An Focal PDF Mar 2022 (1)

Mar. 2022 Website Exclusive AN FOCAL NEWS | SPORTS | ARTS | POLITCS Castletroy Park Retirement Village Resident’s Association Launch Campaign to #saveourvillage By Cian Dalton Castletroy Park Retirement Village He said, “The people were replaced by Resident’s Association hosted a young professionals who were willing public meeting on Tuesday 8th of to pay a much higher rent and didn't March 2022 in the Castletroy Park require, you know, a resident nurse and Hotel. a resident handyman and a resident The meeting saw the launch of the security man and a resident social #saveourvillage campaign by the coordinator, all of whom were Resident’s Association. eliminated to save money.” Former University of Limerick The outbreak of the Coronavirus Professor Dr. Kevin Ryan is a pandemic was a double blow for resident of the village since May residents who then lost their coffee 2018 who is one of the driving forces mornings, meeting rooms and social behind the campaign. events as people were advised to stay Dr. Ryan spoke to An Focal editor indoors to stop the rise of the virus. Cian Dalton and detailed what is Dr. Ryan said, “COVID has been an happening in the village under the absolute disaster from our point of current landlords. view. In February of 2020 we had a Young professionals who can afford meeting where, with the then president to pay higher rents have taken the of the Students Union and the social positions of the displaced older officer, and also with a young people in the village, according to Dr. American woman who was studying Ryan. Journalism at the time, we had a whole campaign plan with the students’ . support. Cont. page 2 MORE INSIDE... Sports p. 18 Arts & Entertainment p. 24 WWW.ANFOCAL.IE

Mar. 2022 2 Website Exclusive Cont. from 1 Dr. Ryan did not attend the first few meetings of the Residents Association due “We were hoping to get this all publicized to prior commitments with UL. After on the student media and then COVID came attending a meeting towards the end of 2019 two weeks later and all of that went out the he found that people were in huge distress window. We could no longer have meetings, and that any attempt at communication with we couldn't have students coming to visit old the landlords was futile. people in a retirement home as it would be just too dangerous.” He himself received a solicitors letter from An Irish Times article from March 2020 the new landlords when he attempted to hold highlighted the issues in the retirement a meeting of the Residents Association in village that have led to next week’s public early 2020 to address the people’s concerns meeting. on the state of the village and the landlords. A number of residents have since left the The Park Retirement Village on Plassey village due to their relationship with the Park Road was bought by Edel and Séamus landlords according to Dr. Ryan. The former Madden in late 2019. Soon after, residents IT professor feels that any older person who noticed that there had been some unsavoury still resides there has nowhere else to go and changes to their happy village. may be too scared to say anything. According to Dr. Ryan, the new owners He said, “This is a retirement village and never intended to operate their new Ireland has very few of them. Other property as a retirement village. countries have them and they're properly “They (the Maddens) bought it in August governed and there is proper regulation. of 2019. The residents including myself, Ireland needs to have housing for older were wondering, what are they going to people and this was one of the perfect do? And we never heard anything. There examples.” were no announcements, there was no Dr. Ryan hopes that the meeting next explanation. Tuesday will bring awareness to the plight “And then on October the 31st, of 2019 of the residents from the wider community. during a Halloween party in the village He said, “The hope is that we can make this they distributed rental increases, and two a community-wide campaign to preserve the notices of termination to people in the village as a retirement village and to village. Two ladies who were in bungalows possibly campaign for retirement villages and of very nervous dispositions.” elsewhere in Ireland.” These notices of termination moved the two ladies from the bungalows they had made their homes over a number of years into apartments while they were being ‘refurbished’. However, the incident upset the residents so much that the two displaced tenants ended up leaving the village altogether. Twitter: Dr. Kevin Ryan, speaking at the @RVA_Limerick Residents Association Public Meeting Instagram: @retirement_village_association .

Mar. 2022 3 Website Exclusive Is Irish as accessible as we are lead to believe? Elitism within the Irish Speaking Community and its effects on accessibility to the language. By Jade Buttle A recent tweet from Ryanair has sparked For people learning Irish who want to make an significant controversy online. A Twitter user effort, if they're being publicly corrected, it's had tagged the airline in a post that included a going to knock their confidence completely, screenshot of Irish Rail's website- which has and that's just not fair. “We’re never going to now been made completely accessible get more people speaking (Irish) if we don’t through Irish. When asked to do the same, encourage it.” Although discouragement from Ryanair replied with a tweet saying, \"eh… an other Irish speakers by public correction of bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?\" grammar mistakes is a clear & visible obstacle Although the response was intended for in terms of accessibility to the Irish language, comedic purposes, Ryanair's response created there is also a huge issue within Irish language a wave of backlash from the Irish Speaking media & access to real and non-biased Community. Irish Twitter users described the information. tweet as 'embarrassing' and 'cringe'. Úna- Dr Sorcha de Brún, author & lecturer in the Minh Kavanagh, gaeilgeoir, author & editor School of English, Irish & Communication at of weareirish.ie responded: \"This was your the University of Limerick explained how Irish opportunity to actually take the advice and is not fully accessible to the general public as a translate your site, instead the Twitter admin result of ‘very problematic’ media through the chose to make a lazy joke about it. Even a Irish language. She said, “(Irish media) is copy-paste 'thank you for your comment' funded by different companies, it’s funded by would have been better than that tweet.\" Foras na Gaeilge & other state bodies. It’s quite reserved in its analysis of anything to do This passiveness towards the Irish language with those companies because they are the very and its significance within Irish culture is not ones that fund it. “There is a serious dearth in unheard of. University of Limerick's student investigative journalism in the Irish language. welfare officer Seán Ó Maoilciarán creates The impact of that is that people don’t get video content as well as a podcast as Gaeilge, access to what’s going on within these state and often receives negative comments under bodies and the impact that they’re having on his videos. the Gaeltachts because it’s not being He said, \"There are people (who) are so investigated.” Although the Irish language closed off to any bit of Irish being spoken often faces mockery in modern Irish society, it because they don't see the point of it like, can be said that this is due to lack of open what are you doing speaking Irish on TikTok? access. Not only through discouragement Why are you bothering with this? Or, what's towards learners of the language from other the point of this? This isn't even funny.\" Irish speakers, but also through the state bodies However, Seán explained how most of his that enforce structural inaccessibility to negative comments come from other Irish information regarding the Irish language speakers. movement. \"I'm out here trying to actively make Irish Until we allow for criticism of the movement more accessible, colloquial and casual for itself through the media of Irish, there is no people by speaking it the way I speak it, like- room for improvement in attitudes & the nobody goes out and speaks English with phrase “an bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an perfect grammar. “But there's a mad thing leithreas” may be the only part of the language with some gaeilgeoirí who feel the need to that remains with members of Irish society. publicly correct other people.

