An Focal (Vol. XXV Edition 9)

Vol. XXV • Edition 9

Safety Week pg 3

February 2017

Graduate Happiness pg 11

Ashbourne Champs pgs 22 - 23

Campus Consent Classes Cancelled EOGHAN MOLONEY The Students’ Union (SU) have cancelled scheduled consent workshops due to lack of interest from the student body.

Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell expressed his disappointment at the low sign-up rates that led to their cancellation.

“We organised the classes early in the semester as students have more free time and aren’t under as much pressure with exams and assignments as they are toward the end of the semester.

“We hoped that this would entice people to sign up, we also offered attendees free lunch, but for whatever reason it didn’t work,” he said.

UL is not alone in this area. University College Dublin recently cancelled similar workshops due to poor attendance.

Smart Consent Representative Charlotte described the uptake of consent workshops on university campuses as ‘typical’.

“Unfortunately, this type of response to the workshops is typical across the student body.

“Students report that they do not feel they would learn much

from attending these workshops but those who do attend say they have a greater understanding of the ‘grey area’ surrounding consent,” she said.

This so-called ‘grey area’ is what the workshops intend to highlight by looking beyond the simple ‘yes or no’ and giving

a greater understanding about how people carry themselves or act when they are uncomfortable in a situation.

A UL student, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted a horrific instance of her friend being raped in a nightclub bathroom.

“She told me she was too dumbfounded to say no. She was in complete shock. Just because she didn’t say no doesn’t mean it was consensual,” the student said.

A new EU-wide study found that 21 percent of Irish people thought sexual intercourse without

consent “may be justified in certain situations.”

The poll, ran by Eurobarameter, concluded that 11 percent of Irish people think being drunk or high justifies sex without consent and a further 9 percent think consent is unneccessary if a person voluntarily

goes home with someone or is wearing “revealing, provocative or sexy clothing”.

An Focal ran a consent survey on campus to get a general view of students’ opinions on the issue of consent.

50 percent of those surveyed believed there was a problem around consent among young Irish people.

83 percent of students thought it would be a good idea for the university to run mandatory consent classes as part of the curriculum for first years during Orientation Week.

One third of respondents said that they would sign up for consent classes if they were offered.

Several male participants believed they would be viewed in a certain way if they attended a consent workshop.

One student said: “ I’d feel as if I would be looked at funny if I went.

“Like, ‘why are you here and what have you done before?’”

If you have been affected by some of the issues raised in this article please contact Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell at suwelfare@ul.ie.

February 2017

2

LIMERICKS FROM LIMERICK Athrú / Change

by Ilyana Kuhling Tá an seanteach seo ag titim.

This old house is falling down.

Siúlaim istigh, ar chosa éadroma lámha sínte chun clocha a ghabháil

I walk inside, take tentative steps Palms outstretched to catch the stones.

Níl ach deannach fágtha anseo.

Only dust is left.

by Martin Lennon

PANCAKES FLIP YOUR PANCAKE IN THE PAN EAT AS MANY AS YOU CAN YES THEY’RE YUMMY IN YOUR TUMMY PANCAKE TUESDAY, I’M A FAN

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

EDITOR: Paul Saunders NEWS: Evie Kearney SPORTS: Caoimhín Reilly DESIGN: Hannah Carr-Murphy COPY: Naomi Deevy CONTRIBUTORS: Oliver Brett David Byrne Patrick Corley Ann Cronin Jonas Ditlevsen Cathal Doherty Sarah Gilmartin Nicole Glennon Caitlín Griffin Kayley Hardiman Ciara Maria Hayes Caoimhe Hennigan Ilyana Kuhling Martin Lennon Siobhan MacLoingsigh Eoghan Moloney Aisling Moloney Chloe O’Keeffe Anna Parkes Sonya Ramondino Aoibhínn Slattery Megan Thornton Maeve Wrixon Baoyan Zhang

ACROSS 2. Netflix documentary Boom Bust _____ 4. Host of the swimming intervarsities 6. Last name of player who scored a hat-trick against IT Carlow

DOWN 1. Percentage of UL students receiving the SUSI grant 3. UL _____ Week takes place in Week 5

8. Location of the surf club’s recent trip

5. ______ workshops were cancelled

9. Domestic abuse service based in Limerick

7. The _____ Stone is a UL-based literary journal

11. Cup won by the UL camogie team

10. Amateur competition run by Out in UL

12. Name of the Drama Society’s latest production

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February 2017

3

“They Took the Bloody Wheels” PAUL SAUNDERS Twenty-eight bicycles were stolen from the University of Limerick campus last year.

This averages to approximately one bike stolen every academic week in 2016.

Bike security has become a major issue among students on campus, with many students dissatisfied with the security services.

Tariq El Masri had his bike secured outside the Students’ Union when it was stolen.

“I locked up my bike in the morning and came back the next morning and it was gone,” he said.

Mr El Masri had his bike secured with a lock, which was all that was left by the thieves and has become

frustrated with the lack of secure spaces for bikes.

“We have an open campus and so anyone can pass through, yet there’s only one properly secure area for bikes on campus (the one in the foundation car park) and that’s not even that secure, plus it can only hold like 20 bikes.

“UL has got loads of breath-taking views and honestly it is one of the nicest places in Limerick, but that along with all the random entrances about and that new bike path directly linked to the city, it just gives anyone who has malicious intentions easy access and numerous escape routes,” he added.

Mr El Masri’s bike was never recovered and he

expressed that he was mostly “disappointed in UL” for not providing enough safe secure places for bikes.

Sean Muldoon had most of his bike robbed on campus last week as thieves stole the front and back wheels off his locked bike.

“I cycled into a lecture last week and I ended up walking home and I forgot about my bike. I went back to get it this week only to find that the wheels were after being stolen. Of all things, they took the bloody wheels.

“I was pretty disgusted when I saw it, they obviously pulled the back wheel off because the gears there are slightly bent too and the saddle was twisted fully backwards as was the front reflector,” Mr Muldoon said.

The damage was so extensive that Mr Muldoon was advised to buy a new bike, as fixing his old bike would end up costing too much.

Ross Higgins of Limerick Smarter Travel advised students to avail of the bike hub behind the Foundation Building and to use a heavy duty lock when securing the bikes

frame and wheels.

UL Security has told us that there are on average 12 bicycles per day parked on campus with no lock and that approximately 50 percent of bicycles have locks that are useless.

“Shoelaces are sometimes used,” Mr Higgins added.

Garda O’Sullivan of Henry Street has urged

students to take up the Bicycle Registration Scheme.

“Register your bike with Garda Bryan Grogan at Henry Street Garda Station. If you register the bike and send us your bicycles informarion such as its model and serial number, if found, we can trace it back to you and make sure it’s returned,” he said.

Top Tips to Keep Your Bike Safe EVIE KEARNEY UL Safety Week takes place from February 20th to 24th as people are reminded to secure their bicycles on campus.

Limerick Smarter Travel’s Sean Collins and Ross Higgins recommend that students and staff park in the secure bike hub located in the Foundation Car Park. You can register for access by emailing your ID number to bikehub@ul.ie.

“At least 10 percent of the value of your bike should be spent on security for it,” Mr Higgins said.

He explained how

thieves use heavy duty bolt cutters to snip cable locks while strong ‘U-shaped’ locks are less susceptible.

However, it is always important to ensure

your bike lock is not left in the rain for extended periods of time.

To combat bike theft, Smarter Travel recommends staying sensible at all times

– parking in secure, purpose-built areas and never leaving a bike unlocked are key factors.

“Security are there to help,” Mr Collins said.

He encouraged commuters to call campus security immediately if their bike is stolen or if they notice any suspicious activity.

But it’s difficult for bikes to be recovered if the owner doesn’t have a clear description.

Owners should note the serial number of their bicycle that can be usually be found on the underside of the bike frame.

The Gardaí have been successfully operating

a Bicycle Registration on Wednesday and Scheme for the last giveaways of hi-vis gear three years. and LED lights.

Simply fill in the form with the required details, take a photograph of your bicycle and attach a copy to the form, then return this to the Community Policing Unit at Henry Street Garda Station.

