The Societies of UL (SoUL) Arts festival, a celebration and collaboration between UL Societies and the University of Limerick Arts Office, is kicking off next week.

The SoUL arts fest will take place from Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October with activities taking place day and night over the five-day event.

SoUL Fest is an event where the universities societies will have the chance to showcase what they do and activities they organise to the campus community on a wider platform.

Last year over 40 different events to celebrate and promote the societies took place with Tea Appreciation, Games, and Out in UL just a few of the societies involved.

Michelle Whyte, the Student Unions Clubs and Societies Coordinator, will lead the organisation of this weeklong event.

“Preparations for this year’s SoUL Fest started during the summer months and this year we are going bigger and better,” Michelle said.

On the Wednesday afternoon of SoUL Fest most of the societies will come together at the SU Courtyard to make it into a hub of activity.

“This collective event is also the perfect chance to meet up with that Society you have yet to join to find out what they are all about and get to know the committee,” Michelle added.

One event planned for this year is Out In UL’s Orlando Pulse Remembrance.

This event will see

members of the LGBTQ society and the Student Union speaking out about the tragedy and remembering the names of those who died by lighting lanterns.

The Drama Society will also be showcasing their big event CARZ, which the society describes as an “immersive theatre event comprising of four hard-hitting short plays, which will be taking place in different vehicles on campus”.

This event will be running each evening from the 24th to the 26th October and information about tickets are available on their Facebook page -facebook. com/uldrama.

“We are still reeling from the success of last year’s Soul Fest,” Michelle said but she is sure that this year is going to be even better.

Annual International Festival a Success

By Lyndsey Hall On Wednesday of Week 5, the International Office hosted its annual International Festival, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the UL student body, while also helping to integrate the vast number of international students studying at UL. The day consisted of a full day of free events, with an excellent turnout of both international and Irish students.

UL is renowned for its outstanding international student experience and warm welcome, and events like the International Festi-

val are a significant part of the internationalisation of the university.

With over 1100 students coming to UL from over 90 countries this year, the international student population of UL acts as a great benefit to the local community, bringing diversity of culture and language.

A Study Abroad Fair, showcasing Erasmus and Exchange opportunities for UL students, was held in EG-010, featuring stands from partner institutions Photo: Oisin McHugh, True Media around the world.

International students represented their home tries, while UL students studied overseas were institutions and coun- who had previously there to give their ex-

periences, all to help UL students due to go on Erasmus make their decision.

UL has the largest Erasmus & Exchange programme in Ireland, with over 500 students participating in the programme in 2015/16, and many destinations for UL students to choose from.

The Pavilion played host to the International Food Fair, featuring dishes from countries including China, France, Spain, Germany and Sweden.

Over 300 students turned up to sample dishes from around the world and share their

cultures with friends and other students.

As well as this, many students came out to enjoy a screening of the French film Amelie in the University Concert Hall, wrapping up a great day of sharing and celebrating cultures.

The UL International Education Division endeavours to continue to organise events like these that celebrate the internationalisation of the university as well as to make our international student body feel welcome.

Find the International Education Division on Facebook to keep up to date with events.

October 2016

Fresh Voices on Campus

By Emma Clarke

The Erasmus programme is a EU funded student exchange that allows students from universities all over Europe to spend a few weeks, months or a year studying at a university in another EU Country.

Many Irish students dream of spending time in an exotic land with a hot climate, gorgeous scenery and a completely new culture.

But it’s also interesting to look at Erasmus from the differrent point of view of the Erasmus students from abroad who spend the year in Ireland.

What makes each individual person choose Ireland? What do they think of Ireland so far? Do we live up to the party loving, hard drinking but friendly stereotype?

Some Erasmus students had a variety of ways of saying the same thing: They chose Ireland because they wanted adventure, an English speaking country and a culture that was similar enough to theirs so as not to be too much of a shock, but different enough to be fresh and exciting.

“I wanted to get to know Irish culture and

I wanted to learn more about the history. I wanted an adventure,” English and History Kath from Germany said.

Economics and Finance Student Maria from Slovenia said: “I wanted a country where the first language was English and I didn’t want to go to the UK because their culture seemed too similar to

mine. Also I love Ireland’s scenery,” Many of the Erasmus students expressed an interest in Irish culture and history but they didn’t really seem to know much about modern day life in Ireland.

Thankfully, they all have had positive experiences so far but the biggest complaints are the weather and homesickness.

“The weather here takes some getting used to,” Communications student Patrick from Malta said.

They all feel that Irish people are very friendly and open, much more so than people from their own cultures.

“In Germany we only have conversations with friends and acquaintances, but here people just come up

9

to you and ask you questions. It’s strange though, because I never know if we are really connecting – are they just being polite or is this a friendship?” Kath said.

There are distinct difference in social attitudes too. For example, many of the female interviewees were quite shocked about the ‘Repeal The 8th’ debate.

“That seems very strange to me,” she said.

“I don’t understand how any girl could not support abortion laws.

Especially as this is university, people are away from home for the first time, things happen.

Young people here seem very, loose about sex. I wasn’t expecting that.

“So, to be open about sex but anti-abortion?

This I don’t understand,” she added.

Assault on College Drama Society Students in Limerick Hosts 12-Hour City Nightclub Theatre Challenge

By Yash Sanghvi Two UL students were harassed last week by unidentified males in a nightclub in Limerick City.

A second year law student who was present at the scene said: “One of the girls had hair pulled when she tried to push the guy away and the other was held in a headlock and was being dragged away from the group.

“The girl had to punch the guy in question after he refused to leave

her alone and continuously forced himself on her.”

Vedant Modi was in the nightclub at the time of the incident.

“Such students should be barred from ever entering nightclubs,” he said.

One taxi driver said that students need to realise that actions on a night out can follow you in to the future.

“Students think it’s all fun and games and they feel there aren’t any repercussions but the day they are behind the

those steel bars that’s when it’ll strike them, everything they do has consequences,” he said.

A victim of the assault doesn’t believe that reporting such incidents is effectively useless, and would rather take the issue in to her own hands.

She said: “I would rather punch the harassers than report them because reporting it won’t stop the problem.

“It is a problem with our generation which we just got to accept and move on.”

By Aisling O’Connor

Earlier this month UL’s Drama Society held their 12-hour theatre challenge.

They traditionally hold a Drama sleepover but decided to do something more challenging this year.

The idea came from a 24-hour theatre ran in Limerick a number of years ago that several committee members took part in.

The challenge aimed to write, direct and perform a short piece in 12 hours, accord-

ing to Drama Society President Shauna O’Halloran.

Members divided into groups of four and began writing plays on the night annd breaks were taken for pizza and improvisation games.

