An Focal (Vol. XXV Edition 8)

Vol. XXV • Edition 8

Student Smokers, pgs 16 - 17

Charity Week, pg 4

February 2017

Fiona Reidy Interview, pgs 22 - 23

Are Mortarboards Truly Optional?

PAUL SAUNDERS “The wearing of the Mortar Board is optional for all students.”

This is the University of Limerick’s official stance on the wearing of the cap, or mortarboard, but in practice only women are given the option of wearing one for their graduation.

However, this information isn’t available on the University’s website or on the website of Phelan Conan, the company that supplies UL’s graduation garments.

Despite this official rule, many female graduates have had confrontations with ceremony staff when they chose to not wear the mortarboard.

Naomi Deevy was entering the University Concert Hall to receive her degree in Language, Literature and Film, wearing no mortarboard, when she was pulled aside by staff.

“As we were being called upstairs, we were told that we had to wear the hat going into the hall,” Ms Deevy said.

“It felt strange, after working together for four years of a degree with these bunch of people, of different nationalities, creeds, genders and outlooks and then to be separated

into ‘male’ and ‘female’ in this way.”

“I was forced to wear the hat into the hall and took it off again before going onstage to collect my degree and shake hands with the President,” she added.

Ms Deevy hopes that more women leave the hat behind and wants the University to change its policy.

“I was delighted to see another couple of women had also chosen to break the rules and leave the archaic symbol of sexism behind.

“It’s time for this tradi-

less singled out.

“The graduation robe hire company, Phelan Conan, charges the same price for everyone - why can’t everyone have the option of wearing the cap? If UL highlighted that wearing the cap was optional, perhaps it would not feel as oppressive,” President McKenzie said.

Ms McKenzie would also like to see the option of wearing caps be open to both men and women as it is in American universities.

“I do feel, however, that it is time to make it a level playing field and that all students should be given the option of wearing the mortarboard. The strict distinction makes it feel as though it is a sexist Laura Buckley, Amy Walsh and Kate Corneille celebrate their graduation issue.”

While the mortartion to go, or change to President found a much on my head.” be more inclusive.” more creative use for She would like to see board is officially dePostgraduate Stu- the mortarboard:. some changes enact- scribed as optional and dents’ Union President “I brought it with me ed by the University to does not represent a Aimee McKenzie also to carry my tissues and inform the students on woman’s education behad an issue on her keys, so I suppose it did what the mortarboard ing ‘capped’, the Uni“optional” graduation day this serve a purpose, but it is and its history, so fe- versities January. certainly was not going male students will feel [continued page 2] Ms McKenzie was presented with a mortarboard by Phelan Co€5 OFF ALL UL WOLVES HALF ZIPS, HOODIES, nan and said: “Thank JACKETS AND SWEATSHIRTS* you, but I am not wearing one.”

She said: “Yet they made me take one and told me that I would not be allowed in to the Concert Hall without *T&CS APPLY: ONE VOUCHER MAY BE USED PER PURCHASE, NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, DOES NOT INCLUDE CUSTOM ORDERS one.”

VOUCHER VAILD UNTIL MARCH 16 2017 However, the PSU th

February 2017

2

“UL have said that this is the way it is to be.”

[continued from front page] position on the matter should be highlighted more prominently.

The University’s website currently reads: “Women must wear a smart dress or suit (skirt and jacket or trouser suit).

Hair pins are useful to secure the mortar board (cap).”

Other sections relating to attire say: “The University adheres strictly to its dress code and, consequently, only those graduands who are properly attired will be presented to receive their parchments.

“If you are not robed in time, it will not be possible to allow you to graduate.”

Dr David Fleming of the History Department was commissioned to write the history of the University back in 2012 and is well versed in the history of these “arcane things.”

“The wearing of the mortarboard by women is simply a matter of etiquette and choice. The University does not stipulate any particular reasons for wearing

EDITOR: Paul Saunders NEWS: Evie Kearney SPORTS: Caoimhin Reilly DESIGN: Hannah Carr-Murphy COPY: Naomi Deevy CONTRIBUTORS: Ciara Barry Maxine Bramley Conor Carmody Aidan Carroll Aaron Coughlan Ann Cronin Ciara Ferguson Nicole Glennon Caitlín Griffin Kayley Hardiman Eimear Kelly Kyle Lehane Martin Lennon Siobhan MacLoingsigh Aimee McKenzie Eoghan Moloney Federica Montella Adam Moore Tom O’Brien Aisling O’Connor Kathleen O’Sullivan Eilis Walsh Maeve Wrixon Alanna Wurm

academic dress,” Dr Fleming said.

“There is no reason why men at this university could not choose to wear the mortarboard. Indeed it might be encouraged.

“In the past both men and women wore mortarboards, but in some places men ceased wearing them, while some women continued to do so. This may have set a trend.

“What I suspect happens today is that the company that provides academic dress to grandaunts follow existing fashions,” Dr Fleming added.

According to Phelan Conan Operations Manager Simon Norton, the wearing of mortarboards is decided individually by universities and that “[Phelan Conan] would never force anyone to take a mortarboard. Women used to wear hats in Church and that is where the tradition has come from.

“UL have said that this is the way it is to be.”

LIMERICKS FROM LIMERICK

by Martin Lennon

CITY OF LOVE I told Truffaut in Montmartre Amelie has got a heart At rouge can can She loves you man Romantic love is a start

ACROSS

DOWN

2. The Stranger _____ played in Stables last Tuesday 4. Location of the semester two Recruitment Drive 8. Official name for the graduation cap 9. UL Ladies’ Rugby Head Coach 10. Location of the kayak club’s recent trip

1. Name of newly discovered organ 3. A courtyard festival on Feb 1st celebrated this 5. The _____ Business School is in UL 6. The last name of the student who published a novel 7. Number of chosen causes for Charity Week

@AnFocal_UL

An Focal

AnFocalUL

February 2017

3

KBS Wins Big at InBUSINESS Awards KYLE LEHANE The prestigious accolade of ‘Best Business School’ has been awarded to the Kemmy Business School (KBS) at the InBUSINESS Recognition Awards in Dublin.

The award ceremony, now in its fifth year, chooses winners across 22 categories based on the broad criteria of growth, profile of business, range of services and customer care.

Now receiving the award for a second time, their first win was in 2012, KBSis demonstrating that their quality of education is finally getting the long awaited recognition that its faculty deserve.

“Our business graduates have

the highest rate of employability in Ireland and our business friendly approach, which focuses on the policy of engaging with businesses on their terms, has truly made this school and its’ graduates a success,”

Executive Dean Dr Philip O’Regan said.

Dr O’Regan said their graduates know how to meet the needs of the business first, making them much more attractive and employable than other business school

students.

Listening to what your client wants and needs is a vital element taught to all business students.

As expected, all were delighted in the school to hear that they had been nominated for

this award again but especially the faculty, who work incredibly hard to maintain the high standards set out in the school.

Therefore an honour like this means so much, as it shows to the staff that their hard work is

being recognised by a panel of their respected peers.

“Being ranked the best business school in the country does wonders for UL. Not alone does it give reassurance to our students and work as great advertisement for the college, it gets parents interested in their teenagers future course,” Dr O’Regan said.

Immediately after the award win the school has noticed interest in courses available go up.

The number of planned school trips to KBS from secondary schools filled with curious Leaving Cert students has also increased.

Dr O’Regan said: “Kemmy Business School is the business school of choice for those who want to do well.”

Students React to Kemmy Business School Award NICOLE GLENNON The University of Limerick’s very own Kemmy Business School (KBS) was named the “Best Business School in Ireland 2016” at the inBUSINESS Recognition awards held last month.

An Focal took to the streets to ask KBS students how they felt about the school’s recent win.

Clodagh Foley, a first-year Business and German student, said hearing of KBS’s success at the inBUSINESS Recognition awards has made her feel confident that she made the right decision coming to UL to study.

“I initially choose UL because, in my mind at least, I regarded UL as a

business college, like it’s such a popular course here I felt like it would be a course honed to perfection, and lots of my family are alumni who rave about UL.” Foley said the co-op is “a huge selling point” because the students get “really relevant work experience.”

She believes a factor in KBS success could be down to the fact that every one of her lecturers have written books and are “at the top of their game.”

She also complimented the lecturers and tutors on how helpful they are, saying that everyone is “so willing to help” and “no one gets left behind.”

Mariah Culloty, a second year Bachelor of Business student in KBS, said choosing a

college, especially as an only child, was a daunting experience.

However Ms Culloty could see a “future of learning and making friends” in UL’s business college.

She said: “The reason I choose Kemmy Business School was not just because I would come out with a top class, world recognised degree, but the lecturers, the staff and fellow students make it feel warm and welcoming.

“Even around exam times when it gets stressful, there is always a smiling face to be seen. The lecturers treat each and every student with the utmost respect and dignity.”

The business student said she would “highly recommend” Kemmy

Business School to those who wish to pursue a career in the world of business because “you are guaranteed to come out with confidence and knowledge to face any challenge or obstacle in a working environment.