Forms can also be returned to the Garda Office in the Students’ Union which is open between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday afternoon.

A series of events will take place on campus during Safety Week including a free bike maintenance class in the SU Courtyard

February 2017

4

An Taisce Objects to Proposed €14m Coonagh Campus for LIT DAVID BYRNE

A huge educational project planned for Limerick has triggered objections over its location on the outskirts of the city.

An Taisce has claimed that the proposed campus is at variance with the Limerick 2030 plan, which includes the University of Limerick and puts new focus on city centre development.

The heritage conservation body has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against a planned €14 million expansion of Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) at a vacant site off Ennis Rd, near Coonagh Cross.

The group fears that if LIT is allowed open a centre on the periphery of the city, it will have a negative impact on the city centre, and possibly put the Moylish-based college’s plans to be part of a third-level higher education campus at the former Opera Centre site in jeopardy.

Thomas Bibby, An Taisce spokesperson, said if developments like these were allowed “we are sounding the death knell for the city centre.”

In its submission, the group points out the application contravenes both the Limerick City Development Plan and the “much vaunted” Limerick 2030 plan, a blueprint which contains plans for a city centre, highereducation campus.

Mr Bibby said LIT’s move would “undermine the focus on revitalising the city centre” with the submission adding: “The proposed development involves

a new education presence on the very outskirts of the city, far from the city centre.

“Given that a major new city centre campus is planned involving the applicant [LIT] as one of the lead partners, this will free up space at the applicant’s current campus in Moylish, rendering the development unnecessary.

“If the development is approved, it will undermine the case for the city centre higher education campus as there will be more space on the current Moylish campus,” added the An Taisce spokesperson.

The University of Limerick, along with Mary Immaculate College of Education and LIT, have agreed to relocate some of their existing faculties to a new campus to be built

at the so-called Opera Centre Site which comprises a large part of Patrick Street.

The Opera Centre site plan forms a central part of the Limerick 2030 project and the new city centre campus will also provide living accommodation for more than 500 students attending the three colleges.

Limerick City and County Council say the placement of thousands of students in the new Patrick Street campus will give huge added energy to the city centre.

The local authority believes that the proposed initiative will also help revive the flagging fortunes of many retail outlets which have been badly hit by the growth of suburban shopping centres.

In response to the objection from An Taisce, Limerick Chamber of Commerce, who are a key player in the Limerick 2030 plan have stated that Limerick’s longterm economic plan, which includes the University of Limerick, isn’t affected by LIT’s proposed new campus.

While An Taisce believe that the plans for the expansion of the LIT campus at Coonagh undermines the Limerick 2030 plan, Limerick Chamber are backing LIT’s decision to go ahead with their new campus.

“Limerick Chamber view the objection

by An Taisce as fundamentally flawed.

“The expansion of the LIT campus at Coonagh is focused on developing an engineering campus,

specifically looking at mechanical and automobile engineering, aircraft maintenance, automated production processes in the pharma and medtech sectors.

“This type of expansion which would be large scale warehouse style development is completely unsuitable for city centre location.”

The University of Limerick has also stated its commitment to the proposed city centre campus and believes that LIT’s plan for a new campus based in Coonagh doesn’t have any impact on the plans for the city centre.

The University of Limerick is set to build on its long-standing relationships with Limerick city and its community partners by expanding UL’s

visible presence in the city to promote greater economic, social and cultural development, with a 350 residence student village, a Clinical Therapies community practice centre and a city centre Design Laboratory for the UL School of Architecture.

“The University of Limerick welcomes the progress made by the Limerick City & County Council relating to the Opera Centre site.

“UL has committed to working with the Council so that there can be a greater UL presence in downtown Limerick and our students and staff can contribute to the dynamic re-energising of the wonderful city of Limerick,” said UL President Professor Don Barry.

February 2017

5

Planned Student Centre Will Cater to Every Type of Student by 2020 NICOLE GLENNON

“This building does not cater for 14,000 students.”

This, according to ULSU President Sarah Dunphy, is the simple reasoning behind the building of a new student centre.

From those heavily involved in the SU itself, clubs and societies and even those who just come to play the odd game of pool or eat lunch in the common room, Ms Dunphy said the current students union building§ “can’t facilitate the amount of activities our students take part in.”

“When [the current student centre] was built in 1997, it catered for a lot less students than it does now. This does not cater for 14,000 students. It’s not possible.”

The design and construction of the new student centre is estimated to cost €11,450,000 in total with over eight million of this coming from students while the remainder will be

funded by UL. Students will pay in the form of a levy which will increase on a graduated basis, commencing in September 2017 at €36.

The ful levy, €90, will come into effect in 2019 and will increase by €2 yearly until the total cost of the project is paid for.

The levy is expected to remain in place for 20 years or less,

dependant on the number of students paying each year.

The new student centre, due to be completed by the end of 2019, will find its home beside the Library at the centre of the University campus.

One of the ULSU President’s hopes for the new student centre is that it will cater for the wide array of societies in UL and

their various needs.

“Those in clubs and societies like drama, game soc, ULFM… we need their rooms to be more specialised, more specific and hopefully bigger,” Ms Dunphy said.

There is also a need for bigger rooms to cater for student council, executive council and clubs and societies meetings.

The ULSU President

explained that, currently, everything from these meetings to bigger events such as the club and societies recruitment drives have to take place in academic buildings or the sports arena and be booked through the University.

“We depend on the University in order to get space to host them, so we’d like to get that in our own space.”

However, the president was eager to say that the new facility would cater for all students, not just those who are heavily involved in the SU or clubs and societies.

“For other students who maybe just want to come for a game of pool, or refill their water or charge up, or need good wifi or might have a group project, things like that, we want to provide a facility for them to just come in,” she said.

A big feature of the new student centre will be “ease and accessibility.”

Ms Dunphy said: “Sabbatical Officers

will be very visible. If students want to go to counselling or want to get medical assistance in the college, we’ll be able to direct them very easily, we want us to be the point of contact.”

The new student centre will feature bright, open spaces and a lot of glass with a space to recharge phones and laptops, good wifi, various meeting rooms, an SU café and a new radio studio among the facilities available.

It has not yet been decided what will happen to the current student centre.

As students contributed €3.5 million to the design and construction of the current building, Ms Dunphy said they should be entitled to “have a say at least, with what goes on in it.”

Students have suggested the building be used for student services such as counselling but ultimately, the decision will lie with the University.

Domestic Abuse Services to Aid UL Students MEGAN THORNTON ADAPT services are a Domestic Abuse Services based in Limerick and are beginning to get more involved in the University of Limerick this semester.

They are a voluntary service set up to help women and children who have suffered from domestic abuse.

Last Semester

ADAPT worked in the college previously in c onju n c t i on with the Feminist Society where they ran their “Purple Up L i me r i ck” campaign to raise awareness for the services.

They are running an “Understanding

Domestic Abuse” workshop for a day on the 22nd February 2017 which is also suitable for third level students.

Student Information and Support C o o r d i n at o r Seán Bailey says “that 16 to 24 year olds are the most at risk of domestic

abuse.”

He says “we have a duty of care to our students to raise awareness about healthy relationships”.

You can get in contact with ADAPT services on their website www. adaptservices.ie or 1800200504.

ADAPT’s events and services will be followed over the next couple of weeks in An Focal.

February 2017

6

High Number of Balls Saturating Student Market CIARA MARIA HAYES For a number of ongoing years now, balls being held in UL have faced many obstacles in organisation.

However, this year these formal events took a severe hit from a financial standpoint, with ticket sales continuing to decrease as fewer students show interest.

As a result, two separate balls are being merged together or even cancelled completely – with the changing of dates at late notice due to merging being another factor contributing to decreased student attendance.

Music Society President Sean Sweeney claimed that the society had to “cancel one ball and merge it with another, the Academy ball, due to low ticket sales; only about thirty-two tickets sold.”

In order for organisers

of a ball to make a profit, a minimum of one-hundred tickets must be bought.

One of the organisers of the Tri-Faculty ball, Joe Kearney, said: “We have a situation where the Union has had to merge three faculties to sell a ball and still can’t do so.