Props were provided for inspiration and the attendees enjoyed the night to the fullest.

Member Billy Verlinden said: “It was great.

I had an amazing time learning different ways people go about developing ideas and characters. and the pizza

was super tasty.”

Ms O’Halloran said said that members put on some hilarious pieces and sleep deprivation definitely added to the insanity of them.

International students were welcomed to the event too.

American student Alice Pow posted a vlog about the night, and said she intends to force her friends to do something like the 12hour theatre challenge when she gets home to the US.

October 2016

10

What Did You Think of Budget 2017?

We asked UL students their thoughts on the Government’s latest budget.

Here’s what they had to say . . .

“I don’t have a notion.

I’m not really interested.”

– Owen Hannon

“I watched some of it but I don’t really know a lot about it. I’m not as informed as I’d like to be.”

– Maria Bennett

“I care about the nurses.

As long as there’s more staff it’s better because we are severely understaffed.”

– Penny O’Haire

“I didn’t even see anything about it. I knew it was happening but when was it on?”

– Leah Higgins

“The only thing people take note of at my age is the cost of fags and drink and I don’t do much of either.”

– Michael McElligott

“I heard a few things about it but I didn’t really care.”

– Emmet Boyle

“I don’t know, I’ve just been so busy.”

– Christopher Irwin

“I was too busy. I didn’t take notice but it probably does affect me.”

– Ryan Hanton

October 2016

11

The Problem with Generalisation

By Katie Martin Recently, a dim light has been shone upon students of the University of Limerick by the media as a result of various events that occurred over the course of a night out in the city.

UL, being the first of Limericks colleges to return following the summer break, ultimately got the blame for what happened, leaving a dampener on how the student body are viewed by the public.

Despite what goes on behind the scenes at the university in terms of student encouragement, support and welfare, this incident is an example of how one bad apple can be detrimental for the whole pot.

UL Students Union Vice President and Ac-

ademic Officer Donal Foley said: “We only hear about the bad things, such as drinking, antisocial behaviour and parties. We never acknowledge what students do well, for instance, volunteers who organise events and help students keep safe.”

Donal works as a team of three with President Sarah Dunphy and Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell, combined with the team of staff of UL’s Students Union (ULSU), in representing the students of UL and ensuring they have a memorable university experience.

“I firmly believe UL students are the best student body in Limerick,” he added.

It is a well-known fact that UL students go out on weeknights during the college term and

as a result are primary suspects when anything bad happens.

“In town, students are generalised by the nights they go out. It is very unfair on stu-

a county council sign, there is a hit from the press for the simple fact that bad news sells.”

Focus is being placed on students by the media because they are easy targets.

Donal compared improving the image of UL’s students as a result of this harsh media to playing an uphill soccer match with ten men.

He explained how “a critical sandwich” of the good and bad points regarding the student body would be a far better solution to filling the pages with negative content.

The Vice President believes in positive encouragement for students who are enjoying dents, to remember themselves, providing where they are and to Limerick with income have respect for themand adding to the econ- selves and others, going omy, that when there is hand in hand with his antisocial behaviour, be message to the student it fighting or stealing body of UL to treat one

another with the respect deserved.

Donal, as a representative of the students of UL, gave high praise for the student body which he referred to as his “peers.”

“Before you’re old and wise, you’re young and stupid, you learn from your mistakes.

“I will stand and represent them as a good group of people because that’s what I believe they are,” he said.

First year student Kyle Lehane believes the University is a “respectable place” and doesn’t deserve to have it’s name “dragged through the mud.”

Another first year student Nicole Glennon said: “It’s especially frustrating when you know it’s unlikely there were any UL students involved in the incidents reported.”

What It’s Like to Live Gluten-Free

By Stacey Walsh While you’ve read about Vegetarians and Vegans in the last two editions of An Focal, there is another diet/ lifestyle that is becoming increasingly popular – the gluten-free diet.

I would like to make it clear that unlike vegetarians and vegans, my diet restrictions are not by choice.

I suffer from coeliac disease, which means whenever I eat gluten (which is found in nearly everything) I get very sick.

Anytime I used to eat some bread, pasta, cereal, biscuits or some sweets, I would get very bad stomach pains that

would last for hours.

Finally, I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and I was forced to forgo all gluten products. I feel better for it and maybe even if you’re not suffering from coeliac disease, you might want to give it a try.

Firstly, gluten is not essential to a balanced human diet; it has a very low nutritional value and you can easily survive without it.

The problem is that producer’s put gluten in everything because it’s cheap and it acts as a binding agent.

That burger you’re eating is held together with gluten; those streaky barbeque rashers are held together

with gluten, that soup is thickened with gluten.

I assure you that everything tastes fine without gluten - I’ve tried a whole variety of products and there is no noticeable difference in taste.

There isn’t a noticeable difference in changing over to gluten free, you just have to double check the ingredients of everything you’re buying and shop a few different shops or aisles of those shops and that’s it.

You still get to eat all the regular foods you love but you got to make sure you’re still getting enough vitamins and minerals.

Some people who use gluten-free as a fad diet

begin to suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiency as cutting out foods entirely such as wheat, barley and rye are also high in natural vitamins.

Make sure you are get-

ting enough iron and enriched vitamins that you can by eating lots of fruits and green vegetables and you should be fine.

Going gluten-free wasn’t a choice for me

but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.

If you’re doing it as part of a diet just remember to be careful that you’re getting the right balance of food and nutrients.

12

SU Hosts HIV Clinic

By Ciara Barry

Rounding out the events of SHAG week, Out in UL, in conjunction with GOSHH and the SU, held a free HIV clinic.

GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health & HIV) is a Limerick based organisation that offers support services, and promotes a positive attitude towards sexual health and well-being.

The clinic was extremely over-subscribed, with a waiting time of three hours at one of the busiest times.

GOSHH Representative Billie said they were very happy with the turnout, testing 36 people on the day.

Billie attributed the clinic’s success to the fact that it was free, quick and accessible, fitting easily with students’ budget, timetable, and lifestyle.

Thirty-two people missed out on the test on Thursday, but following the clinic’s success the SU are in the process of trying to

organise a second clinic for later in the semester.

Student’s Union Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell said that the HIV clinic was a vital part of Sexual Health And Guidance week.

Caolan credited the clinic’s central and accessible location as part of its success, also saying that he was “overwhelmed” at the number of people who came to be tested.

Caolan went on to say that it shows that people in UL are very open to STI screening, and that they are proactive about their sexual health.

Out in UL Representative Christian Tan, who was coordinating the clinic on the day, said that their aim with this clinic was to destigmatise STIs and STI screening.

“Everyone should be getting tested,” Christian said.