“For me running my own business is a dream of mine and only half way through my four year degree I can see that as a possibility.”

Both international and Erasmus students have also benefited from UL’s prestigious business school.

Madi Zill, a student at the University of Texas, chose Kemmy Business School for her Study Abroad semester last year.

Zill said she chose the school because

she wanted a business school that was going to help prepare her for “the real world” and ensure she was learning all of the skills to be successful when she returned to the United States.

She believes all the classes she took were really helpful, especially International Business.

“I never even thought about all of the tasks that a company have to go through to get their product in another country and what research they have to do to make sure it’s successful.”

Graduates of KBS were also pleased to learn of the school’s recent success, and felt it was well-deserved.

Sean Egan, who graduated from Kemmy Business

School in 2013, said UL was a perfect for him as it allowed “time for life as well as study.”

Mr Egan, who studied Business and majored in Accounting and Finance, said the course was “about application of ability; if one applied themselves, they excelled and if they didn’t they stagnated.

That is a sign of a welldeveloped learning foundation.”

Mr Egan, who is now an Audit Senior at Crowe Horwath in Co. Dublin said: “Studying at the Kemmy Business School allowed me to grow both friendships and knowledge in what was a deeply enjoyable time of my career.

“I congratulate all involved in this noteworthy achievement.”

February 2017

4

Mesentery: The Inside Scoop SIOBHAN MACLOINGSIGH

There was a breakthrough in medical research at the University of Limerick when Professor Calvin Coffey, head of the Graduate Entry Medical School, reclassified an organ in the human body that had been incorrectly labelled for centuries.

The organ, classified as the mesentery, was previously believed to consist of several different structures when in fact it is one complete organ.

Professor Coffey noted the crucial function of the mesentery, stating that “the blood supply to the intestine runs through [the mesentery]. It also holds the intestine away from the anatomic main frame of the body, whilst ensuring that the intestine can perform its functions of expanding and

contracting.”

Professor Coffey first noticed the organ during a colorectal surgery, where he discovered that the mesentery was not separate structures as previously believed, but in fact one continuous organ.

“We noted a discrepancy between what was written down and what was seen during surgery. This discrepancy suggested one continuous structure,” he stated.

Although this discovery will not have a strong impact on everyday life, Professor Coffey noted that it will have a notable impact on medical studies: “When you have a clarified structure, you can study something in a standardised and systematic way. This discovery will provide the foundation for further study.”

The discovery of this

new organ will alter medical textbooks, notably resulting in a change in the famous medical journal Gray’s Anatomy.

When asked as to why this organ was previously misclassified, Professor Coffey said: “Anatomists cut across it and did not see that it was continuous. It is only when you peel away the peritoneum that you expose the

true structure and see that it is a discreet structure with a start and an end.”

The classification of this section of the mesentery provides numerous opportunities to further medical research and the possibility to provide cures for other diseases.

“This discovery will provide a new perspective and a better understanding

of anatomy. [When we] recognize a normality, we can also recognize an abnormality and test where this begins,” he said.

Professor Coffey also noted that this discovery has far reaching consequences, and will impact cancer research.

“All surgery done with cancer can be standardised. We can reproduce it through surgery and teach it to

future surgeons.”

This breakthrough in medical research shows that students should constantly be critical of what they are taught, as previous theories are not always finite.

Professor Coffey advises students to “always be inclined to question what you are taught.

Often what we are reading is incorrect. Read into to what you are taught, and if it does not make sense, then there are some discrepancies.”

Professor Coffey states that the most exciting part of this discovery is the impact that it will have on medical research: “The clarification of the structure allows us to study it. This affects many different fields of scientists. We can now forge ahead in all of these fields which will generate exciting research in the future.”

Students’ Union Goes Mobile on Campus student engagement across campus and The Students’ Union break down barriers,” last Thursday launched Mr Stone said. their newest initiative, He went on to say the mobile SU. that this initiative falls The initiative, which is under Pillars 1 and part of the SU’s strategic plan, seeks to uproot the SU from its home in the courtyard and bring it to the students.

It will run every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm, alternating between locations outside the Kemmy Business School, and on the North campus.

SU Marketing and Communications Administrator Killian Stone said that the SU 2 of the SU strategic are looking to become plan 2016-2020, “more accessible to “student engagement” students.” and “student centred “We want to increase facilities, services and CIARA BARRY

supports” respectively.

The SU strategic plan under pillar 1 in particular, stresses their intention to establish a more robust presence on the north campus,

of staff, a sabbatical officer, and a student who will be there to answer any questions students might have.

The sabbatical officers will operate a rotating

Academic Officer Donal Foley echoed Mr Stone’s words saying that they are looking to “spread the word and have more of a presence across campus.”

Donal said that, particularly for students in the business faculty whose classes predominantly take place in KBS, they can often find it tough to make it to the SU. “Sometimes students don’t have the time to make it over to the courtyard, so we’ll be there if they need to ask us any questions.”

Similarly, students which Mr Stone agrees schedule in the SU wide who spend the majority they have been absent initiative, which will of their time on the from. involve all members of north campus may The mobile SU will be staff, co-op students. find it tougher to fully manned by a member Students’ Union engage with the SU.

The mobile SU will take the sabbatical officers out of the office, with the most important aspects of the SU in tow, including of course, three condoms for €1.

Apart from reasonably priced contraception, the mobile SU will be selling all merchandise, lab coats and goggles, and will have stables membership and leap card forms.

Speaking about the future of the mobile SU, Mr Stone said: “We’re hoping it will grow and expand, and become a permanent feature of the SU.” The mobile SU will be on the north bank this Thursday from 12pm to 2pm.

February 2017

5

Student Self-Publishes First Novel FEDERICA MONTELLA UL journalism student Simon Bourke’s debut novel “And the birds kept on singing” was released on January 26th.

The official launch of the novel took place in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, the author’s hometown, on January 27th .

More than 100 people showed up to the event and every single copy of the book was sold.

“My mum is one of thirteen, so I thought there would have been around 20 people attending the event, but around 100 or more showed up,” Mr Bourke said.

“We only had 60 books to sell,” he continued, “but we could have sold twice that number, it was crazy.”

“And the birds kept on singing” in set in Ireland in the 80s; the novel tells the story of Sinéad McLoughlin, a young girl who falls pregnant at seventeen,

runs to England and puts her child up for adoption.

Although impatient at the start to get rid of this burden, she immediately changes her mind after holding her child for the first time, but it’s already too late to go back.

In the novel two stories run side by side: in one Sinéad keeps her baby, returns home and faces her life as a single mother while in the other she gives him up for adoption.

This storyline is quite intimate for the author, and not too far from his own life, “The theme of the story comes from my own life: that girl that run away to England at the age of seventeen was my mother and I was that child. I’ve always wondered what would have happened if I had been adopted,” Mr Bourke said.

The book is almost 600 pages long, and it took the journalism

student two and a half years to write.

He started studying in UL in 2011, but an unknown illness forced him to interrupt his studies for few years: that is when the novel came to life.

“I got really sick, no one could explain what kind of illness it was, some chronic fatigue or something. So that is when the book started, I was at home and I thought I had to do something with myself.

Something good came from something bad, after all,” he explained.

Mr Bourke is already thinking about his second novel, a story about loneliness and depression in Ireland.

“I’d love to be a novelist, but being realistic there’s not much money in it, unless you become really famous. I imagine that journalism can pay your bills while writing novels can remain just a passion. The journalism industry is changing so much, the skill of getting a story and reporting on it is disappearing, it’s being replaced by fluff,” he says.

Publishing his book wasn’t an easy task: Mr Bourke spent a year trying to get someone to publish his story, but most of the publishers were not interested enough while others wanted to change it or shorten it.

He did not intend to change his story at all

so he decided to selfpublish his novel.

He said: “The only benefit of selfpublishing is that you are in charge of the whole lot, the bad thing is that you have to spend money on it.

But if you’re passionate about it, you want to get the book out there despite everything. I didn’t know how good it was, I just wanted people to read it, regardless of how much it costed me.”

“If you are a young writer and you feel like that, keep doing it, doesn’t matter how much it costs,” he continued. “I had the thrill of seeing it in O’Mahony’s, it’s one those moments in life you’ll never forget. I started typing it in a small flat in Limerick on a laptop.”

“And the birds kept on singing” can be purchased in the Book Centre in Waterford, O’Mahony’s in Limerick and on Amazon.

Prof Eoin Devereux Edits Bowie Book “The book examines the retrospective A collection of essays exhibition David Bowie about David Bowie co- Is… held initially at edited by University the V & A in London; of Limerick lecturer his work as an actor; Professor Eoin to the many influences Devereux was launched he expertly drew upon in early January at the in creating his art,” he David Bowie festival in continued.

Dublin.

Mr Devereux said that “David Bowie: the book sees Bowie Critical Perspectives” as a “multi-layered is co-edited by Eoin and multifaceted icon” Devereux, Aileen who’s brilliance “lay in Dillane and Martin J. his capacity to synthesis Power of the Popular and reinvent.”