Mar. 2022 4 Website Exclusive Ukraine Crisis: How Can We Help? By Mia Daly After the shocking, inhumane attack that Donate: Although we may procrastinate until Russia launched in Ukraine on February the cows come home, the people of Ireland 24th, Europe, and indeed the entire world, truly know how to roll up their sleeves and has been left reeling. As we attempt to work together as a community. As a result, remain educated on the crises as it develops, locally in Limerick we have many collection many of us have been left overwhelmed by points for donations to be brought into the sheer horror of current events. Ukraine: From individual instances, such as young Help for Ukraine – Limerick City: men being separated from their families, to Donations welcome up until Wednesday largescale events, such as the March 9th 16th March at Kala Gel Nails Salon (V94 bombing of the maternity ward in a WC84) Mariupol hospital; everything has left an Ukraine fundraiser and table quiz, unshakeable influence on global citizens. Larkin’s Bar, Larkin’s Cross, Limerick, As we hold our families closer, and Thursday March 24th at 8pm appreciate the simplicities we often take for Mr Kindle drop off, Daly’s Cross, granted, many of us are left with a feeling of Limerick – contact at 085 2506494 utter helplessness. While events go from bad Active Life, Ballysimon Road, open to worse, we ask ourselves: what can we do Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm to help? ULFM 12-hour broadcast, 24th March – donation boxes in the Courtyard, ULFM Educate: It is especially important when studio and Student Life Centre. dealing with such an important topic to get Monetary donations are also extremely your information from reputable sources, so valuable in aiding Ukraine. Ensure donations perhaps skip the old reliable Ladbible and are reaching reputable charities and opt for BBC News, The Guardian, RTE organisations, like examples such as the News or The Irish Times. following: For detailed updates from the ground, I Red Cross Ukraine recommend The Kyiv Independent, who International Medical Corps provide news on their website, Twitter and People in Need Instagram. For bulletins and personal Nova Ukraine anecdotes, I recommend podcasts such as Unicef Ukraine Ukrainecast, The Global News Podcast, Depaul Ukraine Ukraine: The Latest and Exploring Ukraine Revived Soldiers Ukraine (all available on Spotify). Sunflower of Peace Facebook Page As well as educating ourselves, it's also United Help Ukraine vitally important to educate each other. No With Ukraine one can thoroughly absorb the vast quantity Voices of Children of news released on a daily basis, therefore UNCHR Refugee Agency it’s essential that we openly discuss the CERF events with our peers. Especially as a By donating items, money or time to any of student, it can be easy to remain largely the aforementioned causes, you are providing unaware of the situation’s current state, yet a service that is utterly invaluable in these the huge significance of it cannot be harrowing times. ignored.

Mar. 2022 5 Website Exclusive Speak: Our voices can be heard in many Ways to support Ukraine ways. On a personal level, we can share sources and information to social media in in Limerick By Daniel Ryan order to highlight charities, events and news items that can all help in raising awareness Whether its nappies, clothes, or non- of the situation. perishable food, Limerick people are Societally, we can also encourage our groups donating by the thousands to help and communities to raise awareness, money Ukrainians in need. and support for Ukraine. Even on a political level, we can put pressure on our Mr. Kindle, Daly’s Cross, V94 A896 government to act by writing to our local With a 45 feet container and offices now TDs or staging protests. designated for sorting supplies, Limerick Through doing so, we can encourage them to people have already donated more than be of service in various ways, such as 100 boxes for Ukrainians at Mr. Kindle. accepting more Ukrainian refugees, Owner Thomas Christopher McMahon imposing harsher sanctions on Russia, or recalls one touching experience over the even pushing for the EU to be of more week: “A middle-aged man handed us in service to Ukraine. stuff he purchased himself. He brought in nappies, toothbrushes, baby wipes and at Stand: These are difficult times, not just for the end of the bag there was two little individuals in Ukraine but for Ukrainian packets of Playdough for kids. It was citizens in Ireland too. Any act of solidarity really heart-warming to see.\" Mr. can have an impact, from supporting one McMahon urges people in Limerick to individual to even putting mounting pressure help as much as possible: “If we can just on governments to act on behalf of the do one good thing for these people, it will people. mean so much to someone somewhere.” If you wish to partake in group effort in Items donated to Mr. Kindle will be showing support, you can attend a local table transported to Poland on a weekly basis. quiz, organise a bake sale, or even go for a If you would like to donate but are unable run. Sanctuary Runners is holding an to travel to Daly’s Cross, contact Thomas initiative for the people of Ireland to run, jog Christopher McMahon at 085-2506494. or walk in aid of the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. You can take part by wearing Drop Off Point – Active Life Store, blue and yellow and posting to social media Ballysimon Road, V94 EF86 with the hashtag #RunForUkraine. Active Life Sport in Unit 5 Eastpoint Business Park will be collecting If you can do one or more of these things, donations on behalf of the Polish Great you are already taking part in a hugely vital Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC). process that will ultimately be indicative of The drop off point is open Monday- how this war will end, and the global Saturday from 10am-6pm. Items donated community thanks you for it. will be transported to Poland where it will reach its final destination in Ukraine. Isabela Pancer, a resident from Brú Na Gruadán who collected for GOCC, says that the support from the Limerick community has been amazing. She added: “There were letters from kids written in English for Ukrainian kids who will be getting the toys. It was absolutely heart-breaking.”

Mar. 2022 6 Website Exclusive Does a nomadic childhood make a travel hungry adult? the connection between a childhood of travelling and the getaway scouring adult. By Molly Cantwell The complexities to a person who has spent There’s a weird sense of solidarity between a huge amount of their childhood uprooted people who have shared uprooted seem never ending. Whether this means the childhoods or mixed nationalities families. lack of a permanent home or country, there Although Finn’s is much more severe to are many highs and lows to the experience. mine, we’re able to bond over it, and I feel Finn Robertson is the son of soldiers. His as if he’s able to open up to me more now. childhood consisted of army camps and new He tells me about the hardships of making countries, never forming an attachment to and losing friends in army camps. “Your any one place. He’s lived in around 30 best friend would run up to you and say I’m countries throughout Europe, the US and moving to Cyprus tomorrow, I’ll never see spent a long time in Lebanon. you again, bye”, Finn laughingly says. He While Finn moved country a lot, I travelled a admits it makes it harder to hold on to lot in my childhood, and also have a unique friendships and relationships now. “I could genetic makeup. To me, this meant clinging leave tomorrow, and I wouldn’t really miss to an identity that varies dependent on the people”, he says. This aspect of a detached country I’m in. I was born in the Channel childhood breaks my heart for Finn. Islands, with a large portion of my family Now, a young adult studying journalism at remaining on the island. I have Irish, the University of Limerick, Finn hopes to Spanish, and Portuguese family. Although travel more for his dream career of my citizenship states Irish – there is a lot international politics reporting. Finn and I more to my identity than meets the eye. discussed the irony of this at length. We When I’m in Ireland I’m Mediterranean and discuss the hunger we now have for seeing hug that identity like a comfort blanket – but new places as adults – “I feel like some when I’m away I’m more Irish than Michael people could never leave their county and Collins himself. they don’t want to travel cause that’s their This is where Finn and I differ. To him, the world”, Finn states. This early admittance abundance of travelling, and also the to a global network has given Finn and I a international makeup of his family, created a bug that can’t be satisfied. I ask him if he distance between him and a pull to a national thinks that his childhood has something to identity. On speaking to Finn, I would do with his aspirations and we both ponder assume him Northern Irish. His accent is this for some time. “I guess it would have difficult to place, but when he announces to to”, he says in reply. We both settle on the me that he’s from Waterford, we both laugh. fact that a travel bug that was forced onto us I asked him about his accent, and he says, “I at a young age is something that won’t ever don’t really know, I guess it’s cause my dad leave, but did we ever really want it to? is Scottish”, and then it makes sense. We have a lot more in common than I had originally thought.