He went on to say that they want to promote sex positivity in UL, and help the student body to be more

informed about their sexual health.

SU Academic Officer Donal Foley agreed with this, saying that students should be getting screened for STIs at least once a year.

“This is a very important service for students, e shouldn’t take our sexual health for granted,” he said.

Donal got tested along with the other SU sabbatical officers at the clinic, and said it was a quick and easy test.

The test itself consists of a finger prick blood test, which returns a result in 60 seconds.

The entire experience is relatively painless, is over within 10 minutes,

and provides a positive or negative result for both HIV and syphilis.

Speaking of his own experience of the test, Caolan said it was eye-opening, and that “there’s no benefit in not knowing.”

While rapid HIV tests are extremely accurate, they detect antibodies, not the virus itself, and as such, will only return a positive result if the virus has been present in the system for three months.

That being said, Caolan and Donal both encouraged everyone to get tested, regardless of what you imagine your risk level to be.

This call for everyone

to get tested was echoed by GOSHH, who emphasised that it can and does affect anyone and everyone.

Christian touched on this too, stating that after MSM (men who have sex with men) sufferers of HIV, heterosexual women make up the largest demographic of people living with HIV. While the statistics can be daunting, representatives of GOSHH emphasised that while a HIV diagnosis might ruin your weekend, it certainly won’t ruin your life.

Billie spoke about the possible need for a HIV awareness campaign, saying that there seemed to be a discrepancy between students’ knowledge of how HIV is transmitted, and their own risk factor.

GOSHH Representative Ross spoke particularly about the stigma surrounding STIs and how while it’s less prevalent now than ever before, it’s still there, and we all need to work towards over-

SHAG Week Kick-Off

October 2016

coming it.

While STI diagnoses are on the rise in Ireland, this can in part be attributed to more and more people getting tested.

In a medical age where the vast majority of STIs are extremely treatable, all parties agree that there should be no reason students should avoid getting screened.

The need for regular screening is particularly important considering the majority of STIs can lay dormant in the body for long periods of time.

Caolan spoke about this in relation to HIV, which can be in your system for 12 months before you show any signs or symptoms.

Scary statistics aside, there’s a bottom line that the SU, Out in UL, and GOSHH can all agree on: The stigma surrounding STIs needs to be addressed.

STIs aren’t scary and in most cases it’s little more than a mild inconvenience and a prescription.

October 2016

13

SHAG-ing His Way to the Top

By Kyle Lehane

Sexual Health and Guidance, or SHAG, week is an annual weeklong event organised to help promote safe sex amongst students while also breaking down the stigma/ fear students face when seeking support for their sexual health.

This year’s main focus for SHAG week was to get the unengaged students to interact with the Student’s union, have a laugh and learn some basic sexual education in the process.

Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell said nowadays people are much more willing to learn about sex, without having to worry about what people think.

“There is a lot that students do not know, so what we’re trying to do is get them in and give them small, concise information to help them out,” explained Caolan.

He revealed his dis-

belief at how many students on campus don’t even know the difference between sex myths from facts.

During one activity in the courtyard, some students were even unable to answer whether a girl could get pregnant while on her period.

According to Caolan it’s through having a laugh with students and “taking the piss” about these real life scenarios, that students really do learn key information and engage with officials.

Figures released from last year show that of the 13,500 students attending UL, only 220 visited the STI on-campus clinic to get tested.

Of this figure, over 20 percent tested positive, with 79 percent having Chlamydia – one of the most common (yet treatable) STIs in Ireland.

The Student’s Union organised a sex quiz in Scholars on Tues-

day night, with well over 100 students in attendance. 500 Euros were also collected for charity.

The questions proved both funny and actually informative, varying from what percentage of 80 year olds are still sexually active to how many nerve endings does the average clitoris have.

Following on from this on Wednesday was a mixture of “Take Me Out” and P.O.R.N night, Protect Ourselves Right Now, in Stables.

Explaining about the event itself Caolan said, “It’s better to be proactive, and at least this way the students have the information and can still have a laugh around those cringe-worthy things.”

It wasn’t just all dildos, whipped cream and embarrassing snapchat stories though; over 150 sex packets were handed out by the SU containing condoms,

lube and vital information on consent and STIs. A consent survey was done throughout the week to see how well the student body is dealing with the idea of consent, an issue discussed and taught across many college

campuses.

The HIV clinic ran all day Thursday with tests being carried out in the Student’s Union building.

The main message to take from SHAG week is to go out, engage with the Student’s Union, ask those awk-

ward questions that have been bothering you and enjoy yourself.

Caolan describes it best by saying that “People are more accepting nowadays and there isn’t a taboo anymore, the time to talk is right now.”

Scholars Sex Quiz Satisfies Students

By Jason McNicholas ULSU kicked off SHAG Week in arousing fashion after hosting a Sex Quiz in Scholars Bar on Tuesday night last week.

The turnout greatly exceeded expectations as well over 100 students took part in a gruelling event that included fur coats, megaphones, free condoms and several unpronounceable diseases, the event was hosted by ULSU Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell.

The prizes ranged

from vibrators to inflatable husbands and were given out to the top five highest scoring teams and for the most inventive team names with ‘Quiz on My Face’ and ‘Grinding Nemo’ being some of the standouts of the night.

“This year I decided to change it up a bit, do a couple of different events that we hadn’t done previous years to try and see if they would better engage with students, getting them more involved, having a bit of fun but having a serious un-

dertone to it,” said Mr. O’Donnell.

From start to finish, the atmosphere was playful and lively as multiple teams battled in a nine round gauntlet of sexual trivia and condom inflating, all the while trying to resist the urge to make as many sex puns as possible.

“About 30 percent of my original questions overlapped with previous quizzes and I didn’t want that, the only things we kept the same were the Positions round and Rack

or Crack. The quiz was a huge success in my mind; there were over fifty teams that raised €500 for charity,” continued Officer O’Donnell.

No sexual turnip was left unplanted as there was a wide variety of questions for everyone’s tastes, ranging from genitalia to STI’s to the oddly popular Crack or Rack round in which the contestants had to correctly identify the photos in front of them as either breasts or a rear end.

The vast majority

of these photographs would end up vanishing before the end of the quiz, for yet-unknown reason.

The lucky winners ploughed the competition into submission during the two-anda-half hour romp and walked away with a sex hamper that would make a ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ fan jealous.

It contained anal beads, dildos and an inflatable sex doll called Kinky Kim. “The sex quiz was a banging night, it was great fun and informa-

tive”, said first year student Sarah Hynes.

“The quiz was much harder than expected, but the finish was so satisfying,” added Ciara de Barra SHAG Week, or Sexual Health And Guidance Week, is an annual weeklong event to help promote safe sex and to break the stigma students face when seeking aid for their sexual health.