Music and Popular Contributor Nick Culture Research Stevenson examines Cluster at UL. fans of the icon, who The book “examines refer to Bowie as a Bowie in his many “survivor.” guises” according to “The connection Professor Devereux. they talk about is also, AISLING O’CONNOR

I think, grounded in his capacity to write songs which captured the zeitgeist of the age. Particularly those which deal with alienation and ‘queerness’”, Devereux said.

“Bowie was and is a reservoir of hope for his many fans,” said Prof Devereux Fans frequently referred to Bowie’s ability to destabilize societal norms and values; his fluidity in terms of gender and sexual identities, his capacity to reinvent himself and his engagement with questions concerning

mortality and spirituality.

Professor Devereux plans to write about David Bowie’s more recent work in future.

“At the moment we are back writing about his use of Pierrot the Clown in the video for Love Is Lost,” he said.

‘David Bowie: Critical Perspectives’ is available on Amazon and can be ordered from the publisher Routledge.

The musician’s newest EP, No Plan, was released on January 8th this year on the oneyear anniversary of his ‘Blackstar’ album.

Bowie passed away on January 10th 2016.

February 2017

6

Students Seeking Help on the Rise ANN CRONIN Demand for counselling services in colleges has jumped by 40 percent over the past decade, said UL’s Head of Counselling Dr Declan Ahearne.

In a recent article by the Irish Times, it was revealed that the number of students seeking help for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems and academic issues has reached new highs.

Dr Aherne said that there are a number of reasons for this increased “tsunami” of mental health problems effecting students over the last few years, including stigma reduction and a rise in mental health difficulties.

“The mental health promotion campaigns have increased demand, but students are coming to us with more complex problems now too. We have two-to-threeweek-long waiting lists for counselling,” Dr Aherne told the Irish Times.

The number of students attending the counselling service in UL has doubled over the past five years.

The Head of Counselling also said that the rise in students attending third-level colleges is a significant factor as well, with recent reports estimating that more than 60 percent of secondary school students continue on to further education.

Among this increase is a rise in students with learning needs, including mental health difficulties.

Esther Murphy,

author of the report Mental Health Matters: Mapping Best Practices in Higher Education, said: “The stresses of the transition to third level, the move away from home, the workload, new friendships, all may trigger a latent mental health difficulty.”

Current college students are also some of the firsts to experience the many mental health awareness campaigns going on in universities all across the country.

S t u d e n t - l e d campaigns such as Please Talk and Chats

for Change encourage students to talk about mental health problems and seek help if needed.

However, Dr Aherne believes that there is much more that needs to be done in order to accommodate the growing need for mental health services in colleges.

Many colleges offer limited counselling on campus but a lack of funding is preventing these services from being developed.

“Funding for such counselling services currently comes from the core funding provided by the

Higher Education Authority.

Some college counsellors say the Health Service Executive should fund colleges for the free counselling services they offer,” Dr Aherne added.

The “stepped care” at UL includes free daily drop-in workshops on wellbeing and resilience, timetables for which can be found in the Student Counselling Service or the Students Union.

Students can call into Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell for more information about these workshops.

Students can step up from these workshops to talk therapy for six to eight weeks, longerterm talk therapy if needed and, at the top step, specialist medical or psychiatric supports.

Students can move up or down from each services depending on their specific needs.

For more information on this, contact the Student Counselling Service or visit the daily drop-in sessions in the main Building.

Welfare Officer

Caolan is known for being vocal about struggling with his mental health in the past.

“I went to one-on-one counselling for about six months. I did the drop-in workshops at UL to help me deal with my mood, my thinking and my behaviour.”

Peer support has also been found to be very useful for students, although less than a third of colleges currently have this.

Murphy’s report also called for mandatory mental health training for lecturers and stated that mental health services should be pointed out to students as part of their college induction in first year.

Dr Aherne said he remains adamant that mental health issues need to be dealt with before academic concerns.

“The academic supports are a backup to addressing the primary mental health difficulty. If they don’t have the mental health issue addressed first, the learning won’t happen.”

Reduced Meal Prices for Postgraduates SIOBHAN MACLOINGSIGH The Postgraduate Students Union (PSU) has teamed up with the Scholars Club to provide a great promotion for postgraduate students this semester.

This initiative allows students to enjoy a meal and a soft drink at Scholars or the Stables Club for half the price through a subsidised voucher system.

Students can purchase

up to two vouchers per week, and the promotion will run for the duration of the semester.

PSU President Aimee McKenzie, said: “The voucher costs €3.50, which is half the cost of the meal which is usually priced at €7.

There is a wide variety of food on offer, with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.”

The PSU is one of the most prominent

societies on campus and offers support and activities for UL’s 2500 postgraduate students.

It also offers a PSU common room which is a popular hangout amongst students.

“Students can come and relax, enjoy free tea and coffee and use the microwave. It’s a nice environment for postgraduates to hangout in,” Ms McKenzie said.

The PSU organises a variety of events for

students, notably the popular postgraduate ball which is held on the February 17th.

There is also a free meal promised to every postgraduate student who attends the next PSU event, the AGM, on February 8th.

All postgraduate students are encouraged to support the meal voucher system this semester and try out some delicious food on campus at a reduced price.

February 2017

7

Four Causes to Benefit from Charity Week MAXINE BRAMLEY The Students’ Union has chosen four charities to benefit from this year’s Charity Week, which takes places in Week 6.

Spina Bifida Midwest, Cliona’s Foundation, St. Gabriel’s School, and

Focus Ireland will all receive a share of funds raised.

UL students were initially asked to send in applications to the Welfare Office on which charity they would like to this year’s Charity Week fund to go to, and these were then shortlisted and finally chosen on a secret ballot.

Student Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell said that altogether 28 different

charities were put forward during the application process from which the final four were chosen.

“We wanted to do with more local charities, so we can try and show students the benefit of what this charity fund goes to,” Caolan said.

Spina Bifida Midwest is the Midwest region’s wing of the national disability organisation Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland and it supports over 2000 people in Ireland who either suffer from Spina Bifida or are have children and family members with the disability.

Spina Bifida is a condition which affects the spinal cord and often results in the affected person

having major mobility problems.

“With Spina Bifida we found that that it is a very noble charity which sometimes go under the limelight and are a very local charity which do an awful lot of work, not just with people with Spina Bifida but also promoting disability sports,” Caolan said.

Cliona’s Foundation is a charity organisation

which supports families with severely sick or terminally ill

children with financial assistance.

to children and young adults with special needs.

“They [St. Gabriel’s School] are currently in the process of trying to develop a new school so we try and come in and help them,” Caolan explained.

Focus Ireland is the final charity chosen The foundation for Charity Week and was one of the most its aim is to support popular charities that people affected by

students put forward in applications during the initial student application stage.

St. Gabriel’s school is a disability organisation based in Dooradoyle, Limerick which provides education and a range of essential health related therapies and clinical interventions

homelessness and to put an end to homelessness.

“We felt strongly that in Limerick it [homelessness] is often not recognised but it’s also a quite a big issue in Limerick too,” the Welfare Officer said.

This year’s UL Charity week will take place in Week 6 from February 26th to March 3rd.

Postgrad Students’ Union Updates AIMEE MCKENZIE Postgraduate Conference The LPRC will be held in LIT, on May 24th, 2017. The LPRC is organised by the Postgraduate Unions from LIT, MI and UL and offers a terrific opportunity to present your work at a conference. The theme this year is Human Interaction & Research. Call for papers begin February 1st until April 14th. Abstracts between 150 – 200 words can be sent to lprc2017@gmail.com along with a registration fee of €10.

Scholars & Stables PSU Meal Vouchers The meal vouchers are proving popular! At the start of this semester the PSU began offering meals vouchers for Scholar’s and now they can also be used at Stables! You can purchase up to two meal vouchers per week at a cost of €3.50 per voucher, and in return you will get a dinner and soft drink worth €7. The meal will be available between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.

Vouchers can be purchased from the PSU office and must be stamped to show their validity. This offer will be available to Postgraduate students with a valid student card, and the card must be presented at the time of purchase. There is a limit to the amount of vouchers, stop in early to get yours!

Postgraduate Ball On Friday February 17th we will be hosting the PSU Ball. It will take place at The Pavilion on the North Campus of UL. It will be a great night to get dressed up, have fun and dance!

There will be a wine reception upon arrival, a glass of wine with dinner, and a three course meal, followed by a band and then a DJ! You can purchase your ticket from the PSU office or the SU (Student’s Union) Main reception.

Tickets are subsidised by the PSU bringing the cost to €25

February 2017

9

A Call for Sensible Drug Policy ALANNA WURM & AIDAN CARROLL Following the death of a Cork teenager in January as a result of the drug U-47700, the HSE issued a warning to drug users about the dangers of this research chemical.