“The reasoning for this is there is too many department balls within the three faculties that effect the Tri-Ball.”

Currently, this year’s Tri-Faculty ball is looking to be less successful than last year’s.

Since they went on sale last Friday, 130 meal tickets have sold with afters tickets, a significant drop from the 300-320 that sold previously.

Joe also stated that a fundamental issue was the timing of the balls being a contributing factor to low ticket sales.

“While they don’t all directly affect each other this week there is four balls on. Wednesday, you have the Tri-Ball and Thursday the Nursing and Midwifery ball of which falls in the TriFaculty remit so it is always going to have some knock-on effect.

“I was originally hesitant about the TriBall in Week 4 but it is always on this week each year.”

This isn’t hard to

believe, with the time and money being dedicated by a student towards one individual ball being significant; attendance at multiple such events does appear to be either unwise financially or to be taking up too much time.

Sean also said that “balls very rarely cater to the same student body twice and therefore no two balls can really target the same market.

The novelty of these events has also worn off as so many go on each year.”

It appears the main way to go forward to allow for an increase in ticket sales is to reduce the cost of these events.

Sean said: “People like the aspect of getting dressed up and hanging out with their mates, but they’re not too interested in spending €45 on food.

“There’s also an aspect of students interested in these events just

wanting to drink, not that there’s anything wrong with that. A lot of students who plan on attending a ball just put it off until their later college years - but if it doesn’t work out this year, it’s not going to happen next year.

“If students want these events to exist in the university, they need to begin to support them,” he added.

Joe said: “I think costing is a big thing, balls are not cheap to buy tickets for even though they are very good value for money – students just look at €50 and think it’s a lot of money to spend in one go.

“I have suggested the SU look into a marketing strategy in the future along with the Markets Department in the KBS to see how students would market and sell events to other students and see is there any way we could improve on what we are doing.”

Half of UL Students Receiving SUSI Grants CATHAL DOHERTY Forty-eight percent of UL students receive the SUSI grant, according to a study by the Irish Times.

“That doesn’t surprise me at all, almost everyone in my area receives the grant and college is a huge expense so I think it’s understandable that that many people receive the grant,” UL student Ciara Ferguson said.

Although the percentage of students that receive the grant is 48 percent, that doesn’t mean that every student receives the full

grant.

There are different forms of the grant you can receive; from the full grant that covers all fees, the half grant that covers half of your college fees and the maintenance grant, a grant that helps students with traveling to college that all students living further than 45km are eligible to receive.

A great deal of students that attend UL only receive the maintenance grant as UL has a larger reach when it comes to distance compared to the likes of institutes of technologies and other

colleges around the country.

A study has found that this is because most students that attend ITs are from a closer distance to their college than those who attend university.

The Irish Times study also concluded that students that attend institutes of technologies receive a higher percentage of grants than students who attend university, with 62 percent of Limerick Institute of Technology’s students receiving the grant and Trinity College Dublin’s receiving as little as 24 percent.

Many students were surprised by this figure as they believed students that who attend ITs lived close by.

“From my own experience, I find that most people who go to GTI [Galway Technical Institute] for example, live at home so don’t need money for the accommodation and aren’t the necessary distance away to receive it,” Ciara said.

For some who attend university, the grant is depended on for them to be able to attend college.

First Year student Aimee Wells said: “I

rely on the grant a lot, almost completely.

“My parents don’t have any money to give me, so my grant covers

my accommodation and anything left over tides me over because my work wages are so low.”

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February 2017

8

“Having a 50 year old man calling me ‘baby’ just made it too weird.”

AN FOCAL I joined the website seekingarrangement. com out of curiosity recently.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it wouldn’t be as straight forward as simply swiping left or right on Tinder, and getting invitations for “Netflix and chill” time.

I definitely anticipated that the men on this website would be much older than the college lads floating around Tinder, and perhaps a little creepy.

Once my profile was set up I got notifications off people who have viewed me and favourited me.

The youngest of these men was 27 and the oldest was nearly 70!

Most were based locally but one was all the way over in Pennsylvania. I expected these guys to be old enough to be my dad but not old enough to be my dad’s dad.

The shady thing about

this website was that a lot of men either didn’t have a profile picture or they covered their eyes with a black line.

To make it even worse some’s profiles stated they were married, had kids, or even more unnerving; had “prefer not to say” with regards to having children or their relationship status.

They almost all had their net worth and how much they make a year on their profile.

I know all marriages are different but I cannot imagine someone’s wife being okay with their husband courting college students online.

I got a few messages from men asking what kind of arrangement I was looking for.

One offered to pay me €300 for a weekend in Galway, and then suggested Travelodge in Castletroy when I refused.

I was actually insulted by that offer too; personally I think I’m

worth way more than €300 and a night in a cheap hotel.

Another was pretty blunt and just wanted “good sex” once a week.

To be honest, it just felt like a more regulated form of prostitution.

Really, it’s just middle aged men looking for sex, and students in need of money. It is a sad reality that some students feel that they need to do things like this to fund their education, and the cost of Third Level education is definitely something I think needs to be addressed.

Personally, while I have no issue with sex workers or those who hire them, it’s not my cup of tea or a path I want to go down on.

In the end I deleted the account.

I never had any intention to take up any of these men on their offers, but having a 50 year old man calling me “baby” just made it too weird.

MA Students Shine in Latest Ogham Stone Journal KAYLEY HARDIMAN The 2017 Ogham Stone literary journal was launched after submissions for the annual Ogham Stone Literature and Arts journal competition opened on January 26th.

The competition accepts entries of photographs, fiction, creative non-fiction, memoirs, short graphic fiction, poetry and visual arts. They have a partnership with UL’s Creative Writing

Centre.

The journal also features some artwork by the MA students in English and in Creative Writing.

This year, 22 students put the journal together. There were readings given by the contributors of the journal at the fifth annual Doolin Writers’ Festival which took place on Saturday February 4th in Galway.

UL Writing Fellow Julian Gough officiated the event.

The purpose of the

festival is to showcase new Irish writing and art.

It includes pieces from Mike Gallagher, Marie Cadden, Jaki McCarrick, Richard Smyth and Joseph O’Connor.

Copies of the 2016 and 2017 Ogham Stone can be purchased from the Students’ Union.

The copies are produced by the MA students in English and in Creative Writing from UL’s School of Culture and Communication.

February 2017

9

Alternative Miss UL in its Seventh Year Previous participants have gone on to Out in UL’s annual perform at Queerbash amateur drag and elsewhere. Over c o m p e t i t i o n , the past seven years, Alternative Miss UL AMUL has hosted a or AMUL is now in its mix of amateur drag/ seventh year and this faux king and queens.

Thursday February AMUL has been the 23rd at 8.30pm in largest promoter of the Scholar’s Club drag experimentation, we will watch a host culture and of amateur kings performance in UL and queens and faux for over half a decade kings/queens battle it now, with Out in UL out to be crowned UL’s championing young fiercest shade-thrower talent locally. and spiller of tea.

The winners over Alternative Miss UL the last few years have (AMUL) was started been Barb Wyre in in 2011. The campus 2011, Titfanni in 2012 annual amateur drag and Tina Seymour for show takes place in the year 2013. the Spring Semester In 2014, the winner in its spiritual home was Natalia Pills Scholars. and 2015’s winner Previous hosts of the of AMUL, Aurora event include Connie Sapphyre, 2015 will Leibe, Miss Gay be performing at this Limerick Kate Stewart year’s competition. and Wednesday- Our 2016 winner was Tuesday.

Charnell Clearwater, AOIBHÍNN SLATTERY

a drag queen from Limerick City.

Also, as many of this year’s contestants are very new to drag, we here in Out in UL will witness an army of brand new drag disasters take to the stage to lip-sync for their lives!

The event will be hosted by the one and only Mei Yuan, who competed in AMUL last year and came in second place. This year the competition will include a group round, persona round and a solo lip-sync round also.

The applications for AMUL are open until Monday February 20th at 12 noon, so if you are interested please apply ASAP. The prize for the winner is the coveted crown and two VIP tickets to Dragged

Up’s Latrice and Aja, which will take place in HANGAR, Dublin on May 26th 2017.