Among the other events that took place last week were the Porn Party and Take me Out event.

14

October 2016

October 2016

15

Photos: Catherine Hughes

Sharon Shannon

By Aimee Wells

The Whileaways

By Maxine Bramley The well-known group ‘The Whileaways’ performed Monday night at the Scholars Club as part of UL Music Society’s Music Week. It was unsurprisingly quiet for a Monday night but the crowd was in good spirits and there was a tangible good buzz and relaxed ambience amongst students and staff.

The Galway-based group kicked off their set at around twenty past ten and the bar quietened down as they began to play with amazing vocals and flawless harmonisation.

Spectators were graced with a mixture of both slow and relaxed, and upbeat songs.

The Whileaways are a three-piece group consisting of Nicola Joyce, Noriana Kennedy and Noelie Mc Donnell.

The group said that the type of music they play is certainly folk and rootsy, and has many influences.

“Our thing is singing and making things

sound interesting vocally,” she added.

You could certainly hear that throughout the night as all three of them so effortlessly intertwined voices and sounds, engaged with the audience, and got them to join along in their songs.

The night ended all too soon and after chants of ‘one more song’ the trio closed the night with a well-known American folk song ‘All Night Long’.

Nicola, who did her Higher Diploma in Education at UL, said that she hadn’t been sure what to expect from performing at the Scholars Club.

“I thought we were going to be in the big bar [Stables], I thought it was going to be rowdy and I thought our thing wouldn’t work, because a lot of it is quite quiet, but it was lovely to see people from the music society and people who you could see by their faces that play music.” she said.

UL Music Week continued on Tuesday night with a spectacular performance from Sharon Shannon. She filled the Stables with a “mighty” crowd, as she put it herself.

Playing for almost two hours, Shannon, along with her right hand man Alan Connor, kept the crowd going with her surprisingly diverse set list ranging from melancholic slow airs to bouncy jigs and reels.

Her way with the crowd was undeniable, with her friendly and laid back attitude creating an intimate and vibrant atmosphere.

Not only was the atmosphere upbeat and cheerful, but the musical talent showcased was extremely impressive.

Shannon played a myriad of traditional instruments, including punchy reels on the fiddle and of course her most well known instrument, the accor-

dion.

An unexpected and very welcome addition to the set was the electric guitar played

by Connor, giving the music a rock-fusion vibe and even more dimension.

The crowd was impressively large, with students standing on tables to soak in as much of Shannon’s music as they could.

Towards the end of the night she played a crowd favourite, a song that Shannon calls her “most successful collaboration,” ‘The Galway Girl’.

Though small in size, the fans present had a wild energy, with their endless cries for “one more tune” leading to a highly welcomed encore.

Whether you are a fan of trad or not, Shannon will get your foot tapping and I highly recommend going to any event of hers. One thing is for sure, I know I would gladly go again.

King Kong Company

By Katie Martin UL’s Music Society brought the Irish dance band King Kong Company to perform Thursday night at the Stables as part of Music Week.

The atmosphere was electric with alternative dance moves to be seen from all angles of the floor.

King Kong Company are a six piece band consisting of Mark White (guitar), Alan Aylward (bass guitar), Colin Hoye (trumpet), Tom Stapleton (keyboard), Mark Graham (lead vocals, drums, percussion) and Trish Murphy (dancer and choreographer).

The Waterford based group kicked off the gig by entering the stage dressed in gorilla masks with a mesmerising display of lights instantly drawing the crowd from the bar to the stage.

It was not long before they broke out their controversial line, “If ya have it, now’s the time to take it,” that drove the small but loud crowd wild.

As the night went on, the crowd grew, the songs got heavier, “Box Head” appeared and the vibrations of

the bass could be felt throughout your body. It was as though UL had been transported into a 90’s rave.

The group described the type of music they play as “dirty, dubby, electric rock and reggae, crossing a lot of genres.”

This was evident throughout the night as each of their songs contained many aspects of a reggae/ dance fusion.

Playing to a crowd of students, King Kong Company explained how the ages of their listener-ship began higher, towards the mid 20s or 30s with it expanding to younger age groups as of late.

The group having gotten to number six on the Irish Indie Chart said: “More so than any charting or sales, it’s really nice to be able to put your hand on something that we made amongst friends and to be able to say we’re proud of it.

“We know it won’t last and there will come a time when we won’t be able to do this so we try to enjoy every gig because it’s a very enjoyable thing to do.”

October 2016

16

7 of Your Most Common Questions Answered 1. How Do I Get To . . ?

So, because we are amazing and we love you, we have made videos showing you how to get to all 5 of your learner support centres (Maths Learning Centre, ECE Student Support Centre, Regional Writing Centre, ICT Learning Centre and Science Learning Centre), the Millstream Common Room, Eden Restaurant and various locations for postgrads on campus.

If you need to get to other places then simply download the app UL Buildings for your Android or iPhone. It’s pretty damn handy.

2. Is There A Lost And Found On Campus?

Yes. There are 2, in fact.

The Students’ Union reception has a lost and found and the main reception have one as well!

This is located on the right when you go in the Ski Slopes entrance of the Main Building.

But you already knew that because it’s week 7.

SU opening hours:

9am-11pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-4pm on Fridays.

Main Reception opening hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

ing service upstairs in the SU. The cables charge phones of all descriptions, even those dearly beloved Blokias.

It’s also a cool place to 3. Can I Leave My Bag chill of you have a couSomewhere On Cam- ple of hours to kill on pus On Fridays? Can I campus between classCharge My Phone For es.

Free on Campus?

4. Do You Know AnyYes and yes! So, the thing About Buses?

Students’ Union offers a bag-drop service on Yes, we do. Lots actualFridays for a tiny fee of ly! But you don’t have €1, which is well worth us to call on anymore. it if you ask us.

So, here’s how you can This means you can find out for yourself: drop it in before class Google it. in the morning and Too much? No probjust pick it back up on lem. your way to the bus if Just pop into the SU you’re heading home reception and they for the weekend (but have a full list of direct why would you ever and in-direct buses want to leave this glo- from UL/Limerick to rious, amazing campus just about anywhere in that is UL?).

Ireland.

Our campus is so amazing that it even 5. So, What’s Happenhas a free phone charg- ing On Campus This Week?

The easiest way to keep up to speed with this kind of information is to like and follow all UL related accounts.

UL have their own

accounts on Facebook (The University of Limerick), Twitter (@ UL), Instagram (university_of_limerick) and Snapchat (uoflimerick).

The SU are also a handy one to follow to keep up to date on events.

Give a search for all UL related accounts on social media to stay fully informed. And just get chatting to people too of course!