Mar. 2022 7 Website Exclusive Surgery Wait Times for Children Still Unacceptable By Sophie Vondung The moving story of young spina bifida This has changed in recent times, especially patient Ava in late January once again during the covid crisis, which further brought the topic of surgery waiting times aggravates the situation in Ireland, has also into public awareness. Even though up to 56 brought the German healthcare system to its children like Ava would urgently need limits. “Hospitals overburdened due to surgery to correct their spine condition, Corona”, the German news outlet hospitals fail to provide it to the point where Tagesschau headlined in November 2021. the children become inoperable. According There, the rising number of covid patients in to an RTÉ news bulletin at the time, 649 intensive care units has forced around 75 children in Ireland are currently waiting for percent of hospitals to postpone elective orthopedic surgery. This inevitably raises the surgeries. This predominantly affects question of why it takes Irish hospitals so orthopedic surgeries such as spina bifida long to grant their patients necessary surgeries. Similarly, as in Ireland, the waits surgery, and why other countries such as are causing patients physical and mental Germany are doing a better job at that. distress. With a median of 2.5 months, Ireland was Further reasons for the delays apart from among the countries with the longest waiting Covid were discussed in Irish media. While times for elective surgery in 2010, according Micheál Martin and Mary Lou McDonald to a comparative study conducted by the have reportedly discussed whether the waits National Treatment Purchase Fund. are an issue of funding or rather of hospital In the past, Germany has often served as a capacities, the Irish Medical Organisation bright example for providing sufficient has also noted a lack of specialists as a capacities for surgery. Irish Hospitals even reason for long waiting times. sent public patients to Germany to get their Meanwhile, there has been some progress necessary surgery, not being able to provide when Children’s Health Ireland has them themselves, as Independent.ie reported received funding of five million euros to back in 2001. During this time, data from the help offering orthopedic surgeries on time, OECD and the Irish department of health as the Irish Examiner reported. showed that 0.7 percent of the Irish population at the time, that is about 27,000 people, were on waiting lists for surgeries, while Germany didn’t show any significant waiting times at all. Ava Cahill (left) with her mother Suzanne (right)

Mar. 2022 8 Website Exclusive Fifty Shades of Tea (Pronounced the Country Way) what Is all the fuss with fake tan? By Sophie Vondung When the EU released a new regulation to “I usually go for the ultra-dark one”, she limit the usage of DHA, a tanning agent, in says. The problem is that this one fake tan products, the Irish mirror headlined currently contains over ten percent of “Irish fake tan lovers 'crying' and 'hysterical' DHA, a chemical which reacts with the as new rule set to ban certain products”. As a skin when applied, and creates the darker German Erasmus student, I’ve never used skin tone. Due to its risks of causing skin any fake tan products in my life, so I ask irritations and, when inhaled, lung myself: What is the fuss all about? defects, the EU has recently limited the legal amount of DHA to ten percent. In To find out, I sat down with Irish college April, Gemma’s preferred tan will student Gemma, who has been using fake disappear from the shelves. Her tan since she is 13. Not to overwhelm fake- immediate reaction was “Let’s run to the tan-inexperienced me, we had to start at the shop and stockpile it”, she recalls. very bottom: What is a fake tan? The term Tanning is an important part of going out includes bronzing moisturisers, mousses, for her and her friends. Before a night lotions, and sprays, Gemma explains out, they shower, wash their hair, shave, patiently. “I feel better when I put it on, it’s and put on the tan, Gemma recites. a bit like wearing makeup”, she proceeds. “Nothing can touch your skin while the tan is drying!” It really is a ritual. “Plans While I would be at a loss if confronted with are cancelled over the tanning routine.” different fake tan brands, Gemma’s Although a good tan is very important to expression brightens when she starts talking Gemma, and despite her first impulse, she about her favourite brand and its ambassador hasn’t been bulk-buying the product. She Maura Higgins who she admires since her has never had any skin irritations or other appearance on the popular reality TV show problems with the tan. “But I suppose the Love Island. She continues to enlighten me regulations are in place for a reason”, she about the available shades of this tan, light, reflects. Gemma assumes that there will medium, dark, and ultra-dark. be alternatives available in April. So she concludes: “We’re not going to fail away without it. It’s not the end of the world.” Upcoming Charity Event – ULFM 12-hour broadcast on 24th March By Daniel Ryan Students from ULFM at the University of Station Manager Conor MacLeod Limerick are hosting a 12-hour broadcast on encourages students to participate: “Even Thursday 24th March to raise support for if you’re not a member, feel free to join in Ukraine. and help out in whatever way you can. It Donation boxes will be located on campus takes a lot of hands on deck to get the by the courtyard, radio studio, and student show going and it’s for a worthwhile union centre. A GoFundMe page will be set cause.” up in the days leading up to the event. People can listen to ULFM via Streema The broadcast will include live music from the UL Music Society and interviews with people from Eastern Europe.

Mar. 2022 9 Website Exclusive Advice with Agony Adam: Conquering Post-RAG Fear After a week off to soak up the (unofficial) RAG Week sun with a metric heap of pints by the Shannon, resident agony aunt Adam is back to answer your burning questions. By Adam Leahy Adam, advice please. I’ve got some I learned something on RAG Week that I Godzilla big fear after RAG Week last had sort of suspected but didn’t want to week. I went out almost every night (like admit is true. My friends don’t really a champ) and generally made it my invite me to many of their parties or nights business to be the craic coordinator of out. I didn’t go out at all last week and, my friend group. Problem is, I’m told, I seeing all my friends’ stories and photos, I may have coordinated the craic a little feel I really missed out. How can I get too hard. Worse than that, I have no people to invite me to things more? memory of a fairly hefty portion of the nights out! So my question is, how do I I’m really sorry to hear this. My natural figure out just what the hell I did?! instinct is to say “well f**k those guys” and tell you you’re better off finding new friends. Honestly I think you’ve been given the gift But where’s the fun in that? of a blank slate here. Sometimes it’s best to What you need is a good old fashioned ruse. embrace the bliss of ignorance! You’re going to need access to the wardrobe, If a tree falls in the woods, and you forgot phone, family history, PPS number, and drunkenly cutting it down, did it really preferably the actual face of one of the make a noise? Still, there’s a few ways of people in your friend group. sussing this one out. Start inventing pretty From here, you’ll need to assume their wild scenarios in your head to test your identity completely. I’m talking deep cover friends’ memories. “Hey, remember on here. Once it’s done there’s no going back. Thursday when I beat Kerstin Mey in a You are Derek now. Or whoever. foot race across the Living Bridge?” After that, all you need to do is simply walk “Oh my God, why did you guys let me get into their next party, crack a cold beer, and on a bus all the way to Dublin to steal that enjoy. penguin from the zoo? My landlord is It might be easiest, just for your cover story, going nuts!” to assume the identity of the one you know “Why, I repeat, WHY did I read the entire best. Cuts down on research time. And for 50 Shades of Grey saga at our Renaissance the love of all that’s holy, make sure your Lit class on Thursday? What was I even new face doesn’t slide off mid-conversation. thinking?!” Take lots of bathroom breaks to check If your friends just laugh along and say everything’s still in place. “God yeah, you were pretty far gone all Or, and this might sound wild but go with me right”, you can rest safe in the knowledge here, find some people who are excited to that they haven’t the faintest breeze what have you around at parties and on nights out. happened over RAG Week either.

Mar. 2022 10 Website Exclusive Adam, everyone thinks I’m an Erasmus student. Everywhere I go. Sometimes they ask me where I’m from. Sometimes they just speak slowly to me and use small words. One bouncer even refused to believe my passport is real. I’m from Dundalk like! How do I go about proving my Irish bona fides? You’ve got my sympathies. Though let’s be fair, sometimes a Dundalk accent can sound like it’s coming from a different planet altogether! I can’t help but feel like you’re missing an opportunity here. Think about it, you can be anyone you want to be! Today you’re Tatyana Matryoshka, an Have you got a Eastern European medical student with a problem you’d like penchant for creating missing cadavers in Adam’s help with? the school of medicine. Tomorrow you’re Drop him a message Alois Bertrand, a French postgrad student @a_leahy on Twitter! who seems to have only come to UL to drink port and smoke rollies in a vaguely superior way. The day after, you’re Gerhardt Werner, a German sociologist, and your research into why Irish students feel the need to exclusively wear tracksuits is going to bring a whole new understanding to identity in postcolonial anglophone countries. When we break free from the shackles of everyday trivialities – silly things like who we are, why we’re in this class, and what our actual real names are – we can be who we were truly meant to be: total messers. Have fun with it and please don’t blame me for any future identity crises.