The raffle prize is two Odeon Cinema tickets, which we are very grateful to Odeon Cinema Castletroy for kindly sponsoring us for this event.

Preparations for AMUL have had our committee working very hard over the last few weeks.

AMUL fever is at its height in Out in UL HQ and beyond!

We are very excited for this year’s AMUL and hope to see a fantastic crowd there, with many Out in UL members and nonmembers also.

All are welcome to join us in what promises to be an amazing night of fabulous drag performance!

International Students: We’re Here for You BAOYAN ZHANG Mental health problems are a common issue among overseas students, with their unfamiliarity of being in a totally newstarted environment in the different cultural background.

It seems that depression and anxiety are two most common phenomena among these students.

Yvonne Crosse from the International Education Division in UL told us that they do meet overseas students who have mental health issues and some of them are struggling with homesickness and feel lonely.

Cultural shock, and the sense of isolation lead to some of the

students’ depression.

Chinese student, Lilian Feng, who is currently studying for her masters in UL said that she has gone thorough “really dark and helpless moments.”

According to Lilian, her depression came from homesickness and her exorbitant self-assessment and she tended to find herself becoming gloomy and even came up with thoughts of committing suicide.

“Only when you are in such situation that you realise how terrible your life could be since you have lost all of the passion and motivation to continue and sometimes it is so hard for you to talk to anyone else about your pain.

“It is my first time to leave my family and my homeland and I was so anxious that I didn’t know who I could rely on,” she said.

Lilian also said: “I tried to cheer myself up by writing diaries to discover what was on my mind so after that, I tended to walk out of

the shadow and went back to normal life.”

Exchange student Catilina from Spain chose to speak to a counsellor who then helped her through her anxiety and homesickness.

Briain O’Driscoll, a mature student from Canada, said

he has gone through some negative moods sometimes such as depression.

“It came with no reason,” Briain said.

“Well, for such moments I usually do some meditation and it helps me eliminate depression.”

Ms Crosse suggested

students join the mindfulness workshops or to talk to counsellors in the counselling department.

The counselling department in UL is happy to provide international students with their warm and friendly help.

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February 2017

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The Economics of Graduate Happiness Kemmy Business School’s Dr Stephen Kinsella discusses Trump, graduates, booms, and busts.

AISLING MOLONEY

Dr Stephen Kinsella, senior lecturer in Economics in UL, sits in his office in the Kemmy Business School, looking out the large window with optimism about UL students, the economies future and negative equity.

After he expanded on his comments featured in an Irish Times piece by Derek Scally on Peter Navarro’s claims that Germany is manipulating the euro, the lecturer also shared his view on the ‘Trump camp’.

Peter Navarro’s newly created position of ‘Head of White House Trade Council’ has given him a power of being listened to that he has not previously experienced.

Dr Kinsella said that the people who President Trump has filled his administration and advisory positions with are “fringe figures.”

“These people are not used to being listened to. The people advising Trump are and have been fringe figures on right-wing nationalism, and particularly the people in the fringes of economics, most mainstream economists would not really consider these people to be

“They’re not here for the craic and the sandwiches.” economists.”

Usually such people would be drowned out on the sideline spouting unusual “alternative facts” are now in a place where “they have

the ear of the most powerful man on earth and people are now listening to what these guys have to say.”

Thinking closer to home and Irish economic affairs, Dr Kinsella said that he is worried about multinational capital leaving the country.

“They’re not here for the craic and the sandwiches,” he said, stating that they are here to save tax and, more importantly, access to the European market.

A common point made is that President Trump might make Apple, and similar US companies go home.

However, Dr Kinsella reassures that President Trump cannot figuratively give them their marching orders.

“He can bully them on Twitter but he can only make it in Apple’s interest to return home by changing the US tax codes.”

In discussing his hopes for the future of the Irish economy it was clear that the talent and intelligence he encounters while teaching at the university has aided his optimistic outlook.

In the 1950s Ireland adopted the policy of export-led-growth, however with a ‘hard Brexit’ hurdling towards us, there is no room for any risk taking.

Ireland’s scheme is to show companies located in Britain that we’re open for business, but if it’s the financial sector; we should do so wearing a bulletproof vest.

Dr Kinsella described the situation where Ireland is campaigning for the now mobile British jobs as “your mate is carrying a bomb in his jacket and you take his jacket.

“We have to look to the recent past and say these guys don’t know what they’re doing and I’m not sure we have the capacity to regulate them.

What that means is that we import a lot of risk onto our balance sheet.

If these banks blow up they blow up here.”

With an economist’s vision, Dr Kinsella urges a push away from export-led-growth and a shove towards looking at domestic businesses, because of the wealth of educated workers Ireland now possesses.

He said: “For example in UL graduates are 22 percent more employable.

“50 percent of your generation will have an undergraduate degree. From your perspective that means more competition, but from society’s perspective you’re the most flexible, most educated and most trained

The lecturer then remembered his true purpose: to give a reading, “If I could get people to read one thing it would be Hyman Minsky’s ‘Financial Instability Hypothesis’ and it’s seven pages long. He basically shows why economies boom and bust,” and if you can’t pay attention for seven pages, then there is a documentary on Netflix called Boom Bust Boom to educate you duly.

The point of his trying to educate us is to help us avoid years of crippling debt and negative equity during our thirties and forties. Dr Kinsella sits up in his chair as if to grab and shake the future homeowner in us all.

Economies go boom, and go bust. There are periods of growth and decline, euphoria and despair among that, however we must be aware of where we stand in the cycle.

“These big purchases have nothing to do with rationality they’re all to do with emotion and I think having that little bit of analysis to realize where you are in the business cycle is crucial.

“You hit a certain age and all the that we have ever produced.” signals tell you to buy a house, With great pride for his job at UL everything in your world at that he said: “I’m very hopeful because I moment will say ‘buy a house’ and just look at the people we produce the problem is in that exact moment in this university every year and the thing that you need most is they get smarter and I’m amazed by strong critical thinking.” what they produce.”

And you can take that to the bank.

“You’re the most flexible, most educated and most trained.”

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National Identities Not the Full Picture JONAS DITLEVSEN UL really is a wonderful place to be an international student.

Social activities abound, the community is vibrant, and academic pursuits are readily available.

Guinness somehow tastes better here than it does at home. (I’m not sure what kind of bog magic goes into it, but I like it!)

Being an international student, the most immediately salient part of your identity is your nationality.

“Where are you from?” is one of the first things you ask a new person, and quite often it’s also how you remember them: That French dude. Those Italian girls. The Americans.

And in most cases it’s as useful as it is positive.

When you’re new in a foreign country, there’s something comforting about embracing your nationality that also provides confidence, which may in turn inspire new friendships across borders.

A couple of weeks ago during a wet night out at Stables I was talking with a guy from Berlin, who vividly described his love-making style as ‘decidedly German: brutal, but efficient’.

Now, to me, that’s equally brilliant and hilarious.

And that’s how national stereotypes are usually equipped among Erasmus students: as a way of poking a little fun at yourself and making

new friends.

There may also be, though, some pitfalls to watch out for with regard to national identification while abroad.

Sometimes, if a part of your identity is

reinforced too much and too often, it can seem like it’s taking over your public persona entirely.

In the midst of having fun it’s definitely easy to fall back on the stereotypical

expectations that you yourself may have gladly invited.

The risk is that you may get stuck being only or mostly that: A stereotype. Which isn’t necessarily a very pleasant nor constructive feeling. I know I’ve been there before.

Nationalities will be immensely salient in the first few weeks of an international exchange, which is natural.

After a while, once you’ve gotten to know your new friends better, nationalities will fade and in their place will be a more genuine reflection of the person you’ve befriended.

I, for instance, will cease to be ‘that Danish bastard’ and will become ‘that bastard

Jonas’, which is a step in a nicer, more personal direction.

It can be anxietyprovoking to step out of a role you’ve taken upon yourself, but there’s a lot of room for personal growth there.

And the amazing international and Irish students around you will absolutely make room for the part of you that is less a stereotype, and more of a whole character with flaws and wonders.