Never know what hidden gems you might stumble across in UL and the mesmerising city that is Limerick.

6. Where Can I Post 7. Where Can I Ask Mail Items?

Questions On Campus?

Say you have your letter in an envelope and The First Seven Weeks addressed.

HUB. But that’s closed You can get this posted after week 7? from the post room at You are correct; we a fee and this is locat- were just testing you to ed in BO-034 (room see if you were paying 34, on level O, in block attention.

B of the Main Build- It’s been an amazing 7 ing) – easiest to access weeks for us answering through the Charles students’ questions in Bianconi entrance of person and online. the Main Building, However, the time has then it’s on your left. come for you to spread However, if it’s a post your wings and fly the card you’re sending to nest. your family or friends Don’t worry, we will abroad and you want of course be back again an authentic Irish for the first seven weeks stamp, then you need next year (for some to get yourself to Cas- fun, friendship and … tletroy post office. freebies! I know what This is located in the you were thinking) but Castletroy Shopping until then, we have left Centre (where Super- you with this nifty arValu is and right next ticle “Seven Places You to the Odeon cinema Can Ask Questions Afand McDonald’s, you ter The HUB Closes”. fattie. Joke, we love Because we love you.

McFlurrys).

October 2016

17

7 Places You Can Ask Questions after the HUB Closes 1. Students’ Union The Students’ Union is a union that represents, you, the students!

You’ve got your 3 sabbatical officers; Sarah the president, Caolan the welfare officer and Donal the academic officer.

As well as this, you have the amazing gang who work in reception who open from 9am11pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-4pm on a Friday who will gladly help you with any questions you may have.

E of the Main Building. . . . But we know that you already knew that) and they are open from 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm Monday through Friday.

If that’s not enough, they also have a super active Facebook (University of Limerick International Education Division) page and Twitter (@InternationalUL) account.

Be sure to like and Follow to stay informed.

3. Glucksman Library There are many groups of people in the library who can help you with queries.

The staff at the information desk are there to give you any library related info (such as “where can I pay a library fine?”).

There are also ITD staff members in the computer room who can assist you with any technical issues or queries you may have

(such as “how can I top up my print account?”

– again, we know that you already know you can do this in the Print Room E1-006 or online when you log in to UL PC’s).

You also have a librarian specific to your discipline that will be happy to assist you with books and research in your studies.

4. Main Reception Different to reception in the SU, the main

2. International Office The International Office is there for all International/Study Abroad/Erasmus students.

They are located in EO-030 (That’s room 30, on level O, in block

Tony Sheridan

Craig McKeown

Declan Mills

Nicola O’Sullivan

UL reception is on the right as you enter the Ski Slopes entrance of the Main Building and are open from 9am5pm Monday-Friday.

They have a lost and found and will be happy to answer any questions you may have (regards finding buildings, car parks, etc.).

Their contact number is 061-202700 or if you need UL Security 24 hour emergency contact 061-213333.

You’re welcome.

versity of Limerick), Twitter (@UL), Instagram (university_of_ limerick) and Snapchat (uoflimerick).

Be sure to keep up to date with them to let you know what’s going on around campus.

7. First Seven Weeks Staff Members

While it is very sad and emotional that the First Seven Weeks will no longer be open for the students, all of the staff members from the hub are still studying 5. Student Academic here in UL! Administration (SAA) If you spot them on the way to class someLost your student I.D. day, why not stop them card? Need to get a and ask them a quesform stamped to prove tion? you are in full time Or even if you don’t education? have a question, I’m Want to take on an sure they would love if additional module? you just said “hey”!

SAA’s got you covered.

And I say this with They are located in confidence because I EO-001 and open am a First Seven Weeks 9.30am-12.30pm and Hub staff member.

2.30-4.30pm Monday – Stop us and say hello, Thursday and 9.30am- but don’t be offended 12.30pm and 2.30if we don’t recognize 3.30pm on Fridays. you straight away – we have seen a LOT of 6. Social Media faces over these past seven weeks.

The University of It’s an excuse to introLimerick are active on duce yourself if nothFacebook (The Uniing else.

Aoife O’Brien

Lorna Horgan

October 2016

18

Off Campus Accommodation Making Students feel Isolated from University

By Caitlín Griffin UL provides six student villages, but there are several off campus options available to students too.

Parkview Hall, is situated on the Dublin Road and is a thirty to forty minute walk from the university.

“I find that it is an awful trek to college and it’s especially hard when you have an early morning lecture,” Parkview resident Neil Doody said.

“It would be ideal living on campus, particularly on rainy days because you fall out of your bed and you’re in college.”

It can be difficult for someone who lives so far away to motivate themselves to get up early and walk to college.

“The landlord here is very nice and obliging, and the apartments are spacious and modern, it’s just a shame we’re so

far away from the other students.”

Neil said that one of the main disadvantages of living in Parkview is being far away from other students.

There are approximately eight UL students living in this particular accommodation.

“I think that because there are so little of us

who go to UL here that it makes it harder for us to socialize with the other students in UL, because in fairness who is willing to come out all the way here if they live in Kilmurry?”

Making the most of the many facilities UL has to offer can also be difficult when you live so far away from college.

For first years in particular, it’s disheartening to see people from your course or clubs and societies meeting up on campus but it’s too dark to make the journey.

“Ideally a shuttle bus would be very handy to us, as the bus route is just not reliable but unfortunately, there just aren’t the numbers

here for UL to accommodate us,” Neil added.

“When I came to Parkview Hall, I suppose I wasn’t expecting that there would be so few students from UL living here. I feel like this experience would be a lot more enjoyable if there was.”

Parkview resident, Aoife Callaghan feels that Parkview should

not have been recommended on the UL website as it is too far away for most students.

Aoife’s advice for people thinking about living off campus is to do research before putting down a deposit.

“I was under the impression that it was going to be all UL students here. I wouldn’t even have minded the distance if we could just have that social interaction with UL students.”

However, Aoife also feels that it is still much better than the alternative of living in digs.

“You have the freedom of living independently and a chance to somewhat feel like a typical student.

“We are lucky in a sense that we have accommodation because there are still students without accommodation who commute from different counties everyday. It’s just unfortunate it can be so isolating here.”

Is ‘No Uterus, No Opinion’ Fair?

By Ryan Hanton

The answer was a resounding “Yes” as when The biggest issue in Ire- asked whether a man’s land these days is the opinion should be less Eighth Amendment valid than a woman’s and for many this is not on this issue, 3 of 6 men only a decisive issue in replied no and all 6 of the sense that there is the female participants no clear cut answer but, said no. also in that it seems to Reasons varied but, be an issue for women the main take away was and women only. that people believed in This week after six “equality” above all else. interviews with men Several participants and a following six in- also mentioned more terviews with women, than once the fact that I found what I hope is every baby had a father the answer to the ques- and that was their basis tion: “Does a man have for believing male and any business discussing female opinions on the the Eighth Amend- issue should be equal. ment?”