Mar. 2022 11 Website Exclusive Weekly America – Gas Prices Highest in US History, Democrats Rage over Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, and Congress pass $1.5 Trillion Spending Plan By Daniel Ryan Gas prices soar to highest in US history. Gasoline prices have soared to its highest in When Biden was asked by reporters in Texas US history as President Biden declares a what he can do about record-breaking gas new ban on Russian imports of oil and gas. prices, he responded: “It’s going to go up. As of March 15, the national average price Can’t do much right now. Russia is for a gallon of gas has escalated to $4.32 responsible.” according to AAA. The record was Gas prices have increased starkly since Biden previously set in 2008 during the Great took office in January 2021. The US Bureau Recession when gas cost $4.11 or roughly of Labor Statistics reports that gas prices $5.25 when adjusted for inflation. Russia’s went up by 40 per cent over Biden’s first year invasion of Ukraine prompted Western as president. allies to reconsider their energy dependence Wall Street Journal’s editorial board has on Russia. Although European nations are criticized Biden’s decision for restraining now planning to be independent of Russia’s domestic energy production while banning fossil fuels by 2030, Biden’s banning of Russian fossil fuels. Russian gas and oil imports signal a drastic move. Biden stated: “Americans have rallied to They write that Biden’s regulations have support their Ukrainian people and made it curbed domestic production to the point that clear we will not be part of subsidizing Brent crude oil could fall $20 a barrel if the Putin’s war.” Biden’s decision did not come Democratic president gave the green light for without cost. While Russian oil and natural gas companies. petroleum products constituted only 8 per What Biden doesn’t mention is the fact that cent of America’s energy supply in 2021, companies require additional permits to build banning these resources have caused a dent pipelines and transport fuel, something his for Americans at the gas station. The rise in administration has made incredibly difficult prices were predicted by Politico’s Rachel because of his climate change policy. Bade and Ryan Lizza last week. They wrote: “If [Biden] does block Russian oil, skyrocketing gas prices will go even Excessive federal bureaucracy means that it takes 142 days to approve a drilling permit higher.” The White House is testing the patience of while it only takes two in the state of Texas. Americans by pushing the blame on Putin Drilling on federal land is harder because and also oil and gas companies for not companies need to meet an appropriate inventory of permits before they can operate. producing more domestic energy. White House press secretary Jen Psaki Companies are also struggling to explore, stated: “There are 9,000 approved drilling drill, and build new pipelines without capital. permits that are not being used so the Biden’s Labor Department is trying to crack suggestion that we are not allowing gas down on the finances of oil companies, making it harder to invest by considering the companies to drill is inaccurate.” impact of the environment.

Mar. 2022 12 Website Exclusive The WSJ conclude: “It’s almost a miracle Floridian Democrat Carlos G. Smith that any oil and gas production is occurring stated: “This bill, from its introduction, has in America amid this political hostility… been used as a vehicle to marginalize and Mr. Biden bemoans today’s skyrocketing attack LGTBQ people.” He believes that it gas prices, yet he remains hostage to the “sends a terrible message to our youth that green-energy donors whose policies there is something wrong with LGBTQ guarantee higher prices.” people.” According to a recent HarrisX poll, 69 per Bravo TV host Andy Cohen condemned cent of Americans would rather Biden ease the bill exclaiming: “You’re scaring people his climate change policy and focus on into spewing hate and discrimination at the domestic gas and oil exploration. 54 per cent LGBTQ community.” of Biden’s own Democratic voters support However, conservative commentator Matt the idea. Walsh noted that the bill doesn’t even Amidst speculation, the White House mention the word “gay.” He tweeted: “All announced that it hasn’t spoken to Russian- [the bill] requires is that teachers don’t friendly Venezuela about buying oil from discuss sexual orientation and gender them to lower costs in the US. identity with children in third grade and younger.” Democrats rage over Florida’s so-called Parents’ rights are protected under this bill “Don’t Say Gay” bill by requiring schools to alert parents if Democrats rage over what they call Florida’s there is any change to the “mental, “Don’t Say Gay” bill, a new measure which emotional, or physical well-being” of their will ban school discussions of sexuality or child. gender identity for kids between five to nine Schools can avert this and withhold years old. information from parents if they believe The bill, formerly called “Parental Rights in that such “disclosure would result in abuse, Education” states that children from abandonment, or neglect” according to the kindergarten through grade 3 cannot be bill. taught about sexual orientation or gender US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona identity which is “not age appropriate or reminds Florida that they could lose developmentally appropriate for students in federal funding over this bill, accusing the accordance with state standards.” governor of violating Title IX’s protections Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated last against gender-based discrimination. month: “My goal is to educate kids on the Disney CEO Bob Chapek called Gov. subjects, math, reading, science, all the DeSantis to express his “disappointment things that are so important. I don’t want the and concerns” but the Republican has not schools to kind of be a playground for changed his position on the bill. ideological disputes.” DeSantis’ spokeswoman Christina Pushaw The bill has caused uproar from Democrats, stated: “Anyone who has questions or claiming the bill marginalizes the LGBT+ concerns about the Parental Rights in community by shaming children’s sexuality Education bill is encouraged to read the and outing them to their parents. bill, rather than the distorted coverage in mainstream media, which regurgitates false partisan talking points.”

Mar. 2022 13 Website Exclusive The Parental Rights and Education Bill has The legislation also appropriates $575 passed the Florida Senate and will be signed million to renew the Violence Against into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. Women Act which funds programs that tackle domestic abuse and sexual assault. Congress passes $1.5 trillion omnibus bill A total of $1 billion is financed for a new Congress passed a $1.5 trillion package program that will be dedicated to the which will send aid to Ukraine and prevent a research and treatment of diseases like government shutdown. cancer and Alzheimer’s. The omnibus package was a compromise for Environmental justice activities will Democrats and Republicans as they rushed receive $100 million at the United States to meet Friday night’s deadline. The Environmental Protection Agency. This spending plan will prevent a government also includes $75 million worth of low or shutdown by funding the institution for the no emission vehicle grants. rest of the fiscal year until September 30. Earmarks also make their return in the Compared to the previous year, non-defence federal government’s spending plan, spending increased by 6.7 per cent to $730 allowing lawmakers to allocate funds for billion while defence spending rose by 5.6 projects in their own state or district. per cent to $782 billion. The 2,741-page bill did not impress House Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- Republicans who were unaware of the NY) said: “This funding bill is awash with package’s total cost until early Wednesday good news for our country.” morning. Complaints arose during negotiations when Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) argued that some Democrats found out that $15.6 billion Democrats wanted to hide the contents of of Covid-19 funding would be compensated the bill as it passed through Congress: by taking back portions of unspent “There's so much waste in there. That's coronavirus relief funds from their own why [the Democrats] didn't want us to read states. it.” Representative Annie Craig (D-MN) told the Either way, Democrats and Republicans press that Minnesota was one of 30 states feel like they have won something at the which would have lost allocated money negotiation table as election time draws through the clawback method. She stated: closer. “This deal was cut behind closed doors... this is completely unacceptable.” In response to the backlash, Democrats decided to postpone a vote on Covid-19 funding until next week. Within the omnibus bill, Ukraine will receive $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid as they continue to fight off the Russian invasion.