That all being said, go befriend a Czech! Hug a Dane! Buy a Canadian a drink!

And remember that noone’s Erasmus is always grand, but what makes it grand is the wonderful people you meet, each in his or her own right.

Leave the Whistles for the Wolves CAITLIN GRIFFIN The non-profit organization, Stop Street Harassment revealed in a 2008 study that over 99 percent of women have been catcalled or harassed on the streets at least once in their life.

As a woman speaking from personal experience myself, I am not shocked by this figure.

Catcalling is not a compliment, but an examination into our patriarchal society and the ways in which women are further oppressed.

Contrary to the New York Post writer, Doree Lewak’s belief; these “compliments” strangers shout at women, usually from the seat of their car, do not send their “ego

soaring”.

Just because Lewak finds empowerment in these comments does not mean this behavior should be encouraged.

Not only are the majority of women left feeling scared, embarrassed and angry, but also, research by the University of Connecticut show men who harass women with cat calls and sexual comments are actually harming their whole gender.

Most street harassers aren’t “bad men”— they just don’t fully understand why their actions are disrespectful to the female population. It is mostly thought that they don’t even think they are harassing women at all.

I’m not neglecting the fact that studies show

25 percent of men (mostly identifying as LGBTQ+) were harassed on the street, but it is important to understand that sexual public harassment and violence toward women is a widespread problem.

I am known as someone who’s never afraid to speak her mind and probably speak it more often than she should. Why, then, am I made feel like I have to ignore every degrading comment that chips away my confidence?

That’s why sexual street harassment won’t stop until both men and women start engaging with harassers.

By all means, stand up for yourselves if you feel that someone is pushing you, but you have to be street-savvy

enough to know how to pick your battles.

One UL student, who wishes to remain anonymous said: “Would you want someone shouting at your mother or sister from a car window saying that they will “destroy [her] pussy?”

Women in particular

should be able to feel like they can walk home at 10 o’clock at night by themselves without being sexually harassed.

Unfortunately, this will not happen until people are educated on the effect sexual harassment has on a person.

If people think it is socially acceptable to intimidate women and shout disgusting comments as they’re walking on the street, society will become accustomed to objectifying women and think that they can “grab ‘em by the pussy” whenever they please.

February 2017

Outfits of the Week

Ciara Leahy

Zahra Hale Fur coat – Pretty Little Thing Jumper – Debenhams Pants – Zara Bag – Penneys Shoes – Zara

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ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY HAVE FUN, BUT BE SAFE

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR BETWEEN 00:00-07:00

€140 FINE

VERBALLY/PHYSICALLY FIGHTING IN PUBLIC

€1000 FINE/ 3 MONTHS IN PRISON

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH GARDAÍ

€1000 FINE/ 6 MONTHS IN PRISON

LITTERING

DRINKING ON THE STREET

€150 FINE

€70 FINE

REMEMBER, THERE ARE RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE ESTATES AROUND CAMPUS. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR NEIGHBOURS!

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Fahsion Icon – Blake Lively Most Hated – yoga pants and deck shoes Monthly Fashion Spend - €40

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Jacket – Boohoo.com Scarf – Penneys Jeans – River Island Boots – Brown Thomas

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Kate Stevens

Fashion Icon – Rihanna Most hated – white jeans Monthly Fashion Spend - € 100

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Fashion IconKendall Jenner Most Hated – Blavey (black and navy) Monthy Fashion Spend - €30

Jacket – New Look Shirt – River Island Pants - Berska Boots – New Look

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Charity week Have fun this week but just a friendly reminder for ye to be aware of: > Don’t invite Weenz to your homes > Make an effort to keep the noise down > Clean-up any rubbish around your home. You will be fined for litter by the Gardai. > Don’t let anyone you don’t know or do not trust into your homes. > Prevent house burglaries by securing all doors and windows. Keep valuables and store keys safely and out of sight. > Keep large amounts of cash in the bank and not in your home > Mind your drinks – do not leave them unattended. Please drink responsibly. > Look after your friends and make sure everyone gets home. > Always have your phone charged. > Register with Safe Cabs - Plassy cabs 061 336 336. > Contact campus security of the Gardaí to report any suspicious activity.

UL Student Union MnMs (Student Patrol - Meitheal na Mac Leinn) will be out on patrol throughout Charity week. if you see them around say hello. The MnM’s are there to help and advice students and to also attempt to reduce conflict between residents and students through preventative measures e.g. noise reduction.

Charity Week 2017 MnM DUTY MANAGER – Liam Gleeson (+ 353 86 888 7398) Hours of MnM Patrols 1) Sunday 26th 9pm - 2am.

2) Monday 27th - Thursday 3rd 3pm - 8pm & 9pm - 2am.

Please note there will be morning and evening alcohol checkpoints every day during Charity week. Students villages will also be checked at random. The college will be notified if Gardai are called to any noisy house parties and details of houses visited will be forwarded to the College authorities the next day with likely disciplinary action taken.

A message from your Students’ Union.

February 2017

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Dance UL Holds Open Workshops SONYA RAMONDINO Calling all those who incorporate a ruthless hairbrush dance into their morning routine - this one’s for you.

Dance UL has been working diligently to provide each and

every one of you the opportunity to explore a different genre of dance each week of the semester, with our highly anticipated workshops every Wednesday.

We kicked off the semester in week 3 with

international choreographer Riman Rafi, from Toronto, Canada, and pushing the limits of dynamic expression with his uniquely challenging and incredibly fun Hip Hop choreography.

If you were unable to participate in his workshop, fear not, for we have many more on the way.

In week 5 our very own Dance UL committee member and choreographer, Jocelyn, is teaching her renowned Heels workshop.

Join us on February 22nd at 7:00 pm in EGO-10 (the Main Building) for a twohour session packed with powerful technique and some of that unrivalled attitude.

Week 6 will feature another one of our committee members, Ana Camillo.

Ana’s will be held in the same location on Wednesday, March 1st.

No dance experience

is necessary.

Our workshops will continue to run every Wednesday for the rest of the semester, so don’t miss your chance to join in.

Dancers must be registered with Dance UL in order to participate.

For those of you who are craving more Hip Hop, Dance UL Intervarsity choreographer Jessica Keyes will be leading a highly anticipated workshop

on Wednesday, March 29th.

Jessica has co-choreographed and performed in award-winning Hip Hop pieces, and has returned to the stage as Head Choreographer, representing UL at this year’s All Ireland Intervarsity Dance Competition in March.

In addition to Dance UL’s classes and workshops, we engage in events with other

clubs and societies and would love for you to join us in upcoming table quizzes, dance nights, and of course, the End of Semester Showcase, featuring all of our dancers onstage at the Johnathan Swift Theatre.

Stay tuned for further developments in the dance world by following Dance UL on Facebook, Instagram (officialdanceul) and Snapchat (DanceUL).

Drama Society Continues Success ANNA PARKES It is wonderful to get a break from college but it’s fair to say that our drama family are delighted to be reunited for the second semester.

We’ve certainly dived straight back in to all things dramatic, with the past few weeks being gloriously busy.

This semester has seen the welcome introduction of our fortnightly “Tuesday Tech Series.”

It’s no secret that that the tales unfolding on stage are just a segment of our productions

– the aim of these workshops is to allow members to experience all the offstage action.

Our first Tuesday workshop was based on directing and was led

by Ray Liathroid, our Productions Officer.

Ray has directed several productions for our society, and last year even wrote and directed her own original play Fioch, which is a brilliant achievement.

During the workshop Ray shared her experiences and tips, which has hopefully inspired some keen

members to consider sitting in the directors’ chair next semester.

Our regular Wednesday workshops have recommenced with gusto.

Courtney McKeon, our resident monologue queen, led a fantastic first workshop of the new semester.

Members delved into exercises designed to really get to grips with our characters in order to command the stage and have the audience glued to our every word.

Our skills were further improved in the next

workshop – were we had a special guest all the way from the theatrical hub of London.

Jack McKenna studied acting in the Arts Educational Centre in London and is now pursuing acting as a full time career.