The men who believed

their opinion is less valid cited the following as why, they don’t know what it’s like to be a woman “in that position” and secondly, because the media said so.

While men and woman agreed also that men should have no difficulty in expressing their view on the Eighth, there was a feeling from some men that there was a time and a place, whilst some women said it depended on the specific circumstances of a situation whether a man’s opinion was wanted.

One woman, pro-life,

went so far as to say while a man should always have a say on whether or not their baby should be aborted, it is something that just cannot be put into practice as a woman has her own free will and can go to a clinic without him.

Another pro-choice woman had a genuine fear that abortion would become like the morning after pill and it would be treated too casually in the future.

Everyone agreed, whether they were a man or woman, prochoice or pro-life that

men should have a vote in a potential referendum on the issue.

All the men agreed male politicians should be able to discuss the Amendment.

Women agreed too, all be it, with one small caveat.

The women believe there is too many male politicians in the Dail in general and since the male to femal ratio is so off, they could not warrant allowing the debate about abortion to take place there, in other words when I asked them would they prefer a form of com-

mittee was formed with a more even gender ratio was formed they all said yes.

This was particularly striking as five of those women were pro-choice and the movement is planning marches and demonstrations to push a vote through now, rather than allow a committee to be formed.

In the end, the Eighth Amendment seems to be anything but men v women or even pro-life versus pro-choice, it is just a difficult and important issue for everyone involved.

October 2016

19

Top Hair Trends To Fall in Love With THE CRAZY CHEERLEADER The suicide squad star Harley Quinn send us all into a craze of dip dying our hair half blue and red this year.

Complete with the crazy yet colourful makeup, this look and hairstyle is a big one this semester.

Very simple two loose and high half pony tails parted down the middle with two single strands in front and there you have it the Harley Quinn cheerleader hairstyle.

By Aoibhinn Fitzgerald

ROSE GOLD Rose Gold has taken over this year from Rose Gold watches, Rose Gold Pandora princess rings all the way to Rose Gold shoes in our sacred Penny’s store and now it has literally changed the face(s) of many.

THE DOUBLE BUN The Double bun is far superior and stylish than the single bun, why? Because it’s double the bun double the fun!

Now we are absolutely NOT talking Princess Leia style buns on top of your ears, these are simply two buns at the back of the head.

It’s time the messy ‘hun bun’ or ‘stun bun’ has seen its last day .

Outfits of the Week

By Maeve Wrixon

Mairead Cronin

Jack Scanlon

Coat – River Island Top – Penneys Jeans – Zara Shoes – River Island

Coat – Hollister Jumper – Next Jeans – River Island Shoes – Schuh

Most hated: Uggs

Most Hated: Deep V-neck jumpers

Style icon: Sarah Ashcroft Monthly fashion spend: €200

Fay Langley Blouse – Boohoo Pants – Shop in Italy Hairband - Charity shop Most hated: Chokers

Style icon: Scotty T

Style Icon: “I do my own thing”

Monthly fashion spend: €10

Monthly fashion spend: €100

Fashion Police

By Ann Cronin

In the last issue of An Focal, a writer asked people to abandon “the grey sweat pants and the gym shoes” and adopt a more sophisticated attire.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing tracksuit pants and runners to college.

Just because you choose not to dress that way doesn’t make you any more stylish than someone who does.

Likewise, anyone who feels most comfortable dressed up ‘to the nines’ should not be judged for doing so.’

Funnily enough, I’m not paying three grand worth of fees to have my peers judge my wardrobe.

We are here to learn.

This is an institution of education and we are paying good money to obtain degrees.

Where in the module outlines did you see a recommended standard of style that is needed to succeed in UL? You should put more effort into your studies and enjoyment at UL,

rather than wasting energy on pleasing people who do not matter.

Do I even need to mention the fact that we aren’t exactly rolling in money? Not everyone can afford to “keep their style game up”, as the article put it.

You can’t blame any student with limited finances who opted for comfy, casual and versatile clothes over one or two stylish items that don’t suit many everyday activities.

Finally, before any boys out there decided to take last week’s advice to “ditch those Lonsdale white stripe pants”, it might be worth remembering that your one purpose in this college is not to impress every single critical fashionista.

College is not a runway, and no one has a right to comment on your dress sense.

You should dress in whatever way makes you feel most comfortable and confident – you do not need to put in any effort to change the ways you express yourself.

20

October 2016

October 2016

21

Environmental Soc Set for SoUL

By Ariadne Bazaldua

According to the Environmental Protection With SoUL week Agency, Ireland has around the corner, the made considerable efuniversity is gearing forts in recent years to up for a busy time. A decrease the amount of number of societies waste generated. and clubs will be show- Thanks to EU-set tarcasing dozens of events get goals and changes and activities around in legislation, we are campus, including the now doing a better job Environmental Society. at reducing the negative One of the exciting impact of our waste. campaigns the society However we could wants to promote and further lessen our negemphasize this semes- ative impact on the enter is that of recycling vironment by recycling around campus. our waste.

As we know, waste To help make recy- tal Society has come shape of the letters UL production is a huge is- cling easier (and more up with a water bottle that will be placed in sue worldwide. fun!) the Environmen- recycling station in the the courtyard during

Animal Welfare Bring Puppies to Campus

By Sarah Allen

us, we look forward to bringing some beautiIt’s been a busy few ful dogs on campus on weeks for all of us here October 24th as part on the Animal Wel- of SoUL week and to fare Society as we have help raise awareness been working hard on for Limerick Animal organising some great Welfare. events for everyone to So if you are stressed, enjoy. feeling down, need a The first of our main study break or just love

we are watching Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.

We are also planning a bake sale to raise money for the society in Week 10, which will have Vegan and Non-Vegan treats.

If that’s not enough we have a few other things planned; such as inviting a guest speaker and maybe a day trip to Limerick Animal Welfare to give a helping hand.

So if you are interested, make sure you keep an eye out on all our Social Media: Facebook ULWolvesAnimalWelfareSoc Twitter @animalwelfareul Instagram @animalwelfareul So far we’ve had a events will be one that dogs why not look out great turnout but If you I’m sure everyone on for us in the Courtyard would like to join the campus will love - and come cuddle a dog society, you still can.

DOGS and CHOCO- or two.

All you have to do is LATES morning!

We are having a mov- pop along to one of our This has become a ie night on Monday social nights or society very popular event for October 17th, where meetings.