U-47700, which is eight times more potent than heroin, is often mistaken for cocaine by its users and is taken in quantities more than five times the lethal dose as a result.

This tragic case has not only brought the dangers of research chemicals to the fore, but has also demonstrated the need for education and legislative changes regarding drug use.

Research chemicals are psychoactive substances developed to mimic the effects of more traditional substances, such as cannabis, MDMA and cocaine, but that are chemically different enough that they do not fall within the definitions of the illegal drugs they were designed to replicate.

Due to their ever changing composition, these drugs are being created more quickly than laws can be put in place to ban them.

As a result, many research chemicals can be bought legally online.

These drugs are, however, far from safe.

Errors in dosage and

issues of impurity have lead to research chemicals often being more dangerous than the drugs they are seeking to replicate.

This begs the question, is a blanket ban on illegal drugs making the situation even worse?

In 1971, Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs.

From day one, it has been a one-sided battle.

In the US alone, over $51 billion dollars are spent annually on the war on drugs.

Of the one and a half million drug related arrests made in 2015, 84% were for possession only.

The rate of drug related deaths is increasing steadily each year, showing that these arrests are largely futile.

In Ireland, one person dies of a drug overdose every day, with that number set to rise as the prevalence of research chemicals grows.

The handling of drugrelated crime needs to change.

A change in approach could see drugs legally created within a regulated system.

Drugs have always, and will almost certainly always, be prevalent in societies across the world.

A regulated system would ensure that those who choose to take drugs do so as safely as possible.

Rather than funding criminal gangs, revenue

generated through taxation of drugs could be used for healthcare and education on safe drug use.

Historically, the prohibition of drugs has been notoriously unsuccessful.

During the American alcohol prohibition between 1919 and 1933, the alcohol market was

does not tackle.

Just as alcohol is related to the deaths of millions of people each year, the legalisation of drugs will not eliminate drug related deaths.

The potential increase in drug use as a result of its normalisation is also a risk.

The success of marijuana legalisation

legalise marijuana for medicinal purposes was passed through the second stage of the Dáil.

In universities, groups such as Help Not Harm and Student for Sensible Drug Policy are actively working in Ireland to promote legalisation, and to educate both drug users and non-

driven underground.

Illegal alcohol was produced without regulation, resulting in countless deaths.

The production and sale of illegal alcohol provided funding to criminal gangs rather than the country benefiting from its taxation.

There are obvious issues that legalisation

in nine US states and the Netherlands, however, as well as the success of the decriminalisation of all drugs Portugal, have demonstrated that the benefits of legalisation far outweigh the risks.

Changes in drug legislation are also on the cards in Ireland.

In December of last year, a bill to

drug users about illicit substances.

Their hope is that those promoting the war on drugs will admit defeat, and focus instead on reducing the harm caused by drugs and the laws that govern them.

UL’s Students for Sensible Drug Policy Society, will be screening “What’s in my Baggie” on Wednesday evening, February 8th.

This documentary aims to expose the rise of dangerous substance adulteration and provide a well-rounded critique of ineffective drug policy.

More information can be found about this event on the society’s Facebook page.

College Court Rave AISLING O’CONNOR Hundreds of students attended a house party in College Court at the end of Week One. Gardaí had to intervene after a complaint was made in the early hours of the morning.

A video emerged on Facebook of the party showing students on the roof of a house in College Court.

Limerick rapper Weenz is credited for the video that appeared on The Niall Boylan Show’s Facebook page.

According to Weenz, the party was harmless and very good natured.

Third year student, Micheala Deane, who attended the party said: “I think it was harmless fun, house parties to that extreme don’t happen very often.

“People say that it’s disruptive but College Court is known for being party central of UL, if people don’t want to be disrupted I don’t understand why they didn’t choose to live somewhere quieter like Milford or Oaklawns.

“I had a great night, everyone there was in great spirits and as far as I know nobody was hurt or arrested so I suppose there’s no harm done really,” Ms Deane continued.

The student said that she didn’t hear about the party beforehand but heard music coming from a house after walking through College Court following the DIE event in Dolan’s Warehouse.

The Gardai arrived at the scene at approximately 5am, according to the Garda Press Office.

No arrests were made.

February 2017

10

Students from Libya React to Trump Ban CAITLÍN GRIFFIN Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

These are the seven Muslim-majority countries President Trump has deemed too dangerous to enter the United States of America for 90 days.

A federal judge has granted an emergency stay for people who have already arrived in the United States and those who are in transit and hold valid visas, ruling that they cannot be deported.

This act was quickly decried as a ‘Muslim Ban’ and with Trump declaring “we don’t want them here” as he signed the order, it is hard to argue it isn’t.

Recently, statistics were released displaying the numbers of Americans killed by all Islamic jihadist terrorists (including US citizens) and that number was significantly lower than number of American deaths by armed toddlers- so why does Trump view Muslims as dangerous?

Two Muslim UL students (whose names have been changed) gave their thoughts.

Aadila and Aafreen

come from Libya – one of the countries that was banned by Trump.

Aadila said, “Trump thinks he’s [banning Muslims] for safety, but I think its just racist.”

Aafreen doesn’t feel like what really is going on in Muslim countries is being covered.

The girls say if American citizens knew what was going on in these Muslim countries that they would possibly

helping Trump’s point of view. They’re not showing the bag things that are happening to us in our home countries.

They show a bad thing that one Muslim person did then act like every Muslim person is bad,” she added.

“Even if [what is going on in Muslim countries] was getting covered, it will die down. People are only sympathetic for a while because people become numb

accepting us, there is nowhere to go.”

She describes the dangers people in Libya face daily: “It is really dangerous. You can’t go about your normal lifepeople are kidnapping children, people are shooting bullets, there is no electricity. It’s not like we don’t have the resources it’s just that the people in power in Libya are so corrupt.”

However, she disagrees with Aafreen

are just happening in the states- this is worldwide.”

When asked if they would feel safe being a Muslim in America and be comfortable wearing their hijab, Aafreen said “I would feel scared if I was a Muslim living in America. If it got really bad I would remove [my hijab].

“There was a woman getting egged and her car getting scratched up because people could

understand why Muslims are fleeing to America.

“I think the media response has been very bad”, Aafreen said.

“I feel like they keep promoting Trump and his views rather than showing the good aspects of Islam. By them only showing the bad things, they are

to it. It’s the worst in the capital. We have family in Libya but they’ve grown accustomed to it, they’re living,” Aafreen continued.

There is currently a civil war in Libya.

Aadila says, “even if you do have the capability to leave and you have a Libyan passport- no one is

and says that she found the media response to the Muslim ban as “super empowering”: “People have been going out to protest [the Muslim Ban]- this kind of thing usually never gets covered. You feel like you are not alone, people are going out their and fighting for you. These protests

tell she was physically a Muslim”.

“My Muslim friend lives in the states and before the election she never experienced hate crimes before. Once Trump was elected, people tell her to go back to her country and to take her Hijab off,” Aadila said.

“I would keep my

hijab on, if I was over in the states.

“Even though there is a lot of racism over there, there are still good people,” she added.

The ban has been temporarily lifted for the moment.

There is still total confusion as to what’s going on because some people are listening to President Trump and others are listening to the court.

Aadila thinks that President Trump will “get the final word.”

“People voted for him that’s why he is in power.

Even though people are going out and supporting Muslims, I feel like he will still find a loophole,” she explained.

Aafreen thinks it will depend on whom he is banning: “It depends on the type of people that he bans. I don’t mind if he bans people who aren’t American Citizens or don’t have a green card, but he is banning every Muslim.

He just put out a brief and unspecific order, so people are banning every Muslim that enters the country.”

It is unsure whether the ban will be reinstated and if it is, whom it will affect.

UL Hosts Its First Festival of Culture KAYLEY HARDIMAN The University of Limerick held its first ever Festival of Cultures in the Student Courtyard on February 1st.

The aim of the event was to celebrate the diversity and togetherness of UL students.

It celebrated the large volume of international students on campus and gave students the opportunity to get to know other students from an array of countries and cultures.

The festival enabled international students to express their individuality and culture.

Two international students Patrick Judge (USA) and Jan Goer (Germany) decided to organise the festival together after becoming friends while studying for their masters degrees.

Once Mr Judge returned to the US after graduating, himself and Mr Goer both

thought they should do something to continue their friendship.

The festival was also introduced to create a stronger link between Limerick City and the campus as Mr Judge and Mr Goer felt that there was a disconnect.

The fesival was a fundraiser for Wild Card Project Doras

Luimní which is a nonprofit organisation in Limerick that assists migrants in Limerick and the west of Ireland.

There were several stalls including a Canadian stall with baked goods and a stall for the international society.

The society was looking for new

members and selling tickets for the international ball.

There was also a print making workshop and members of the music society sang at the festival.

Following the success of the inaugural event it is hoped that the festival of culture will become an annual event.

February 2017

11

Getting Tested: A Day in My Life at the Pop Up STI Clinic in EGO10 ADAM MOORE Before we start, I have never had a test like this before but I do fail a test every semester.