His session was based on character development, and succeeded in polishing the skills we had gained in the previous workshop.

The timing of these workshops could not have been any better as the past couple of

weeks have set the ball rolling on our latest production.

Pigtown was originally written by Mike Finn and is set over a 100 year period in Limerick.

Pigtown is an electric mix of comedy and drama, and is already shaping up to be a wonderful production under the expert direction of our skilled director Tony Cusack.

Last Thursday also saw the first Drama Society trip of the semester, as a group of us went to see the oneman-show Drinking in

America, performed in the Belltable by the Bottom Dog Theatre Company.

Liam O’Brien was the solitary actor who brought 12 different characters to the stage with his mesmerising performance.

This show was a prime example of how all it takes is one person to bring a story to life.

It’s been a hectic couple of weeks, but here in the Drama Society and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

To keep up with our shenanigans, check out our Facebook page.

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What do you think of security on campus?

“There’s always a need for security, but I think there’s a lot of them around for what we need. They’re kinda driving around in their cars not doing much.

There’s a lot of money spent there.”

– Jordan O’Neill

“I think security is really good. They’re always there at night. I found some stolen things and gave it to them and they were returned.”

– Maria Samchez

“You don’t see much security, only during charity week, but there’s not a lot of problems either so they’re good.”

– Dave O’Connell “They spend more time clamping cars than preventing crime.”

– Liam Lennon

“I see them around. They’re there but you don’t take notice of them. I’ve never seen them in action, I suppose I’m lucky.”

– Eoin McNamara

“They’re good. I see them often but I’ve never ran in to them.

I’ve never needed them.”

– Yasmin Kirby

“I’ve never really noticed any during the day. They haven’t been around for me to have an experience.

I’d like to see more around charity week because it gets a bit crazy.”

– Sinead Butler

“It’s okay. I haven’t had any problems. Although my girlfriend’s car got smashed but that wasn’t on campus.”

– Conor Carmody

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Bodywhys Dispells Eating Disorder Myths ANN CRONIN Eating disorder Awareness Week 2017 takes place from February 26th to March 1st, but I want to emphasise the importance of continuing the conversation after the next week goes by.

While we do talk about these issues a lot more in recent times, there is still the false perception that eating disorders are a “teenage girl problem,” according to Bodywhys Communications Officer Barry Murphy.

It is so important that we break down this ridiculous stigma and destroy the gender and age barriers that surround eating disorders.

I spoke to the Communications officer Mr Murphy about this harmful stereotype.

“The breakdown in gender of people with an eating disorder reflected the male to female ratio of 1:10, but it seems very likely that there are many men not coming forward to seek help,” Mr Murphy.

The Bodywhys website

explains that men also experience the betterknown eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia, as well as the less-known kinds such as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (E.D.N.O.S).

However, sometimes eating disorders present themselves differently in men. Sometimes, rather than simply restricting their diet, men affected by anorexia may focus on over-exercising and building muscle in an attempt to reach the damaging standards that the media portrays.

Muscle Dysmorphia is a disorder in which a person may become obsessed with the belief that they are not muscular enough, and consequently turn to harmful behaviours to try to achieve their ideal physique.

This condition is not restricted to any specific gender but often shows up in men who seek help from Bodywhys.

For older people, there is a double stigma.

Eating disorders are a condition that people find it difficult to speak up about, but the

“We must work towards a better understanding of eating disorders if we wish to break down these stereotypes which cause people to suffer in secret for years” negative assumption that it is a teenage issue makes it even more difficult for adult sufferers to seek help.

In the 2015 Annual Bodywhys Report it was revealed that the majority of people who contacted the Bodywhys Helpline, in which their age was known, were between the ages of 25 and 35. There was also a 9-percent increase in people aged 36-55 and an 8-percent rise in people aged over 56.

This means that the majority of calls taken

by Bodywhys in 2015 concerned someone aged over 36 years old. The email support service showed similar results.

“This provides even more proof that “the teenage issue” assumption is merely a myth. The increase of online and helpline contact shows

that people are still afraid about coming forward. Often, the emails we receive from older people are very apologetic and nervous,” Mr Murphy said about the report.

Mr Murphy put this increase down to the victims desperately in need of help but are too afraid or ashamed to publically seek support.

“There was a case in which we had to shut down a support group in a small area because of low attendance.

People don’t always

want to attend meetings and support groups in case they run into someone they know.

People are ashamed to admit they have an eating disorder because of the stigma attached to it,” Mr Murphy said.

The report also revealed that 47 percent of those who contacted Bodywhys Helpline service were family or friends of someone who appeared to have developed an eating disorder and were seeking advice on how to help their loved one.

This shows that many of those who are suffering are too afraid to come forward themselves.

As numbers of eating disorder cases in Ireland are constantly increasing, it is crucial that we work towards putting an end to eating

disorders.

Eating disorders are the biggest psychiatric cause of death.

“Often, people need to have a personal connection with an eating disorder to understand it. There is more awareness now, but not much understanding.

We understand the terms and definitions but not the experience,” Communications Officer Murphy concluded.

We must work towards a better understanding of eating disorders if we wish to break down these stereotypes which cause people to suffer in secret for years. If you think you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or if you want to learn more, visit the Bodywhys website.

Irish Water Safety Competition Held in UL CHLOE O’KEEFFE The annual Irish Water Safety (IWS) National Lifesaving Championships took place Saturday and Sunday, February 18th and 19th, in the University of Limerick Sports Arena swimming pool.

Over the course of the championships the arena saw some of Ireland’s strongest and most competitive lifesavers gather together for the two-

day event.

Over the weekend people of all agesJuniors, Seniors and Masters competed against one another in a range of exciting lifesaving scenarios to determine the country’s finest lifesaving team.

The Chief Executive of the IWS, John Leech, spoke highly of the championships.

Last year Clare dominated the championships, but it could’ve been anyones to take away

as lifeguards from Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Donegal were all closely on their tale.

As well as setting up these championships, the IWS provides swimming classes, water confidence, safety and survival, rescue skills, basic life support and lifesaving, to the general public nationwide.

Qualifications such as the IWS’s Pool and Beach Lifeguarding Awards are recognised

internationally.

The organisation also publishes literature to promote water safety: “We provide publications for all aquatic activites to assist the public adhere to best practices.”

Leech reports that January was a good month in terms of weather: “We are informed that to date, this year no one has passed away due to a drowning, which is a record best over the last 16 years.”

John commends Bord Iaschaigh Mhara for the great work they have done over the last few years in promoting safety to fishermen when on fishing vessels.

Mr Leech pleaded to all fishermen to wear their lifejackets at all times when out in the sea this year: “We have a world-class lifeboat service and Coast Guard so we should not be losing fishermen if they use good working practices and take all the required

and necessary safety precautions.”

He advises fishermen to call the Coast Guard immediately should they get into trouble.

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is Irelands 4th Blue Light service and provides a nationwide maritime emergency service primarily.

Each year, the IRCG co-ordinates the response to thousands of accidents and fatalities at sea, and on the cliffs and beaches of Ireland.

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Social Soccer Club Gains Momentum OLIVER BRETT I’d like to start by thanking everyone that helped us out last semester in our debut appearance.

The staff at the Students Union, the other Clubs of UL and of course An Focal themselves for giving us some much needed exposure.

The good news is that all these people and of course the UL student body, contributed to us having a wonderful first semester.

We finished the semester with over 100 members, which was in line with our initial target.

Along the way, we probably organised up to 50 hours of organised games during the semester.

As the Social Soccer Club, I would imagine that makes us very

much fit for purpose.

In spite of all of the initial success of the club, we cannot stand still and are still trying to find ways to make ourselves a more effective organisation.

Our primary goal has always been to provide the oppurtunity for people to play soccer in a relaxed environment We’re been trying to achieve this goal and in fact have seen a huge raising of the stakes this semester.

In the semester 2 recruitment drive, we managed to increase our membership by close to 50 per cent.

This was a fantastic boost for the club and it was great for us to increase our everdiverse membership with manyinternational students from different corners of the globe signing up.

We also managed to

increase the number of female members, which was encouraging.

It is very important to us as a club that every student group feels like they can join and be represented.