Mar. 2022 14 Website Exclusive Biden’s First Year as President – A Quick Fall from Grace? By Daniel Ryan Joseph R. Biden Jr. took office at one of the Biden’s reckless spending plans coupled best times for a new coming president. with hostile regulations on domestic Vaccines were rolling out, businesses started energy production have crushed an to recuperate post-pandemic, and the nation already inflated economy where real was recovering from the hostile political wages have decreased for most environment that Donald Trump left behind. Americans. The message was clear – President Biden To top it off, Biden’s ban on Russian gas was going to help America build back better. and oil imports have skyrocketed the So, how have things collapsed so quickly? price of gas to its highest in US history. One year after Biden’s presidency and To say that families are suffering under inflation has hit a forty-year high, Covid-19 Biden’s America is an understatement. policies polarize Americans, the Democratic Biden campaigned on Build Back Better, Party is in disarray as Republicans gain a grand transformation of the US momentum, and Afghanistan has been economy which would cost American handed over to Islamic terrorists. taxpayers another $2 trillion and further In this article we will take a brief look of bloat the national debt. Biden’s first year as president by discussing But if America’s uniquely high inflation his performance on the economy, Covid-19, rate is anything to go by, then Biden social issues, and foreign policy. should restrain from the printing machine if he wants to stop doing more Economy – Rapid Inflation harm than good to Americans’ wallets. Biden’s economic record has been mediocre at best. Despite a recovering economy that Covid-19 – High Vaccine Rate & has created 6.5 million jobs, almost every Authoritarianism month under Biden has failed to meet the Biden entered the office with a vaccine expectation of economists. rollout in place, but that didn’t stop a new In May 2021, US inflation was at 5 per cent. Delta and Omicron variant from testing the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki president’s competency. reassured Americans that such levels of Biden’s first year was met with triumph as inflation were merely “transitory.” over 88.1 per cent of American adults got Psaki referred to the Federal Reserve which vaccinated. was sure that inflation would go down in His presidency faced various setbacks 2022. But today, US inflation has reached a including the Delta and Omicron variants, forty-year high of 7.9 per cent. but the Democrat managed to overcome The average American household will be adversity and officially called an end to spending an additional $3,500 more on Covid restrictions in his State of the Union. goods and services this year according to a Biden did not succeed without valid December study by the University of criticism – namely his confusing messaging Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. and polarizing stance. Compared to its Western allies, America’s The president ushered in a radical vaccine inflation rate sticks out like a sore thumb. mandate, forcing companies with over 100 Ireland stands at 5.6 per cent, the UK at 5.5 employees to get vaccinated or test weekly per cent, Canada and Germany at 5.1 per unless they wanted to be fired from their cent, and Australia at 3.5 per cent. job.

Mar. 2022 15 Website Exclusive It wasn’t until Biden’s unconstitutional The Texas primary election didn’t bode mandate was taken to court that it was well for Democrats either as finally dropped. Still, the precedent was set Republicans dominated voter turnout – that Biden would use more power than he is increasing their voter base by 300,000 entitled to in order to infringe upon compared to the Democrat’s mere Americans’ civil rights. 15,000 from 2018. Biden’s “follow the science” routine resulted Democrats will be concerned that social in much backpedalling – first telling issues like Critical Race Theory are vaccinated people that they’re safe but then working in Republican’s favour. Some pivoting to unvaccinated Americans calling progressive candidates like Beto them a threat to those who are vaccinated. O’Rourke are already changing their His self-proclaimed ability to work with tune, speaking against CRT being those on the other side of the political aisle taught in schools. was nowhere to be seen as Biden blamed Biden’s failure to grasp onto topics like unvaccinated individuals for holding the climate change and immigration on the country back. grand stage have been called a “lost Persuasion was replaced by a raging Biden opportunity” by Democrat Alexandria saying unvaccinated Americans were Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as his proposals “costing us all” even though most live of on the campaign trail seem to be them in Republicans states where mandates forgotten. have been dropped for months or longer like The president’s disappointing record on the state of Florida. social issues are causing him to lose Incoherence, incompetency, and virtue support from every demographic signalling have all played their part in including the Black community. Biden’s Covid-19 policy. Americans’ Biden’s vaccination policy, failed approval for Biden’s handling of the voting rights bill, and newfound pandemic went from 69 per cent at the start support for police funding all mark a of his presidency to 48 per cent in March devastating inflection point for him as 2022 according to pollster FiveThirtyEight. support from the Black community Although Biden will be pleased to see the staggers. end of Covid-19 restrictions for his own With the Senate being split 50-50 and sake, high vaccination rates will be the main the Democratic vice-president as tie- positive that Biden can take from a polarized breaker, Biden has continuously nation on the issue. struggled to garner enough votes to pass bills on social issues like climate Social issues - Democrats Conflicted as change and college tuition. Senators Joe Republicans Gain Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema Biden’s stumble on social issues frustrate a (D-AZ) have obstructed Biden’s divided Democratic alliance as Republicans ambitious plans, wishing to preserve gain momentum for an optimistic mid-term their political careers in Republican- election. sensitive states. Biden’s control over His failure to satisfy Americans on voting both chambers in Congress is running rights, climate change, police brutality, short as Republicans are expected to student debt, and education has brought make substantial gains in the mid-term Democrats to a standstill. This comes as elections. Considering his first year on Republicans round up massive support from social policy, Biden will be voters in the Virginia gubernatorial election remembered as a president who was where conservatives managed to flip a state unable to carry important legislation where Biden beat Trump by 10% in 2020. over the line.

Mar. 2022 16 Website Exclusive Foreign Policy – America Fails Although Biden’s response to Russia has Afghanistan been swift with the exception of Biden’s approach to re-establishing global sanctioning Russian gas until it was too relationships disintegrated with his late, verdicts will have to wait until the embarrassing withdrawal of Afghanistan, Russo-Ukrainian War concludes. incentivising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine If Ukraine succeeds, it will be a massive and China’s increasing likelihood of seizing boost of confidence for Biden’s track Taiwan. record. If not, the president will have to Being on the wrong side of foreign policy is add Ukraine to his long list of failed not new to the Democratic president. So foreign policies. much so that the secretary of defence under Overall Review George W. Bush and Barack Obama wrote Biden stated in his inauguration address that Biden “has been wrong on nearly every that “without unity, there is no peace.” major foreign policy and national security The declaration could not be more ironic issue over the past four decades.” for a president that has caused chaos at In withdrawing from Afghanistan and home and abroad. His trillion-dollar handing it over to terrorists who forbid girls spending plans have increased prices and from education and sexually assault women the national debt to record-breaking between honour killings, America has now levels. Despite the worldwide signalled to the world that it cannot be consequences of the pandemic and trusted, failing to protect its allies, and supply shortages, Biden has stifled the becoming less certain of its purpose on the economy to degrees not seen in other global stage. Western countries. Covid-19 policies and Biden declared that there would be “no rhetoric have upset the nation, making circumstance” where people would be lifted the so-called “unifying” president a from the US embassy’s rooftops like they polarizing figure. Authoritarian mandates were in Vietnam. But that is what exactly and puzzling messaging have revealed happened. the incompetency of the 79-year-old The Afghan military relied heavily on the politician. support of US forces to prevent a Taliban The president’s failure to solidify his takeover. Despite Biden’s military advisors Democratic caucus has resulted in the urging him to maintain a presence in collapse of his ambitious social plans - Afghanistan with their current force, the playing into the hands of Republicans president continued to withdraw. who are ready to reclaim Congress in As a result, Afghanistan succumbed to November. His withdrawal of terrorists, 13 American service members Afghanistan has sacrificed the lives of were killed, and American citizens are still women and children to servitude while trapped in the Middle-Eastern country. Russia invades Ukraine and China waits Biden’s approval rating took a massive hit for the right moment to pounce on over the withdrawal that by the end of Taiwan. While Biden may have August, more Americans disapproved of the succeeded in vaccine rollouts and Democratic president than backed him. His making large investments towards support has continued to falter, with the infrastructure, Democrats will be “peace and unity” president becoming more disappointed by his performance and polarized than he would have ever wished to Republicans will be eager to voice their be. It should be no surprise therefore that in opinion at the voting booth. If Biden’s America’s time of weakness that Vladimir first year as president is anything to go Putin invades Ukraine and China continues by, it is going to be a long, bleak, and to eye Taiwan. perilous three years.