SoUL week that will also serve as a visual to see how much water bottles the university uses a week.

Another recycling activity that will be up in Week 8 is the ‘upcycling station’. Upcycling has become more popular lately.

From creating furniture out of old wooden pallets and barrels to making jewelry out of bottle caps and bicycle chains, upcycling is a good way to make use of the waste we would’ve otherwise thrown in the rubbish

bin.

The ‘upcycling station’ will be set up with a few craft supplies to make it easier for students to make their own creations from things they find around campus.

These are just a few of the upcoming projects the Environmental Society has in store this semester.

Have a suggestion or want to help make UL greener? Join us at Red Raisins Mondays at 6PM to share your ideas or like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ULEnviroSoc!

History Soc Returns

By Aisling O’Connor

Officer Martin Lennon Lennon said.

UL History Society is “History Society is back after being voted back because there is in at a Clubs & Society a great love of history Council Meeting earli- at UL. Popular fantaer this month. sy history of Game of

as much as I do and to go on trips to historical places.

“But when there wasn’t a history society to sign up to, I was really disappointed

History Lecturer Dr David Fleming was interested in getting the society up and running again, and has met with the current committee.

“Students should join because everything in life is history, no matter what subject you are doing. Learning from the past, even the recent past is for all of us,” Public Relations

so now it’s great that we have one and other people can join and talk about history.”

Member Kathryn Adams said she likes the History Society because she has always been involved with historical societies outside of University.

She said: “I love having discussions and practicing historical crafts.”

Thrones make it popular too,” he added.

They had a pizza celebration night to celebrate their return and the society have already had a games night and gone medieval fencing.

Student Leighann Mulrennan said: “I’m looking forward to being part of a history society to meet people who love history

October 2016

22

UL Rowers Set Sail for Boston

By Caoimhín Reilly

Rowers from all over the globe will compete Excitement is building in the event includin the UL Rowing club ing Olympians from ahead of their upcom- last summer’s Olympic ing trip to Boston to Games. An Focal spoke take part in the world with UL Rowing Club renowned Head of PRO and team member Charles Regatta.

Patrick Corley ahead The team, comprising of the event and he exof 17 UL rowers, their pects the standard of coach John Meehan rowing to be extremely and coxswain Sarah high.

Lynch, will depart for Corley said: “There the tournament next certainly is [an expecweek. tation on us]. However,

we’re going to be rowing against extremely skilled rowers. There are over a thousand teams competing and there will also be Olympians rowing. There is an expectation, but I mean realistically we’re not going to win it, but we’re going to go out there and give it 100% and that’s the attitude that we have now.

“It’s a 4.8km race that runs through the River

Charles in Boston and it also goes through the likes of MIT, Harvard and Boston University. It’s regarded as the biggest rowing regatta in the world. There are different competitions in it obviously, so we’ll be going in a type of head of the river race, which is essentially a time trial,” Corley added.

“Preparation has been good. The Boston rowers are training at least five times a week, with some of us training six-seven times. Saturday mornings we’re out at Castleconnell at 7am to do a three-hour session. We repeat it on Sunday morning’s then.

During the week, we do endurance sessions, running sessions and 5km on the rowing machines.”

According to Corley: “You get hooked on it, and you learn to love it.

It is a case though that you have to train to that level to perform in the big events. Every college is doing that and may be more.”

The Rowing Club in UL has come an extraordinary distance in a short period of time.

Corley originally joined the club in September 2015, when the club was practically non-existent with membership and interest levels in disarray.

Twelve months later, the club is thriving with over 200 members having signed up at the recent UL Clubs and Societies’ recruitment drive.

“Our club was inactive before last September,” Corley admitted, “I joined last year with a load of other novices.

Most of us hadn’t any experience of rowing at all and we just started fresh. We gelled straight

away and worked our way through the ranks and learned the skills.

“There was just over 20 of us and we saw out the intervarsity’s competition in March.

It was a great weekend; we didn’t win but we partied as if we had.”

The club committee made the decision to commit to entering into the upcoming tournament in Boston following the intervarsity meeting, with the aim of trying to being their rowers to the next level competitively.

“The Boston trip was decided just before the summer break. We thought it would be a good idea to get more rowing trips abroad so that we could attract new members to the club, as well as giving our rowers something to train towards. There are other trips abroad in the pipeline.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and A Flat Start for OPC Judo Club Rolls into UL

By Aoife O’Sullivan

By Chloe Sweeney

and most importantly taking the fight to Fresh on the scene of the ground (using UL Clubs this year Judo take downs), you is the newly popular then apply a varieform of self-defence; ty of ‘joint-locks’ and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & ‘chokeholds’ to submit Judo, combined. your assailant.

Founded by Eire Mc- This combination of Carthy (Brazilian Jiu the take down art Judo Jitsu Blue Belt) and and the grappling art Ciaran Mulroy (Judo of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is Black Belt) this new giving its members a sports team has tak- well-rounded practical en the violence out form of self-defence of self-defence and while also giving new brought light to a students the chance to friendlier form of tak- get close to their feling down an opponent low peers through a twice your size. friendly and boundaUsing techniques ry-breaking sport (it’s based on leverage hard not to become

comfortable with people you’re rolling around on top of once a week!)

As the weeks go by this club is becoming more and more like a family, open and welcoming to every new face that joins each week, even non-students are welcome!

So if you’re looking to get fit, learn a practical self-defence and make some very close friendships while having tonnes of fun, head to the ULSU site and request your membership today, and lets ‘roll’!

It has been another rollercoaster of a semester with the Outdoor Pursuits Club.

Our climbing wall is open from 7-10pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, we offer orienteering training and/or caving trips on Wednesdays at 6:00pm, the club run takes place on a Thursday evening at 6:30pm and of course our hikes take place every Sunday.

The highlight of the semester so far was undoubtedly our trip to Letterfrack, Co. Galway. As this was our first full weekend trip of the semester, spirits

and expectations were high.

OPC buses are notorious for causing trouble but for once, it was the Sprinter van that threatened the trip.

Following a short detour in Galway city it sustained a puncture and it seemed like that would be it for our merry band, so generously transporting the climbing gear.

It took grim determination and a quick tyre change to get back on the road... but so hungry were the Sprinter passengers that they wasted no time in speeding in to Supermac’s and placing their order seconds before

the busload of OPCers arrived.

We will be having another weekend trip on the Halloween weekend so keep an eye on our Facebook page and emails for details!

We are also proud to announce that we have six new committee members following our EGM on the 13th of October.

A very warm welcome to Rob Gernon our events officer, Tony O’Connor our equipment officer, Caoimhe Regan our health & safety officer, and to our three OCMs Culann O’Brien, Anthony Dawson and Owen Michel.