As our membership grows we have realised the need for stability and reliability.

We have addressed this by block-booking 4 hour-long pitch bookings per week.

These times being: Monday: 6pm – 7pm + 7pm – 8pm (UL Arena Indoor Soccer) Wednesday: 5pm – 6pm + 6pm – 7pm (North Campus Astro Pitches Outdoor Football) Again, I would recommend people sign up to our Facebook page “UL Social Soccer” to find out more and to sign-up to any upcoming events.

By the time this paper

goes to print we will have had our AGM and finalised committee positions.

Hopefully we will have received plenty of feedback from our membership and updated our operating agenda.

We are still aiming to expand our club beyond the simple confines of soccer matches and make it a social experience.

Next week we are planning to arrange a meet-up at the UL Sports Bar to watch some UEFA Champions League matches.

Later in the semester we hope to host a Soccer Quiz and a FIFA 17 Tournament.

As stated already, sign-up to our Facebook page for more information or if you a query, email us at ulsocialsoccer@gmail. com.

Get Your Frisbee On with the UL Ninjas SARAH GILMARTIN Did you vow to make 2017 a year of more physical activity?

If you’re like me, it’s so much easier to exercise when you are having fun and actually enjoying moving about.

You too can reach your fitness goal – without it feeling like work.

Frisbeeing is often not seen as a sport, but I can guarantee you won’t be saying that when the bruises begin to appear.

Frisbee trainings involve a little bit of running, but it’s all worth it for the friendships made in the banter and increasing your fitness at the same time.

But that’s where accomplishing your fitness goal for the New Year comes in.

We’re all looking to lose that extra bit of turkey and ham we put on over Christmas period, so why not lose them in a fun environment with lots of other newbie’s?

You won’t regret it and that’s a promise.

We’re excited for the semester ahead- the start of March brings a ridiculous amount of excitement into the UL ninja community, Siege of Limerick.

It is quite possibly the greatest tournament there is.

Going to tournaments are fun but hosting them is even more exciting.

With both Siege and

Mixed outdoor IV’s in so you’d be saving us March there’ll be sure a lot of running if you to be a few tired bodies join us. with all that running, From the moment

I joined Ultimate Frisbee, the Ninja family has played a substantial part of my

University experience and I guarantee we can do the same for you.

These people will become more than just teammates- they will become your family.

So, even if you have never played sports in your life, we have your back.

Want to get in touch?

Find us on Facebook and Instagram at UL Ninjas.

We’ve also got a new website that you can check out too called, you guessed it, UL Ninjas.

So why not join us on Kilmurry AstroTurf from 8-10pm, every Thursday, for some Frisbee and some laughs. Warm, fluffy and ridiculous socks and hats are recommended!

February 2017

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Record Number of Swimmers Represent UL at DCU Meet CAOIMHE HENNIGAN

On Friday February 10th, the University of Limerick Swimming Club departed UL with the aim of competing in this year’s national intervarsities, which were to be hosted by DCU and held in Shannon Swimming Pool.

This year there was a grand total of 50 swimmers who were representing the university, smashing the club’s previous record.

With the increased number of swimmers also came an improved result, finishing the competition with a second-place finish overall, including male, female and overall events.

Which is an

improvement on the third-place finish from our last intervarsity.

On the first day of competition everyone competed in at least one individual event.

After a long day of competing, the day came to a successful close with many qualifying for finals the following day, while others won topthree finishes in 200 metre events.

Then came the relays where there were two teams, male and female.

The relays are a great opportunity to compete for someone other than yourself, it’s no longer just you your swimming for, you must compete for the team.

On the second day of competition, UL had

several swimmers competing in finals where each competitor s w a n above and beyond their best as we took home the title as the ‘s e cond best team in the c o u n t y ,’ despite b e i n g only fouryears in existence.

The signs are very promising for the future as the club continues to improve its status.

Despite the year’s main event been completed, we’re back

SIOBHAN MACLOINGSIGH

in the pool training every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

If you wish to be part of our special journey, sign up now, even if it’s just one night a week.

It’s a way to keep fit but also to have some fun at the same time Queries about training or the club can be forwarded through the club email: ulsc.swim@ gmail.com

UL Rows to Success Worldwide PATRICK CORLEY This year has been an eventful one for the UL Rowing club (ULRC).

All athletes are in full swing with I n t e r - Va r s i t y Championships just around the corner.

The club recently sent two crews over to what is considered one of the biggest events in rowing, The Head of The Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

UL crews performed very well overall and the event was a fantastic opportunity for our rowers to experience competitive rowing abroad and to train intensively for a large scale international event.

Stateside, the ULRC athletes got a chance to witness the likes of the O’Donovan brothers in action.

Since the HOCR in October, UL Rowers have competed in Castleconnell Head and both Provincial and National Indoor Championships here in Limerick.

The club has proven itself once again with our very own Jessica Hewitt taking silver in the wom e n’s open 500m event, Hélène Goury and Ciara Jo H a n l o n w i n n i ng medals in the women’s 1KM event,

Órla Donnelly taking bronze in the women’s U23 2KM event and Jessica O’Keefe winning gold in the women’s open 2KM event.

ULRC also took gold in the men’s 2KM relay event and will be looking towards St. Michael’s Head of the River here in Limerick

Surf Club Storms Lahinch

as our next big event which will act as a proving ground for Intervarsity crew selection.

The novice rowers who have joined us since our recruitment drives in September and January are settling in nicely and are improving at a rapid rate, in

preparation for Intervarsities.

It is fantastic to see so many new faces adding to the atmosphere in the club.

The focus is currently on the Intervarsity Championships, but as always, new recruits are very welcome.

The UL Surf club tore up Lahinch this weekend on one of their regular club trips.

Attended by Irish and international students alike, the surf trip turned out to be a huge success despite the lack of swell on Sunday morning.

The bus departed on Friday evening and brought the surfing enthusiasts to the small, coastal town of Lahinch just in time for some traditional Irish music at Kenny’s bar, which has become especially popular with visitng international students.

On Saturday morning everyone was feeling very fresh and ready for a surf lesson in the toasty 4-degree weather.

“PhD student Kalani More, led the surf lesson and gave the wobbly beginners some tips on how to handle the waves.

The waves were crashing against us as we desperately clung to our boards, eventually some of us managed to catch our first Irish waves.

“I would have never imagined I would surf my first waves in Ireland, but it was a great experience both in and out of the water,” commented Dutch student Robin Puntman Carmen Vte. We now look forward to a glorious return to Lahinch in March for our next event, where we will be hosting the Irish Surf Intervarsities and welcoming Surf Clubs from all over the country,” commented Lizzie Keøgh.

The UL Surf club is full of craic and always looking for new members of all levels of experience to join.

Interested? Conact us at ulsurfclub@gmail.com.

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UL Cruise to All GAA Championship Round Up Ireland Final Four IT CARLOW 2 UL 5 CAOIMHÍN REILLY

CAOIMHÍN REILLY With the Ashbourne Cup winning Camogie side rightly hogging the UL GAA headlines this week, we review the other results from a hectic two-weeks of championship action.

Apart from celebrating the success of the Camogie team, UL suffered a blow this week with the Fitzgibbon hurlers having lost their quarter final to the league champions IT Carlow on Pitch 1 last Wednesday.

Despite being installed as favourites for the competition, Brian Lohan’s men were unable to recover from their slow start, which saw them concede three early goals, despite taking the lead

in the second half as they bowed out of the All-Ireland at the first knockout hurdle.

John McGrath’s eight point haul proved in vain as last year’s beaten finalists exited the championship in what was the shock of the round.

Elsewhere, the O’Connor Cup footballers progressed to a quarter final meeting with UCC following their 7-16 to 1-3 victory over St. Pats, Drumcondra in Limerick on Thursday evening, as DJ Collins’ girls took advantage of the perfect playing conditions to pummel their visitors with some style.

Despite losing Niamh O’Dea and Clodagh McManoman from their league winning team, with both having

finished their stints at UL, they produced a fine team performance that left their manager very happy.