After a steady increase of STIs in UL, I have taken a new approach on becoming a responsible sexually active adult.

I decided to bite the bullet and overcome the social stigma that is peeing in a test tube and letting a doctor test if I have an STI. On the day, I began my journey by walking through the maze that is the main building to discover EG010.

As we arrived I noticed that there seemed to be a nice flow of people being screened.

I was greeted by a nice lady who told me that everything is going to be alright.

Many people consider an STI test a scary process but (for me anyway) it was simply just a peeing into a cup and trying not to overfill it.

She explained clearly what was being tested and what to do if there is a problem afterwards.

She went and pointed me to the bathroom down the hall where I was greeted by another nurse.

Except, this nurse was on the frontline for collecting male urine samples.

I noticed there was a great deal of hygiene involved when the guys were handing over their samples.

To make the situation a little more light hearted as I was entering the bathroom, the nurse shouted: “If you hit the target, I will

have a little present out here waiting.”

Next thing I know I had hit my target and was holding my prize cup of pee in my hand.

No stage fright or nothing.

I was out the door smiling with a sense of relief.

I walked up to the nurse to claim my prize.

What was the prize, you ask?

It was none other than a “Johnny’s Got You Covered” condom.

I was told that I would receive a phone call if I have an STI and now feel that I am stuck in limbo, if I’m honest.

All I know is that if I’m positive I will receive a phone call from an unknown number asking me will I come to the GU clinic next to the hospital.

Wish me luck.

Semester Two Recruitment Drive EOGHAN MOLONEY The University Concert Hall was a hive of activity on Thursday last as UL’s Clubs and Societies held a recruitment drive for Semester Two. There was something there for everybody with over 50 of the ‘Clubs & Socs’ represented by stalls that covered a broad spectrum of interests.

From various sporting clubs such as: UL Horse Racing Society, Krav Maga (who have now amalgamated with the Sambo Club AND The UL Vikings American football

team) to societies such as the History society and The Christian Union.

Clubs and Socs manager Paul Lee was more than pleased with the numbers that attended, “There’s a great turnout here this evening and hopefully there will be many new subscriptions added to the approximate 2,000 that were recruited in September.”

Special mention and well wishes must be given to the Kayaking club who were due to head up north and compete in the intervarsity championship almost immediately

after the recruitment drive.

UL Comedy soc were keen to draw in new members and to invite any prospective comedians to the Improv sessions from 7-9pm in the Kemmy every Tuesday.

The Environmental society are having a ‘Big Fat Quiz of the Year’ on Thursday the 9th of February in Scholars with some great prizes on the night.

The Environmental society have some excellent ideas coming to fruition this semester such as a 2nd hand clothes fashion

show and new waterbottle filling stations on campus in what’s sure to be a big year for the new society.

The atmosphere in general was excellent at the event and with a plethora of social and societal areas covered it would be almost impossible not to find an area that intrigues; from boxing to anime, from photography to trampolining.

It’s never too late to join a club or society and no skill level or lack of knowledge is too low a starting point - you never know, you could awaken a lifelong passion.

12

Refurb for the Stables Club EOGHAN MOLONEY Now that semester two is well and truly in full swing, most students will have spent some time in the newly refurbished Stables club.

Regardless of the social setting, it’s impossible not to notice the massive changes carried out during the Christmas break.

Planning started long before the holiday season as management coordinated with artists from the company Art Haus to find the perfect balance between an eatery, a bar and an event venue while not losing the charm of the familiar.

Virtually everything wooden in the stables was sanded, resprayed or re-painted.

New tables and chairs were brought in and new seating and a

walled cabinet were added to the stage area.

There are new cocktail, gin and whiskey menus to arrive in the not too distant future so a broader spectrum of refreshments can be expected when socialising at the club.

Management were keen to stress that even with costs of the refurbishment running well over €150,000, absolutely none of this cost will be passed onto students and prices will remain the same.

The seamless flow from lunch time mania to evening entertainment has been perfected with extra mobile tables that cater for the bustling diners but can be whisked away instantly to create more space when there’s bigger crowds.

Management now have more control of the ambience with

Twenty-one percent of Irish respondents to a survey think having sex without consent is acceptable in certain situations.

Does that worry you?

It should. There is no such thing as a situation where sex without consent is acceptable. It simply does not exist.

Following the introduction of sexual consent classes in

English universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, Irish colleges and universities are starting to follow suit. Trinity College Dublin recently introduced mandatory sexual consent classes.

UCD provides sexual consent workshops, as does UL and NUIG. For now, in most colleges and universities where these workshops are available, they are an option. The question

Stables Gets Stranger SARAH COLEMAN

the addition of 16 new skylights with retractable blinds.

With a brand new screen equipped with surround sound, the Stables is really the only venue in the vicinity that you should be watching sporting events at.

As the Stables Club approaches its 30th anniversary it feels edgy and atmospheric for events in the evening while maintaining the

comfortable, homely feel while dining or relaxing there during the day.

This isn’t solely due to the tweaks in the décor.

Manager Declan was keen to point out that staff morale is the backbone of what keeps the Stables such a “friendly, welcoming establishment.”

He wished to thank all the staff, almost all of whom are long serving members, “for their hard work and

exemplary attitude before, during and after the changes in the establishment.”

Any clubs and societies that would like to run an event in Stables are more than welcome to do so as Thursday evenings are usually vacant and it’s a great way of raising funds for your own club or society.

Call in and just ask to speak to Declan and he will be happy to help.

Should Consent Classes Be Mandatory?

EIMEAR KELLY

February 2017

we are asking is whether they should be mandatory for freshers.

We should be taught

Ireland is 17, and many young people choose not to carry on to third level education.

about consent before we even get to third level education, especially when you take into consideration that the legal age of consent in

However, not every secondary school will provide this important education and not every parent/guardian is open to discussing rape and sexual consent.

You may say that you can’t teach someone not to rape, and unfortunately that is true. But one of the main problems is that a lot of people don’t fully understand the issue of consent.

According to the Union of Students in

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Ireland, an average of one in twelve female students are the victims of rape or attempted rape. Less than one percent of the men surveyed had been victims of rape or attempted rape, but these are only some of the students in Ireland.

I carried out a Twitter poll asking if consent classes should be mandatory and out of 40 votes, 85 percent said that they should be mandatory while 15 percent said that they shouldn’t.

If there is even a chance that the introduction of mandatory consent classes will open people’s eyes to the issues of rape and consent, or help in any way possible, then why not?

The Stranger Phases played in the Stables Club last Tuesday night thanks to the UL Music Society (ULMS).

Originally hailing from County Waterford, The Stranger Phases is a five piece band that includes UL student Andy Buck on guitar.

Celine Casey (lead vocals), Alex Murphy (bass), and Michael Murphy (rhythm guitar/vocals) are students of the Waterford Institute of Technology while drummer Chris O’Sullivan studies in the Cork School of Music.

From the get go, there were good vibes floating through the Stables as the band got set up and ready for the night.

They made a real effort to chat and interact with the audience before, during and after the gig which left a really positive impression with the crowd.

Unsurprisingly, high expectations were exceeded as the band belted out all-time classics such as “Galway Girl”, “Little Lion Man”, and “Sex On Fire”.

They introduced the crowd to material from their EP ‘Life. Never.

Peace’ - a teaser for their upcoming album ‘Now Or Never’.

The band said that inspiration for their album title came from how they felt that it was “now or never” for their music and that this was the right time to really plunge into it.

If the Stables crowd is anything to go by, old and new fans alike are definitely looking forward to the release of the album.

February 2017

13

Log Off to Be Truly #blessed KATHLEEN O’SULLIVAN Tr a n s p a re n c y, algorithms and trends - all Instagram related terms that are outlandish to the nonInsta Lingo Ninja.

Brand promotions, avocado brunches and designer #OOTDs all Instagram related terms that are unattainable for the majority of the young, partially susceptible females that are drawn to posts that contain such content.

For struggling college students, owning a good quality phone to even look at Instagram is lavish.

Life for us consists of borrowing dresses for nights out and enduring a bare minimum diet consisting of pasta and tap water.

When comparing this to the lifestyles projected upon us every time we open the photo sharing site it is no surprise it leaves many young women feeling as though they are inadequate.

Unfortunately, it is not the pictures that are to blame, but the influencers behind them who spend overwhelming amounts of time editing

their online lives to expected perfection.

Though these influencers are often the ones being targeted for cultivating and promoting these perfect lifestyles, there are many who realise the danger and power of what they post and how young women will feel and respond.

Katie Martin (theycallmecait. blogspot.ie) is both a student and a blogger.

She started her blog in 2014.

“I began blogging about three years ago, back in 2014. I was in transition year and it was around the time that British bloggers turned YouTubers such as Zoe Sugg (Zoella), Louise Pentland (Sprinkle of Glitter) and Tanya Burr exploded on the scene.