Mar. 2022 17 Website Exclusive UL Chancellor Mary Harney facing tough questioning over university expenditure By Daragh De Klein University of Limerick Chancellor Mary hypocritical. To put things into perspective the Harney will be facing questioning on the average student annual fee for attending UL is university’s spending of over 1.02 3000 euro therefore that means over 1,600 million euro on entertainment during students could have attended the university for 2019-2020 when Covid kept the free with the 5 million euro the university University closed for a significant unnecessarily spent on the Dunnes Stores site, amount of that time as well as the which accounts for roughly 10% of the entire spending of 496,000 euro on strategic student body of UL. The Limerick Post project change management and obtained a statement from Fianna Fail TD Marc advisory services. At this moment in McSharry in relation to the 1.02 million euro time the Department of Further and spent on entertainment, in which he states “I Higher Education is considering cannot wait to see the breakdown. Could the withholding 1.69 million euro out of witnesses send us that? In the previous year, their normal budget of 2.5 million euro €1.7 million was spent but there was no Covid in capital funding until the University of then. The university still managed to spend Limerick can rectify its governance €1.02 million on entertainment in 2019-20, issues. Mary Harney, along with UL although half of the year was affected by President Kerstin Mey, will be expected Covid.” The fact that UL was still able to spend to appear before the Public Accounts over two thirds of the previous year’s Committee on April 7 of this year. This entertainment budget during a year where a comes at a time when the University of nationwide lockdown took up a significant Limerick is already in serious hot water amount of that period is mind boggling. This over acquiring the Dunnes Stores site in entertainment budget would normally have Limerick City centre for 8 million euro gone towards hosting events such as culture when it had only been valued at 3 nights, plays and parties, all of which the million euro by the Limerick City and university was unable to organise during the County council just two years before. It covid lockdown. Therefore, it will be will be interesting to see how it was interesting to see how UL account for this possible for an abandoned shopping spending. centre to increase in value by 5 million euro before work had even started on revitalising it. It very much seems that the University is simply unable to shed its image as an institution that treats huge swathes of money as petty change when purchasing a site for over five million more euro than they likely needed to spend. Wasteful spending at the top UL positions is indeed a serious problem and the fact that UL paid up 5 million more euro than necessary on one building yet charges students an additional fee for the construction of the new Student Centre building is quite

Mar. 2022 18 Website Exclusive The hearing that will take place on April the UL Chancellor Mary Harney is not only 7th will centre around the many questionable a former Tánaiste of Ireland but also expenditures of the universities in recent became the youngest Senator to enter the times. The investigation into UL spending Senate in 1997 and has been the Minister will be done by independent auditors KPMG of Environmental Protection, Health and as well as both the Higher Education Trade over her political career. As Authority. Both UL Chancellor Mary Chairperson of the UL Governing Harney and UL President Kerstin Mey are Authority Mary Harney would have had expected to attend this hearing and while the a say over the purchase of the Dunnes committee will most likely focus on the 1.02 Stores site and will hopefully be able to million euro spent on entertainment from shed a light on why the site was 2019 to 2020. purchased for more than double it was valued for when she appears before the The purchase of the Dunnes Stores site for 5 Public Accounts Committee in April. million more than it was valued will also be While reaching out to UL for a comment, a point of much discussion. they stated “UL is actively engaging with In relation to the purchase of the Dunnes the PAC to arrange a suitable date and Store site that was a decision made by the time for representatives of the University previous UL President Dr Desmond to appear. It would not be appropriate to Fitzgerald not Kerstin Mey. However, Mary comment further before those details are Harney was still the UL Chancellor at the finalised.” time as well as the Chairperson of UL’s Governing Authority and therefore will likely have the unenviable position of facing the brunt of the hard questioning. Ukrainian Association of Football looking to strip former captain Anatoliy Tymoshchuk of titles Legendary Ukrainian footballer and current By Svetlana Rodrigues coaching assistant for Zenit St. Petersburg Anatoliy Tymoshchuk to be stripped of all Throughout his entire career, he has been his awards and honours following the awarded several state awards and honorary Russian invasion. titles. A statement released on the Ukrainian Since this war has begun Tymoshchuk has Association of Football’s (UAF) website not raised his voice or released a statement read: 'The Ethics and Fair Play Committee of about any of the issues that are taking place the Ukrainian Football Association has made in Ukraine. He is continuing to work with the a statement about violations of the Code of club despite the current invasion. Ukrainian Ethics and Fair Play by former national team sports stars and celebrities have raised their player, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.’ voices and criticized the Russian government He will be stripped of his UAF pro-level including Zenit St. Petersburg defender coaching license, and they are also applying Yaroslav Rakitskiy who has asked to be to try to get the public authorities to revoke released from the club after the invasion. all the state awards, honorary titles, and all Tymoshchuk is Ukraine’s most capped the domestic titles he won in Ukraine. They player in the history of their national team. have also decided to exclude Tymoshchuk He has appeared in 114 games from the year from the official register of players of UAF 2000 to 2016. national teams.

Mar. 2022 19 Website Exclusive Busy week of contract announcements for Connacht and Leinster By Fiona Halligan It has been a busy week for the provinces on I would like to progress in the coming the contract front with Connacht Rugby seasons and I feel that in order to kick on, I announcing eight player contracts and need to be playing rugby regularly and Leinster Rugby announcing four player hopefully I will get that opportunity with departures and five contracts. Connacht Rugby from next season. I am still highly motivated to do well and to improve Connacht Rugby: as a player and having that opportunity to Jarrad Butler challenge for selection on a more consistent Team captain Butler has announced he basis with Andy Friend is what I need and I extended his contract for another 2 years look forward to putting my best foot forward. until the end of the 23/24 season. Currently in his 5th season with the western province Playing for Leinster Rugby has been brilliant, the 30-year-old has made 90 appearances to but you only get one chance to make the date. most of your career in sport, and this is my Head coach Andy Friend says \"Jarrad has all chance.\" the qualities you look for in a club captain. He leads by his actions on and off the field Adam Byrne and commands the respect of his fellow The third Leinster player to sign for players. I’m delighted that he has chosen to Connacht rugby for the start of the 22/23 stay at Connacht in what will be a really season. Having played for Ireland at U20 and exciting period for everyone at the club.\" Senior level, the winger is looking forward to a new challenge. John Porch \"I feel that the time is right to seek out a new John Porch signed a one-year extension to challenge and I am hugely excited by the see him stay until the end of the 22/23 challenge that Andy Friend has set for me, season. Having arrived in Galway in 2019 and I look forward to contributing to a new Porch has become an important member of environment from next season. the team with 52 appearances over the past three seasons. Connacht is an ambitious club, and I am also fortunate that I already have mates playing Matthew Burke there and I look forward to linking up with The Ballinrobe man has penned a two-year them ahead of a new season.\" deal to see him stay at the province until the end of the 23/24 season. Burke came Shamus Hurley-Langton through the Connacht pathway system and The 21-year-old New Zealander will join has played 34 times since making his pro Andy Friend's side for the 22/23 season. debut in October 2018 Hurley-Langton has made 18 appearances for Peter Dooley Manawatu across the Mitre 10 Cup and NPC Having just made his 100th appearance for over the last two years. He was named Leinster last weekend against Bennetton, Rookie of the Year in 2020 which led to him Dooley is heading West next season. being named in the wider training group for Speaking on his move \"It has been a time of the Hurricanes. reflection and assessing where and how