Speaking to An Focal after the victory, Collins said: “Tonight there was a job to be done, it was about doing the basics well and the girls did that and I can’t ask any more of them. They came through it nicely.

“There is fierce competition in the team. We have 25 in the squad and 23 of them are playing intercounty football and pushing for starting places so there is lots of competition for places.

12 out of the 20 players we used made their O’Connor Cup debuts tonight.

“The girls have set their own standards and each game they go into they want to win,

so they will just keep pushing themselves and play to the best of their ability. After that, if we win it we win it, if we don’t we have a lot players who will learn for next year.

“But most of the players in their final year have two O’Connor Cups and they want more,” Collins concluded.

The Sigerson footballers also qualified for finals weekend with a battling threepoint win over DIT, with Fergal Boland, Brendan O’Keeffe, Niall McDermott and Géaroid Hegarty all grabbing two points as UL set themselves up for a second finals weekend in a row.

Unfortunately, the Giles Cup team exited the championship to a very strong group of girls from DCU, while the

Intermediate hurlers suffered a similar fate in losing to LIT. However, the Junior hurlers progressed to the All-Ireland semi-final with LIT having handed them a walkover . There was also victory for the Intermediate footballers who hammered Maynooth last Thursday week and now go on to play Athlone IT in the last four.

Similarly, the Fresher 1 hurlers progressed to the next round as Anthony Daly’s team cruised through their quarter final affair with UCD, 7-10 to 1-22.

The Fresher 2 hurlers did likewise against the same opposition as they got to their semifinals with a 14 points to 11 victory.

The UL ladies’ soccer team defeated IT Carlow 2-5 in the Ladies’ Intervarsity Quarter Final last Tuesday.

A hat-trick from Fiona Maloney, accompanied by goals from Eleanor Stafford and skipper Keara Cormican, ensured that UL took their place in the semi-final of the intervarsities at the expense of IT Carlow last Tuesday evening.

UL put in an excellent performance throughout as they stunned a Carlow side which boasted several fully fledged League of Ireland stars, including senior international Emma Hansberry.

Next up for the girls is a trip to play the semi-finals in UCC in just over six-weeks’ time.

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Ashbourne Cup The UL camogie team won the Ashbourne Cup last weekend having beaten UCC on a 2-8 to 1-7 score line in Abbotstown. Here, Caoimhín Reilly speaks to joint captains Eerena Fryday and Patrice Diggin about their triumph.

Often you hear flippant comparisons made between winning teams and great All-Ireland winning teams of the past, teams such as the current Dublin football team or the Kerry sides of 1970s and 80s, Brian Cody’s Kilkenny hurlers and the Cork ladies’ footballers of the last decade.

However, one side who deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as those magnificent teams are the UL camogs.

Three Ashbourne Cup titles in four seasons, four finals in four years and only the one competitive loss in that period is a dominance, a monopoly, unlike many others.

They have created a dynasty for themselves in UL GAA history and An Focal spoke to the team’s midfield pairing and joint captains Eerena Fryday and Patrice Diggin about their recent triumph, and especially because it means that the duo have three Ashbourne Cup medals to

their names.

“Yeah, I suppose we’re still recovering from the week we just had celebrating,” Fryday, the scorer of UL’s opening goal in Sunday’s win, said.

“It was absolutely brilliant to win it, after we won it three years ago, our plan the year after was to retain it and we failed to do that so I think after last year the big thing was again to try and retain it so we’re delighted to do that.

“We knew that we had a great group of first years coming and one third of the team were actually first years so they drove it on and we of course knew that we had a good team at the start of the year so we had confidence that we could do it if we worked hard, thank god, we did.”

Speaking on the player turnover from last year, Kerry native Diggin stressed how important it was getting to know the new additions to

the panel as early as possible before saying how much of an impact the new blood, like Beth Carton, had on the success.

She spoke in particular about a bonding trip that the team had in Clare which set them in good stead coming into the climax of the championship.

“After maybe a couple of sessions everyone knew each other really and we had a bonding trip at the start of January so that really helped us.

Everyone was there for the same reason, which is to win for UL, so it wasn’t too hard to get to know the girls.

“Knowing each other and how everyone plays is important, and being able to know where to put the ball and the time the other player wants it and that is all down to knowing and spending time with each other.”

Similarly, Fryday, who was also

selected as player of the match in the final, elaborated on this point.

“When you’re so friendly with the girls as well you’d put in a foot where you wouldn’t put in a hurley just to help them out.

“I know that half of us are probably playing against each other this weekend with the counties so obviously, things will change then.

“But last week we would have done anything for each other out on the field and it’s just shows how close we were. And, only for that closeness in the group I don’t think that we would have won to be honest.”

Diggin also pointed out the strength in the group heading into next year.

“Next year, there are only three or four of the starting team actually gone and anyone off the bench could have started so there are definitively players to come in and replace those leaving.”

This year’s final didn’t start as UL

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Champions ‘17 would have hoped with UCC grabbing an early goal, but it was the lessons learned from their 2015 final defeat to WIT that spurred the girls on, Eerena and Patrice in particular.

“We knew that we couldn’t drop our heads,” Diggin explained.

“Two-years ago, the same thing happened us against WIT and we lost the game so we knew this year that we just had to battle back straight away and we did. Eerena got a goal

the work that he put in has been immense.

“It’s some going to be a Fitz winner as a coach and then to have three Ashbournes in four years.

“In the years that he has trained us we have lost one competitive match and that was the Ashbourne final against WIT two years ago, so that is fair going for a manager and we owe him that credit.”

Fryday also expressed her gratitude at the support provided by UL GAA Development Officer Deirdre Murphy.

“I think the recent success, not just in camogie but, in the Sigerson, Fitz and O’Connor - a lot of it is down to Deirdre Murphy. The work she does for all GAA players in the college is something else and I suppose we don’t actually realise the work she does behind the scenes.

“It probably helps that she has a camogie background herself so she knows what it takes to win and uses a lot of common sense in that regard so she is definitively a big factor in the recent success.”

The level of preparation a team puts in generally singles out the elite performers from those content and she started the step up from us to just compete, and when delving really.” further into how willing the camogs Behind every winning team is a were in regard to training and overall winning manager and the team commitment, it’s not hard to see why clearly hold Dinny Ryan in high they achieve such success esteem.

“After the Mary I game we kind of Eerena spoke glowingly about her separated (for Christmas) and came Tipperary compatriot: “In 2011 he back in the first week of January won with the Fitz (Fitzgibbon team) and started training even though we and then coming in with us in 2014, weren’t in college. he probably didn’t have too much “But nobody minded because we experience with camogie teams but knew that we wouldn’t be champions

“We would have done anything for each other out on the field.”

if we didn’t put in the hard work and thankfully the hard work paid off,” added Diggin, a player who was admittedly self-conscious about hailing from a county without a rich camogie or hurling tradition.

Over the course of her time in UL, though, the Kerry woman has learned to embrace her own ability, and disregard assumptions surrounding camogie in her homeland.

“It definitively has (made me feel a lot more comfortable). Even my own skillset has come on and they have brought me on by playing that higher standard with them girls. I don’t think that I’d be where I am without UL,” the 21-year-old said.

“Now that I’ve experienced the winning feeling you don’t want to go back into a losing dressing room and you’re probably hungrier to keep going and to win at the end of the year (with Kerry).”

In response, Fryday gave a glowing appraisal of the woman who she succeeded in claiming the player of the match gong, with Diggin having

been named the winner last year.

“You can see that whatever county Patrice was from she would, on her performances in the last three years, start.

“On any Cork or Kilkenny senior camogie team she would start so I don’t think that there has ever been any fear of that Kerry gear anymore,” Fryday continued.

The pair were named at midfield in last year’s Ashbourne Cup allstars selection, something which looks likely to repeat itself this year although they remain guarded on the topic.

Eerena said: “It would be the icing on the cake but the main thing is that we have the Ashbourne.

“The two of us last year got places in midfield and it is a bonus but like I said the main thing is that we have the Asbourne Cup and anything after that is just a bonus.”

While Patrice merely coughed up, “Eerena - maybe.”

And, what a fitting way it would be to end a memorable year for the girls.

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