“I became inspired by these figures and took it upon myself to set up my own platform whilst I still had the freedom of TY. Initially I based my blog around fashion and beauty reviews however, as the years passed, with a change in name and interests, I started mixing things up in an attempt to make my blog more relatable,”

Ms Martin said.

“Blogger or not, I always feel that unless you avoid social media completely, you are going to come face to face with people, be it on snapchat or Instagram displaying their ‘perfect’ lives.

“As a student, this at times can be hard to follow and I do of course feel inadequate in comparison. Living on a student budget

is far from easy and despite being a selfproclaimed Brown Thomas addict, I simply cannot afford the lavish life these people live.

“As a student, I simply cannot afford to buy and write about everything that’s fresh off the block, be it drugstore or designer and as a result find myself limited to content.”

Ms Martin feels that

many bloggers and influencers nowadays are, in her opinion, relatable to the likes of students or anyone living on a budget, with more and more ‘dupe’ posts and videos being created along with an incredible amount of Penneys hauls.

“I believe that in order to stop feeling bad about our own lives when constantly surrounded by what is portrayed on

Instagram, we simply need to appreciate what we have.

“Forget about what you see on Instagram and just be yourself, for you never know, some day, that might just be you.”

So, is Instagram and its posse the actual problem or is it just being blamed for a problem that existed long before the site did?

Of course, there will always be some form of media or outlet to blame for the pressure put upon young women to live up to such unrealistic standards existing in the world at the given time.

Instagram just happens to be taking current responsibility for this problem.

Maybe the solution to this might just be simply putting our phones away into our very empty pockets.

Our Instagram fame and fortune may be yet to come, and if not, we’re probably better off.

We might think we have it hard, yet think of what lies ahead for generations of young women to come.

Count your blessings, rather than your followers and likes.

Reasons to Clean Your Make Up Brushes recommended to wash yours at least every two Who really cleans their weeks. brushes as much as The brushes can be they should? cleaned by wetting the However, after so bristles and massaging many uses they become them in a make-up caked with residue, oil, brush cleaner soap and dead skin cells, followed by a rinse and becoming breeding repeat. grounds for bacteria If you’ve invested in an that you, subsequently, expensive, high quality put back on your face. brush – the best bet is Which is why it is to mind it.

MAEVE WRIXON

Admittedly, it is easier said than done and if you can not see yourself indulging in this ritual the alternative is to buy new brushes every month. Here’s why you should take care of them:

in reapplying germs to your face and can aggravate underlying skin conditions, such as acne.

2) Altered colours

If the make up brushes are dirty the 1) Bad skin shade you intended to apply to your skin will Not cleaning your not appear as its true brushes can result colour.

Furthermore, if they’re covered in weeks worth of pigments and powders, your makeup is just going to look muddy and unfinished.

to harden and make the brush unusable.

Cleaning the brushes regularly will maintain their softness and prolong their life span.

3) The decay of brushes

4) Irritation

Leaving liquid make up or creams such as foundation to dry out on a make up brush can cause the bristles

The continued use of the hard bristles on the face can cause the skin to become irritated and red.

February 2017

14

Astronomy Society Lifts Off AARON COUGHLAN The UL Astronomy Society will be UL’s first purely Spaceorientated Society to be driven by members who have a passion for the stars, galaxies, planets and the universe.

We are a Society for anyone who’s ever found themselves staring up at a clear night sky, lost in a moment where you remember the scale of the universe around you.

The Astronomy Society is aimed towards hobbyists, people who don’t necessarily know the science behind the night sky but who can appreciate, discuss,

write and stargaze.

The Society is for everyone and we aim to cater for a general interest in Astronomy, no matter what course you study.

We will hold stargazing nights, learn how to use telescopes, have documentary screenings, get guest speakers and build connections with other Astronomy Societies around Ireland.

In the long run we will go on trips to the likes of the Dark Skies reserve in Kerry, an area with some of the lowest night-time light pollution in Ireland and observatories such as Blackrock and Birr castle.

We will be holding our first public meeting on February 15th at 7pm, so bring

yourself, your ideasand love of the cosmos with you.

The public meeting will give you a run-

down on what we intend to do, the events we intend to run, an introduction to the interim committee and a place to voice your opinions and ideas.

The location of the public meeting is still to be decided, so make sure that you keep an eye on our facebook page or send us an email at ulastrosoc@gmail. com.

After such over whelming support on social media, we have never been more convinced by UL students that there is a demand for Astronomy on campus.

If you haven’t already followed us on social media, check out our

Facebook page “UL Astronomy Society” or our Twitter page @ULAstroSoc. This is where we will be posting regularly about what is happening in the society, along with sending a weekly email to keep our members up to date.

We will also be keeping you up to date with the events in the night sky, giving you the latest information on full moons, shooting stars and eclipses.

It’d be fantastic to see you at the meeting and we’ll be keeping whoever is interested updated.

In the meantime, keep your eyes on the night sky!

Filmmaking Society: Reeling You In EILIS WALSH Think for a moment.

What is your favourite film?

Why is that?

It is rare that I come across a person who does not have some sort of love for films.

Films can take you to a whole new world.

Ever since I myself, P.R.O of UL Filmmaking, became interested in the behind the scenes of films, I can never just watch a film.

I analyse everything and to some that might seem like a terrible experience, but I feel as though you become more connected with what you’re seeing.

So much happens before the film is shown in the cinemas all over

the world.

Sometimes it feels like this work is under appreciated and that is where our society comes in.

UL is home to people of so many different disciplines, backgrounds and talents.

Which is why Filmmaking is suited to people of ALL interests.

Have you an eye for fashion?

Think of the multitude of costumes films have had throughout the centuries.

Is writing your passion?

No film comes to life without someone to write the story.

For some, it’s all about how the film looks, sometimes even a shot of a beautiful location;

think the breathtaking landscape of New Zealand shown in The Lord of the Rings.

So if you have an eye for detail, we’d love to hear from you.

For myself, it’s the music that really adds the emotion and brands the film forever in your memory.

So those who are budding musicians are welcome to lend their musical talents to creating something that is remembered.

What about the places where we bring our films to life?

If seeking locations for films is something you’re interested in, check us out.

Are you interested in bringing a character to life through acting?

Then filmmaking is

for you.

Last semester, we purchased our very own film quality equipment.

We are finally ready to create something

that showcases our members’ variety of talents.

You don’t even have to be an expert, or have any experience in

filmmaking to be a part of our society.

We welcome anyone, even if you just like talking about films. filmmaking world.

February 2017

16

Smoke Break: We asked UL students if they smoke cigarettes, and why or why not. . . .

“I don’t smoke because I like living.”

—Ciaran Cooke

“I don’t smoke, it’s really expensive and there’s just no health benefits. No one enjoys it . . . it’s just a social habit. You smoke to become addicted.”

—Aaron Coughlan

“I do smoke. I like it, you smoke because you’re addicted though.”

—Oisin Lowe

“I don’t smoke but I do.

Maybe when I’m bored or drinking.”

—Lee Garvin

“I don’t smoke anymore, I gave them up.”

—Donal Foley

“I don’t smoke. It’s too much money. We know all the health issues so it’s a stupid decision.”

—Enya O’Callaghan

“I smoke sometimes. I just like it. I’m not addicted.”

—Ana Mandel

“I don’t smoke, it’s just a waste of money.”

—Adriana Janicka

February 2017

17

Offer Support, Not Judgement ANN CRONIN

There is an undeniable judgement that comes from others when you are a young smoker. Almost every young person who smokes has received blatant judgement for their bad habit, and most people are quite direct and upfront about their opinions.

I want to clarify that I am not defending the choice to smoke, or saying that cigarettes should be a more acceptable habit in our society. Obviously they are a very dangerous and fatal. If you smoke, you should consider quitting as soon as possible.

I understand that people wonder how someone who has grown up knowing the harmful and fatal consequences of smoking could still willingly partake in this. I can see why it may seem stupid and disgusting.

However, is it really okay to judge someone for smoking without even asking why they even bought that first box?

I smoke. I had been a social smoker, occasionally accepting one on a night out when I was 15. I was suffering from an eating disorder, and then fell into the toxic routine of satisfying hunger with cigarettes.

Years later, recovered and healthy, I have tried and failed to give up the habit numerous times. Sadly, the addiction that has developed from that difficult time isn’t easy to beat.

I know other people who simply were social smokers and their cigarette indulgences became much more regular, and now smoke over a box a day. Addictions grow stronger,

and it becomes very difficult to stop.

“I used to smoke occasionally before. I used to take one or two off friends when I was drinking, but then I started buying a box for every night out.

“I started buying them so much more regularly since I came to college, and now I have one almost every day,” First Year student Sarah Cullen said.

Other people could have been pressured into smoking in school.

They may have since learned that people who expect them to smoke are not truly their friends, but the addiction will have already taken hold and it is much easier to ditch the bad influences in your life than ditch the consequences.

I receive judgement for smoking constantly. I always have people coming up to me in the courtyard or on nights out, telling me it’s a disgusting waste of money, as if I am unaware of my ever-shrinking bank account and my poor lungs.