Mar. 2022 20 Website Exclusive Predominantly he has played at 8 but has Speaking on his move: \"I understand that proven he can cover both positions at flank. I now need to start getting games under He is a powerful runner and a threat at the my belt to add that extra layer of breakdown. He is looking forward to experience to my game. heading to the West of Ireland. \"I’m really excited about my move to The chance to play with Connacht Rugby Connacht Rugby. I’ve had a lot of and to hopefully put my hand up for discussions with Andy and the coaching selection on a more consistent basis is all team who spoke really well about what I that I want and the rest is up to me. I look could offer at the club. Connacht play a very forward to doing that next season.\" attractive brand of rugby and the idea of relocating to the West of Ireland was one Leinster Rugby: that appealed to me. I can’t wait to get Leaving: settled, meet my new teammates and see Adam Byrne, Peter Dooley and David what it’s in store for the future.\" Hawkshaw to Connacht Rugby Jack Dunne and Rory O’Loughlin to Exeter Bryon Ralston The 21-year-old former U20 Australian Contracts: International, who is also Irish qualified, has Johnny Sexton signed on the dotted line leaving Western The Irish captain put pen to paper to see him Force at the end of the season. He has made continue with Leinster until the Rugby 14 Super Rugby appearances scoring five World Cup in 2023 after which he will hang tries for the Force. He has played most of his up his boots. Having 171 appearances and rugby on the wing and at outside centre. 1,505 points to his name so far the 2018 Born in Darwin then moved to Brisbane World Player of the Year is looking forward where he played High School and Club to the next 18 months. rugby before joining the Force. \"I'm delighted to be able to say it,\" Speaking on his move Bryon said: \"I've been beating around the bush for six \"Moving to Connacht Rugby and the West months, always nervous talking about the of Ireland is a brilliant opportunity for me. World Cup when you weren't guaranteed to The style of rugby that they play will suit me be there, but I just want to make the most of down to the ground, and it gives me a this last 18 months of my career and go out chance to reconnect with my Irish roots. I’m on the top.” obviously aware of the positive experience \"It’s up to me now to work hard and get the other Aussies have had after moving to body and mind in the best shape possible, Connacht, and so I will be doing all I can to and attack the last 18 months.\" make a similar impact and help the club achieve the level of success they are all First senior contracts to: working towards.\" Jamie Osborne Joe McCarthy David Hawshaw Cormac Foley 22-year-old Hawkshaw is heading West for Brian Deeney the 22/23 season. He has made 8 appearances for Leinster and can cover 10 or 12. He captained the 2019 Ireland U20s to the Grand Slam in the Six Nations playing alongside future teammates Niall Murray, Colm Reilly and Dylan Tierney-Martin.

Mar. 2022 21 Website Exclusive Limerick Hurlers – A force in decline or a sleeping giant? By Cian Dalton Limerick’s draw with Clare in the Allianz They have not been able to reach those Senior Hurling league on Sunday 06th same dizzying heights so far this year, March has caused some people to question registering low scores by today’s the resolve of the reigning All-Ireland standards. Hurling Champions. They only registered 11 points against John Kiely’s side have been defeated by Wexford and 1-13 against Cork with both Wexford, Galway and Cork respectively, teams showing increased physicality, while Clare were looking for their second matching Limerick’s effort rates from last win of the campaign. year. The match finished 18 points apiece, with Of course, every G.A.A. supporter knows both teams ending with 14 men, receiving a that the league can never be a true red card apiece. indicator of the championship, but just Limerick’s league form was similar last like Dublin in the football, Limerick year, losing two games, drawing one and supporters will be worried about the winning two. coming year. However, they eventually went on to win the Hurley, a University of Limerick student, All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, feels that Limerick still have what it hammering Cork in Croke Park in August. takes, despite their league form. Some fans have voiced their worry on social He said, “They definitely have the skill media but Limerick could still go all the and the physicality. I think they need the way, according to Matt Hurley. temperament to match that to go all the Hurley, who runs a popular GAA podcast way this year. called ‘GAA Statsman’, said, “A lot of “I think it will be Limerick and people panic over it but they had this form Waterford in the All-Ireland final this last year. They came out the right side and year.” won the All-Ireland at the end of it.” “I wouldn’t have any reason to panic about Limerick just yet.” While some supporters and pundits have criticised Limerick’s increased physicality over the last five years, it has seen other teams match their tackling style. Hurley said, “A lot of people have complained about Limerick’s physicality but I think that’s what you need in the game in my opinion.” “They haven’t been called up on it before. However, with referees getting a bit fussier, Limerick might have to change their game a bit.” Limerick have been famous for their high scoring over the past number of years and running away with games.

Mar. 2022 22 Website Exclusive UL retain the O’Connor Cup By Fiona Halligan Yoplait Ladies HEC O’Connor Cup UL 0-12 v 0-11 UCC UL retained the Yoplait O’Connor cup seeing off UCC by a single point in a wet and windy DCU Dóchas Éireann to win their 5th title since 2015. UL’s captain Fiadhna Tangney scored 0-4 to help her side to victory. The Limerick side led by six points at half time on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-4 with the wind at their back for the first half. Two quick points from Erone Fitzpatrick and Tangney got UL off to a great start within the first minute. Three more points from Tangney and Niamh O’Connor, Ailish Morrissey and Hannah O’Donoghue all got UL Captain Fiadhna Tangney lifting the Yoplait scores on the board to leave the Limerick O'Connor Cup outfit 0-8 to 0-0 at the first waterbreak. Scorers UCC struggled to get going into the driving UL: F Tangney 0-4 (2f), A Morrissey 0-4 rain in their faces and finally got their first (2f), N O’Connor 0-1, E Fitzpatrick 0-1, H score of the game when Katie Quirke set up O’Donoghue 0-1, A Reidy 0-1. Sadhbh O’Leary to get a point in the 22nd minute. Ciara McCarthy added a second point UCC: K Quirke 0-3 (2f), E Cleary 0-2 (1f), for the Cork side from distance and shortly C McCarthy 0-2, K Hogan 0-1 (1f), S afterwards Sarah Leahy added their third O’Leary 0-1, C S Leahy 0-1, L O’Mahony score. 0-1. Morrissey got a point for UL to leave the score 0-9 to 0-3 with Aisling Reidy and Emma UL: R Landers; A Molloy, S Ni Chonnaill, Cleary exchanging points before the half time C Boyle; C Needham, R Ambrose, E break to leave the UL going in at the break 0- O’Shea; N O’Connor, A Reidy; Z Fay, E 10 to 0-4 up. Fitzpatrick, D Beirne; A Morrissey, F Cleary got the first score of the second half for Tangney, H O’Donoghue. UCC which was followed by a Morrisey free. Subs: L Noone for Boyle (30), S Cunney Quirke got the next score for the Cork side for Beirne (37), A Sexton for Fitzpatrick with Morrisey following up with another UL (49), A O’Rourke for Morrissey (49). score. UCC grew into the second half and with UCC: C Forde; R Corkery, J O’Gorman, S points from Kellyann Hogan, Quirke (two) Leahy; J O’Sullivan, I Sheehan, L McCarthy and Laura O’Mahony they got the O’Mahony; K Horgan, E Mullins; K Hogan, lead down to just a single point with time E Cleary, C McCarthy; A Carey, K Quirke, against them. S O’Leary. UCC had number of chances late in the game Subs: A Fennessy for Carey (45), N Martin to score the equaliser but were unable to for O’Sullivan (57). convert leaving UL champions by a single point. Referee: Jonathan Murphy (Carlow).