October 2016

23

Leading Lights of Sport Shine at Seminar

By Mark Boylan An attentive audience of sporting students were treated to an engaging conference on leadership, women and sport hosted by the Women’s Gaelic Players Association, PwC and UL Sport during week six.

All Ireland Hurling-winning manager Liam Sheedy featured on an esteemed panel of past and present UL students who had participated and achieved success at the highest level in ladies’ football, camogie, soccer and athletics.

The Sunday Game panelist and Irish Sports Council member offered intriguing insights into his success with the Tipperary Hurling team and cited the positivity required

in dealing with defeat in a high performing space.

“I ask myself ‘do I lose or do I learn’ and I can honestly say that the days I learnt the most, were the days I lost most – you learn from your past, don’t live in it.”

An inspirational atmosphere was almost palpable in the room as ten-times All-Ireland Ladies’ Football-winner, Valerie Mulcahy spoke of the leaders that drove her to win every honour in the game.

“I look at the leaders I’ve had in my career and have to mention my mother; there was no ladies club before I started playing, so she and a few others founded one so the girls in the parish could play.”

That same leading

desire, which almost annually brought her to the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, was evidenced in “going doorto-door” for the Yes Equality Campaign, when Mulcahy became the first high-profile female GAA star to come out publicly as being gay.

Ultra-talented Olympian and UL PhD student, Jessie Barr spoke openly about her “road to resilience” and the importance of life away from sport.

The three-times Irish National Champion told the audience of her disappointment at being in the RTÉ studio speaking about her brother Thomas’ achievements, rather than at the Rio Olympic Games competing herself following a period of prolonged inju-

ries.

“Sport is a cruel mistress and I’ve learned the hard way over the past few years. I cried most nights going to sleep during Rio, but I’ve learned from the hard times.”

Problem solving and dealing with adversity were the key messages from one of UL’s greatest ever camogie players, Cáit Devane.

The Tipperary star who captained UL to Ashbourne Cup success in 2014 encouraged students to get out of their comfort zones and consider the correlation between actions and outcomes.

UL business graduate Louise Henchy told the audience of the transferable skills from sport to working life, explaining the balance she exhibited in winning

eight senior county titles in ladies’ football as well as twenty-two caps in total for the Republic of Ireland ladies’ soccer team.

“One of my co-work-

ers came to a game I was playing and said to me afterwards: ‘you play the game the same way you work here every day – you run around and get it done.”

Kayak Club Return to the Waves of Lahinch

By Tom O’Brien It was that time of year again. The time of year for the kayak club to make its yearly pilgrimage to the seaside village of Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Some say UL kayakers have been going to Lahinch since before kayaks began. Other more learned people say it’s closer to the last 30 years.

With everyone piled onto three buses and what seemed like 100 head counts we were on our way.

The hour and half journey felt like so much less than that with songs being sung and stories being told.

By the time the hostel was reached everyone

was assured of exactly what the hole in the Rattlin bog contained.

A game of room roulette divided up the beds to ensure that everyone was making friends with someone new. We continued with name games and after an exhausting night of getting names wrong everyone dropped away

to bed with dreams of surfing some of the best waves in Ireland.

Saturday morning, most of the kayaking contingent was woken by a Leitrim man with an eagerness to kayak beyond our understanding.

We got into our kayaks, and after a prolonged struggle to

shimmy off the sand everyone was tackling or being tackled by the best waves Lahinch had to offer.

A variety of skill was on display for the Lahinch locals but we didn’t mind one bit.

Everyone managed to surf a wave by the end of the session and that gave all the instructors

a warm fuzzy feeling walking back up the beach at the end of the day.

Saturday night was spent dressing up and heading to the local nightclub. We had some questionable costumes but ones that stood out were Donald Trump and Team Rocket from Pokémon.

Sunday morning, we tackled more Atlantic coast waves after a lovingly cooked breakfast.

Everyone was determined to improve on the previous days surfing performance.

It was a real pleasure to see so many beginner kayakers improve between the two days and get hooked on the sport of kayaking.

The journey home to Limerick was a more relaxed affair with everyone being able to sit back and take in what a great experience the weekend had been.

The trip concluded with a mass clean-up of all the gear and everyone went home for a well-deserved, and probably long awaited, good night’s sleep!

Monday

Sunday

12-2 Puppies and Chocolate—Animal Welfare Society SU Courtyard 1:10 Open O: Contemplating Silence Arts Office, Chaplaincy 2-3pm Clubs and Societies Hour—Live on ULFM! 6-8pm Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Tea Appreciation Society, Plassey House 6pm Film Screening—Anime and Manga Society, J. Swift Theatre 7pm Live Fr. Damo from Fr. Ted! (Joe Rooney) Comedy Society, Scholar’s Club 7:30pm Tech Training—Music Soc, Music Room, SU 8pm DJ Production Classes—Music Soc, Music Room 8pm Bible Study—Christian Union Soc, Teach Failte 8pm Glee Sessions—Music Soc, The Academy 9:30pm Trad Session—Music Soc, Stables Club 10pm Antisocial—Music Soc, Habitat

12-4: Irish Mace Debating Competitions UL Debating Union, Main Building

Tuesday 6pm-9pm Cosplay Workshop—Anime & Manga Soc, SU Room 3 7pm Orlando Pulse Rememberance—Out in UL, Plaza Courtyard 8pm Bodhran Buzz—UL Music Soc, SU Room 3

Wednesday 12:30-2:30 Societies in SU Courtyard 6-8pm Being LGBTQ in Irish Politics Social Democrats Soc, Millstream Common Room 7:30-Late Le Galaxie & Mark McCabe in Stables 8pm DJ Deck Sessions, Music Soc, SU 2&3 8pm Ear Cake Open Mic, Music Soc, Music Room

Friday 8pm TGIF Halloween Party!—International Soc, Stables 8pm Halloween Photobooth—Photosoc, PSU

Monday - Wednesday 7 & 8:15pm: Carz, Drama Soc, Car Park MONDAY - FRIDAY CAMPUS-WIDE ZOMBIE TOURNAMENT WITH GAMES SOCIETY

Wednesday – Thursday 10am-4pm, Christmas Shoebox Collection Mature Student Soc, SU Hub

Thursday 11-2pm Life Drawing with Una Sealy—UL Arts Office, Bourne Vincent Gallery 6:30pm Launch of What Are We Like—UL Arts Office, Millstream Common Room 7pm Food Fair—International Society, Atrium in Concert Hall 7pm Miracle Fruits Tasting—Science Society, Atrium in Concert Hall 8pm-9pm Presentation of Auditor’s Medal to Senator David Norris UL Debating Union, Millstream Common Room