I, like many smokers, have tried giving up the fags. My friends have noticed how fidgety and anxious I get when I do try to go without a fag, and I find it so much harder to cope with the stress of college. Whenever I try to give up, I find that my personal issues seem much more difficult and I cannot cope.

I know this is a side-effect of giving up an addiction, and many others have managed it so it is possible.

However, many young people may

feel they are not in a good enough place mentally to deal with the stress of giving up an addiction.

If you have no intentions of giving up and are content with being a smoker for the rest of your life, then I urge you to reconsider. However, if you do smoke and do not feel like giving up is the best thing for your mental health, then you choose to do what is best for you at this particular moment, and also talk to someone who could help you quit and cope with the difficulties that arise from it.

If you don’t smoke, and have judged those who do, I invite you to consider the fact that many young smokers do not want to smoke. Many people don’t want to rely on cigarettes but giving up isn’t as easy as just not buying another box.

Cravings and side-effects are a result of giving up cigarettes, and you should never judge someone for being unable to cope with that as well as what is already going on in their life.

There is so much stress that comes with school, college, socialisation and personal lives that need to be considered when looking at why a young person would choose to smoke.

If someone you care about smokes and you would like to help them quit, offer support and assistance.

Don’t judge them for smoking, because none of us ever wanted to end up with an addiction. A helping hand will be a much bigger incentive to give up than an unfriendly criticism.

For more information, visit Quit.ie or SpunOut.ie.

Understanding and Recognising Anorexia Nervosa CIARA FERGUSON We have all heard of anorexia and although the word means loss of appetite, this isn’t the case at all.

Appetite is supressed rather than lost. A person who has anorexia does not allow themselves to eat food and therefore cannot maintain a healthy body weight, as a result, both the body and mind are starved of nutrients.

Niamh Ní Chonaill (19), moved from a small area in Connemara to Belgium at a young age. She describes it as a “stressful experience” for her and her older sister, which made her feel “down and anxious.” When she

turned 11, all of this was heightened.

“I always thought the other European girls had great slim bodies so I started dieting,” she sad.

“What started out as an innocent diet ended up a complete vicious addictive cycle of cutting out more and more food. I hid food, I avoided it at all costs until it came to the point that I feared it.”

At one point, Niamh admits to eating only one slice of toast a day and drinking only a little bit of water.

It was then that they returned home and she was hospitalised.

Once she admitted she had a problem, things became easier.

“The harder I fought, every meal

I ate, every negative thought I changed to positive helped with who I am today.”

Although she no longer has issues with food, she still suffers with anxiety and depression but is hoping that one day she’ll look back and fondly tell her success story of that battle too.

Symptoms of anorexia include: an intense fear of putting on weight (this fear is not lessened by any amount of weight loss), low selfesteem, perception of body shape and sized are disturbed, social isolation, unable to sleep but constantly tired, frequent weighing, excessive thinking and talking about

food and related issues and lying about food intake, claiming to have already eaten or to have plans to eat elsewhere.

The time needed for recovery varies according to each individual.

The aim is to have the individual speak with several people: a mental health professional, a medical professional and a registered dietitian to work towards a healthy weight and healthy eating habits.

I know it may seem impossible now if you are suffering from anorexia, but if you accept that you have a problem, like Niamh did, you will find you can beat this with the help of others.

February 2017

19

Kayaking Through Wild Wales TOM O’BRIEN The trip began with nineteen paddlers waking at a ridiculous hour all in the name of the glorious sport we call kayaking.

With the vehicles packed and ready to go we left from UL with excitement and encouraged by members who had gone before that it’s some of the best paddling we’ll ever do.

The trip to the fabled Jesse James Bunkhouse consisted of a lot of sleeping and wondering why Welsh has such a lack of vowels in the language.

Upon arriving we were left loose on the rooms to choose our beds for the week.

It was a very tough competition where friendships ran thin and the scars resulting from it can still be seen today.

paddling to the next level.

As the week went on there were repeat trips to the Dee along with trips to the Afon Llugwy and the mighty Tryweryn.

Amidst all this kayaking we took a rest day under the surface of the earth to an underground trampoline cavern a scene to make our own trampoline club jealous.

It’s safe to say after a week in Wales, nineteen paddlers were truly introduced to a ULKC international trip.

After the long journey home, the tired but enthusiastic group cleaned the boats and made their best attempt to merge back into After a quick trip to The next few mornings to Wales in the middle One of the best places normal society. the local paddle shop the early risers of ULKC of winter was without a to practice beginner For many it was their and an early night we were most definitely doubt answered by the skills and has the first itrp abroad with were truly settled in to rewarded by what they wonder that is the River famous ‘Serpent’s Tail’ the kayak club trip but our new surroundings found at the river.

Dee, a river that suits rapid for those who I doubt it will be their in rural Wales.

The question of why go all levels of paddling. wanted to push their last.

UL Airsoft Society Continues Success in Semester Two CONOR CARMODY We at UL Airsoft society would like to welcome you back to UL for semester 2 and we are thrilled to be back to plan even more events than we did last semester!

Our presence was known at the recruitment drive in the Concert Hall that was on last Thursday, as we had our very own

ghillie sniper walking around posing for photos with the unexpected students.

The recruitment drive went extremely well and we were able to enlist loads more students to the team.

Our first event for this semester is booked for Saturday week four (18th Feb) which we plan to tackle Red hills Airsoft in county Kildare (near Kildare vil-

lage).

This will be the first time we attack this site so it will be a new experience and definitely a lot of fun!

If anyone has any issues or questions for us please contact us through our facebook page UL Airsoft society or our email at ULairsoft1@gmail.com.

We hope to see you in the future guys, happy shooting!

February 2017

20

UL GAA Championship Roundup CAOIMHÍN REILLY Building on last year’s highly successful championship period, the senior teams in all four codes are progressing along nicely, with only the O’Connor Cup team left to play their opening round fixture, as they look to replicate the type of form which saw them all reach their respective finals weekend.

The Ashbourne Cup Camogie team are the only senior side in the college to be defending an All-Ireland crown.

Thanks to maintaining their 100% groupstage record over the first two weeks of this term, they can now look forward to next weekend’s semi-final, and hopefully final, in Abbotstown.

Having started their campaign with a resounding win over Mary I in November, Dinny Ryan’s team continued their relentless drive for silverware in UCD last Wednesday week with a 7-12 to 0-6 win.

That sealed at least a quarter-final place, but courtesy of their hard-fought victory over WIT on Wednesday they have secured a semi-final spot.

Their victory over Waterford was all the more impressive seeing as they came back from a losing position at half-time and Ryan was delighted with his players’ second-half fightback in the 13-points to 1-8 win.

“It was a good tough performance. We were on the back foot for the first-half and they brought the game to us and we didn’t deal with it. They dropped back a sweeper and we found it hard to cope,” Ryan told An Focal.

“In the second half we

changed it. We brought Niamh Ryan to midfield and we seemed to settle down, work a lot harder and got onto breaking ball. We weren’t getting onto the breaking ball in the first-half but when we got into the game more and got onto the breaking ball we seemed to hurl well.”

Being Ashbourne Cup holders obviously comes with its own pressures and Ryan is all too aware that they are the side that the others want to beat.

“When you are the title holders you’re there to be shot down so that’s the mantle that the favourite tag holds.

We’re exactly where we want to be though.

“At the start of the year all our focus was on getting to the Ashbourne weekend and we have done that so the first part of our year has been a success and we’ll take the weekend as it comes now.

“We don’t know yet who we’re meeting in the semi-final but it really doesn’t matter because we’ve a job to do and that’s all that’s to it,” Ryan concluded.

Meanwhile, the Fitzgibbon hurlers have continued the mission to avenge last year’s final defeat by qualifying for the knock-out stages with ease.

Brian Lohan’s team scored an accumulated total of 4-44 in seeing off CIT by 13-points and NUIG by nine over the past two weeks, while they go in search of a third group-stage victory in Dublin today (Tuesday. 7 February) when they face already eliminated St. Pat”s, Drumcondra.

Captain Noel McGrath has led his team from the front, with the Tipperary

sharpshooter having racked up an impressive 2-13 so far while the likes of Kevin Hehir, Stephen Bennett and Jason Forde have all lived up to their billings.

Lohan failed to comment on his team’s performances when approached by An Focal.

Last year the footballers broke what could be described as a curse in UL by reaching the finals weekend for the first time in 19-years.

Having come back in extraordinary fashion in their opening game against Maynooth, they’re hoping to reach the semi-final, at least, for a second consecutive season.

Brian Carson’s men came from 11 points behind six minutes into the second half to salvage extra time with Michael Geaney and Fergal Boland mustering 1-1 in the dying minutes of normal time to keep UL in the competition.

And, despite trailing at halftime in extra time, Jack Goulding’s 79th minute point settled the tie to give Carson’s men a onepoint win, 3-19 to 4-15.

That was actually the first time in the match

where UL led and is something that the manager feels typifies the character of his players.

“Your first job in any knockout competition is to win your game and progress to the next round, and while we mightn’t have been delighted with the overall quality of the performance we were obviously delighted to get the win.

“Maynooth were no slouch in terms of the opposition and to come from 11 points down with 20 minutes to go in normal time took a special effort and a special degree of belief.

“And, the players had that belief in themselves to keep going and keep working away knowing that if we kept doing the right things we’d get the scores to win.

“That says a lot about the character of the lads that played along with the substitutes who all made a very important contribution.

“It would have been very easy after conceding the fourth goal to put the heads down and get beaten by 1415 points, but we kept going and lads like

‘Hego’ (Gearóid Hegarty), with the big goal, and Mickey Geaney really picked it up, they looked like men who weren’t going to leave the pitch beaten.”

Having achieved history last year, Carson and his players are intent on repeating those heroics although a tough prospect in DIT awaits them in Thursday’s quarter-final.

“We would have set goals for ourselves at the beginning of the year. Getting a win in the first round was always the first step and UL haven’t been that fortunate to win too many games in the Sigerson over the last number of years, so that was a huge target and we made no secrets about that either.

“We got to the weekend last year and we felt that we were full value in reaching that target but unfortunately we didn’t give a good account of ourselves.

So, you can appreciate at the start of this year the target was to get ourselves back there, so we’re one game away from doing that.

“DIT beat Athlone IT so they’re in our way and that’s the next game on the horizon. They are (a

similar proposition to Maynooth). We’ll have to put in a better performance than we did against Maynooth with their forward line being equally as potent.

“You only have to look at their panel list to see that they have a host of star names.

They have Ian Fahey (Tipperary), Liam Irwin (Mayo) is a big prospect in Mayo, Martin Farragher from Corofin, Conor Madden who is a new player in the Cavan senior set-up.

“They also have Conor O’Shea in Mayo, they have Killian O’Gara from Dublin.

They’re all in their forward line so that is quite a potent inter-county standard forward line, in my opinion.”

“We’re just looking to win this game and get back to the weekend,” Carson concluded.

In the other games involving UL GAA teams, the Intermediate footballers had an excellent 4-13 to 0-10 win over NUIG in Galway last Thursday which sets them up for a quarter-final with Maynooth.

However, the Fresher 1 footballers suffered a narrow defeat at the first hurdle, also to NUIG, despite leading at half-time. Michael Neylon’s men exited the competition following a 49th minute penalty goal for Galway which swung the tie, along with some questionable refereeing by national official Marty Duffy.

Next Week’s Championship Fixtures: Sigerson Footballers vs DIT – Thursday, 2pm on Pitch 1 Intermediate Footballers vs Maynooth – Thursday, 3:45pm on Pitch 1 Intermediate Hurlers vs LIT – Thursday, 3:45pm in LIT

February 2017

22

“It All Happened So Quickly” CAOIMHÍN REILLY Pulling on the greenjersey, playing in front of hundreds and thousands of compatriots and standing tall to hear the national anthem.

It sounds incredibly appealing no matter what sport fits your bill.

Fiona Reidy, the Ireland and UL Bohemians prop, has been able to fulfil her ambitions and represent her country.

The Journalism MA student realised her goal at the Twickenham Stoop in November 2015 when she came on to win her first international cap and, having won a further six since then, she speaks to An Focal about her journey and that pinnacle moment in her career.

“That was my goal and I achieved it but I had to work really, really hard and to get my first cap that November in the Stoop against England, it was a bit of a roller-coaster ride because it all happened so quickly. It was the culmination of a journey I suppose.”

Four years ago, the Limerick native was working happily in Abu Dhabi. atter graduating from UL’s New Media and English undergraduate course.

However, one event in particular sparked her desire to return home and fight for her dream of playing for Ireland.

“That was the end goal in coming home (to get into the Irish squad),” Reidy admitted.

“It all started back in March 2015 when the girls won the championship and I was like I need to get on

this team now. When you see people having success you want to be a part of it because it’s your former clubmates and teammates that are achieving it.

“I don’t regret going to Abu Dhabi at all because I wanted to see the world but then when you’re there you wonder what if. So, I decided that I needed to give it a shot and see if I can achieve a place in the Irish team.

“I came back and got onto Wayne Falvey who was the Munster coach and he said that there was a trial on in June so I just packed everything up and left. I came back, got a place in the Munster team and it all just escalated from there,” the Croagh woman said.

During her fouryears in the middle-

east, Reidy learned a lot about various different aspects of the game having been competitively playing sevens rugby with others to have fled their native lands.

“I did learn a lot in one sense but I picked up some desperate bad habits as well.

“Sevens definitively develops your perception of space and of how to create space. You have to adapt your game because obviously I’m a forward and supposedly less agile so you then have to be the ball player and be able to see and put others into space.

“Of course, those skills transfer back to the 15-a-side game.

I was four-years playing sevens and although it wasn’t an extraordinary league

the standard was still quite good because it was all expats playing so it definitively helped.”

As previously mentioned, Reidy’s Irish career has since developed into producing a further six-caps.

However, the 28-year-old was recently left out of Tom Tierney’s squad for this year’s Six Nations somewhat surprisingly.

Typically, though, the UL High Performance Athlete is not letting the disappointment cloud her judgement and she feels that she can still have a role to play as the tournament progresses.

“You can’t ever expect anything really or take your place for granted.

“Training was going well I thought but basically Tom wants to see other players ahead

of the next World Cup so he can have a broad selection base.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with

the Six Nations, right now I’m not involved in the Scotland game but it’s a week-by-week basis sort of thing too.

February 2017

23

UL’s Rugby Prop Fiona Reidy “But, you know, it’s a privilege and an honour to pull on the green jersey at any time and I hope it’s not too long before I can do that again because I’ve done all the work to make me able to perform on that stage if I’m called upon,” she explained.

Reidy first started playing rugby during her first stint at UL, a decision that she reflects well upon.

The prop also feels that, although there have been huge strides forward in women’s rugby, progress is still to be made if both her and her colleagues are to attain the status that their work deserves.

“I started playing in 2006 when I came to UL first and the growth of it since then is phenomenal. I think it’s directly related to the girls winning the Grand Slam in 2013 and that catapulted women’s rugby into the public eye. The leaps and bounds since then has been huge.

“The growth can only continue with the massive resources that is being investing in development structures across the country. I think the future is bright but there is always loads of work to do.

“We get expenses for travelling and things like that but it’s nowhere near the men but I suppose there is a huge difference in the development stage between us and them so we can’t expect things to happen overnight either. It’s a slow process and that can get frustrating of course.

“I can’t see women’s rugby going professional in Ireland within the next ten years. Worldwide there is a movement but how fast it will come into play in Ireland we don’t know but the IRFU have come on board and we’re in the highperformance unit.

They give us as much as they can do now but I can see more doors

opening in the next few years.”

In terms of her playing philosophy, Reidy is very much a purist in the sense that she feels the game is best played when running at space and using your natural attacking instincts.

This is a message that she has tried to pass on in her role as Head Coach of the women’s rugby teams in UL, although she does accept that every coach has a different idea of how best to play the game.

“I’ll definitively always have an interest in coaching and I’ve been Head Coach of the girls for the last two seasons. For me, it’s about developing the grass roots level of the women’s game and teaching a clear understanding of the basic laws and

principles of the game.

“To be honest, I think that it’s all to do with people’s philosophies and I’m not sure which the best philosophy is but for me rugby is about finding space and putting people into it.

“I think though that it is all dependent on the coach as well and what type of philosophy that they’re eager to impose.

“If you’re an intelligent rugby player you’re going to look for the space.

Myself, I’m not going to purposely try to run over someone within reason. I like to try and find the space but that probably comes back to my sevens experience whereas there are other players who are big ball carriers and run at people I suppose.”

The seven-times Irish cap holder progressed

to speak about the sort of strides that women’s rugby is making in UL and was glowing in her appraisal of the player’s working under her gaze at the moment “We’re very lucky that we have a senior and a junior team in the college at the moment and they have both come on a serious distance.

“We played a match recently between ourselves and it’s going to be impossible to pick a senior team out of everyone because they’re all pushing each other so hard and it’s great to see because it’s the first year that I’ve seen a real drive and willingness out of 40+ girls to put their bodies on the line with the dream of winning the inter-varsities and the league.

“Both teams have

aspirations of that.

There is so much talent, it’s so exciting and I’m delighted to be part of it. However, across the board, more needs to be done at college’s level for women’s rugby.

Nothing really has been done significantly in the last ten years and that has to change, in my opinion.”

Unfortunately, playing elite level rugby can’t last forever and Reidy is already planning for her professional career away from rucks and line-outs.

“You can never be sure of what lies ahead after rugby. Obviously one of my main aims would be to become a rugby journalist although I’ve a big interest in politics and current affairs and I’d say that current affairs could be what I’ll end up working on.

It’s really hard to know.”

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