Mar. 2022 23 Website Exclusive UL VIKINGS BACK IN ACTION As far as niche sports in Ireland go, it seldom gets more niche than the sport of the American variety. By Conon MacLeod As the collegiate season has just started Regarding season prep, Vikings are well again, many were waiting with bated breath and truly prepared for a successful after a two-year hiatus for American football season. They have been training twice a to grace Ireland’s sports fields once again. week and partook in a preseason Limerick’s own UL Vikings have been hard varsities’ tournament with the American at work since September, looking to hit the football teams in UCD and Trinity. ground running after such a long hiatus. We With the Covid-19 pandemic, the coming asked Vikings’ quarterback Eoin Rudkins games will see a majority of the team how the team have been preparing for the experiencing competitive American upcoming season and the experience of football for the first time. being an American Football player in “We have missed out on two years of Ireland. members, so a lot of new guys are going Many of the Vikings’ current players have to get a lot of game time” come to the sport naturally through other Going into this season, Rudkins has made team sports, leading to an interesting roster it clear that confidence is key and with a makeup of players involved in other teams seemingly well drilled and young team it around UL. is no surprise as to why. “There isn’t a culture of youth American “We’re very confident that we will have a Football in Ireland, so we all have played good season. We have a very talented soccer, GAA or rugby before.” and young team” While American Football has never been The UL Vikings kicked off their season particularly renowned for its inclusivity, as on March 13th, beating Wexford Eagles far as its application in Ireland it seems there at home in Maguires Field. Their next is a place for everyone on the football field. outing will be to the Trinity Sports Regardless of shape, size, stature, or sporting Grounds where they will take on Trinity experience it seems that the sport is open to College on the 27th of March. all who have an active interest.“The amazing thing about the sport is a lot of guys come and play because there is a position on our team for anyone no matter how big or small. It’s a very inclusive sport in that way”. This year's Vikings line-up. Credit : Eoin Rudkins

Mar. 2022 24 Website Exclusive Come Celebrate UL’s First 4th Year Arts Ball By Jody Coffey Two years of rules, regulations, and The dress code for the arts ball is formal, restrictions have come to an end, and as we and not only has the committee gone above return to a new normal, it not only brings and beyond in their organising and planning, back our cherished and missed annual events but they are also giving students a 10% but also introduces some first-of-its-kind discount at Suits You Menswear if you events that mark the end of an exhausting present a valid UL ID and proof of ticket, as era. Five 4th year arts students at the part of a collaboration for the event. University of Limerick (UL) have formed a They also have a pending agreement for a committee (Jasmine Ryan, Adele Hanley, collaboration with Groody Carryout – stay Amy Keane, Aising Daniels, and Kyle tuned for further updates! If you have Sheehan) to organise UL’s first-ever 4th- already purchased your ticket and would like year arts ball, which will take place at the a chance to win a free €50 bar tab to use on Castletroy Park Hotel on March 23rd at 6 the night, head over to the arts ball’s pm. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite Instagram page and follow the steps in this for €45, which includes a cocktail reception post. Don’t forget to follow the account so upon arrival, followed by a 3-course meal you see all the updates regarding the event. served at 7.30 pm (which includes vegan and The arts ball committee also wants to vegetarian options), all before dancing the acknowledge the support and night away to live entertainment from encouragement they received from executive folk/pop duo FarHaven, and an after-party dean Shane Kilcommins and AHSS course up until 2 am with DJ Paul Fitz. If that director Chris McInerney and thank them for wasn’t enough, there is a Spotify playlist their part in helping this event come to life. that has been made to encourage people to The event also welcomes students outside of add their favourite songs so they can be the arts programme to come along. \"It’s a played on the night. The committee has also 4th-year arts ball, but if you have the desire hired a professional photographer from to come along, or know a friend in arts, just Photobooth 365 for the ball so that attendees hop on in.” Jasmine advised. “You guys can capture special moments with friends deserve the night. I know that may sound and fellow students from the event. really corny. But everyone deserves to have The arts programme has one of the largest this one night. It’s falling in between the number of students in one course (300 in the midterms for almost all of us, before the rest 4th year group) and committee member, of the race days, and it’s before college Jasmine Ryan, believes this is a major ends. We have worked really hard. We reason an arts ball has never been held deserve one night to just dress up, meet before. The committee's goal is to sell 200 people, hang out with people they have tickets for the event in the hopes of known for a really long time, and just let promoting new friendships within the course loose.\" before leaving college. \"When it comes to arts, we’re a really large programme and we’re kind of fragmented, in a sense, because there are usually so many people in your class that you don’t really get a chance to get to know them. So, I guess it has just never been done because the wonder has always been, \"Could it be done?\"

Mar. 2022 25 Website Exclusive Four Trinity Students Raise €12,000 for Action4Ukraine Virtual Auction and Raffle By Svetlana Rodrigues An Action4Ukraine virtual auction and Andriy’s wife, Sofia, is amongst those online raffle were held on Friday, March 9th who remain in Ukraine. \"I got engaged at Trinity College in Dublin to raise funds and moved back to Ukraine to live in for the Red Cross Ukrainian Fund. The Lviv with my spouse. However, I came private virtual auction and online raffle back to Dublin a few weeks ago to finish helped raise a total of €7,000 and €5,000, getting my driving license.\" Andriy respectively. The events were organised by explained. \"Now, I am trying to do four Trinity College students to raise funds everything in my power to assist Ukraine for the frontline workers affected by the in the war and return to my spouse, violence. The four founders, Andriy Babiy, Sofia,\" he explained. \"It is obviously Yuriy Kovalchuk, Daryna Kushnir, and tough with me being here and her there, Donnacha Binchy, tried to come up with an although she is safe and we’re both doing idea that would raise funds but at the same our best to help the war effort; her in her time garner people’s attention. local town of Brody, and me here online.\" All funds from this auction will go directly The virtual auction was limited to up to to the Red Cross Ukrainian Fund. They are 1000 people, with every ticket costing currently working on-ground in Ukraine to €10 which would be counted towards the help people with food and hygiene products, raffle. This initiative was applauded and while also contributing to the repair of the supported by many, with several items infrastructure. They have been helping donated right from the Mór Irish Gin people from across the globe, and they vouchers, paintings by local artists, and revived their emergency operations branch hotel stays. These are just a few of the in Ukraine on the 14th of January. many donations. The face of Ukraine has \"We chose to donate money to the Red changed in the past few days after it was Cross because they rescue civilians from attacked by Russia. With the country dangerous areas and reinstate vital coming together, as men have taken up infrastructures such as water supplies and arms, women and children are also electricity. Without this help, so many more helping in every way possible. In a people would perish, and it would be very situation like this, people from every difficult to protect the country.\" Daryna corner of the world are trying to help in states. whatever way they can, trying to create awareness, raise basic amenities, and even provide help at the border for the citizens of Ukraine to reach a safe spot. An initiative like this, since it has been held at a college or educational level, encourages students from across the world to help in whatever little way they can.

Mar. 2022 26 Website Exclusive The Batman (2022) Review – The bat is well and truly out of the bag in this excellent reimagining of the caped crusader. By Kevin Ruddy If there is one character and franchise that Pattinson sets the tone for the titular needs a major revival its Batman, Warner character with his (Batman) opening Bros has repeatedly failed to give fans of the voiceover, telling us he has been Batman DC hero a much-needed shot of energy after for up to two years now. Living ‘’two Ben Affleck crashed out of the DC- years of night’’, when the bat signal turns expanded universe with Batman v on in the dark Gotham skyline, the Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Zack criminals panic, looking into dark alleys, Snyder’s Justice League (2021). With waiting for a shadowy figure to appear, Batfleck, set to depart from the role in this ‘’they think I’m hiding in the shadows… year’s The Flash alongside returning But I am the shadows’’. Michael Keaton’s iteration of the character. The film opens with the Riddler (Paul Enter director Matt Reeves, who takes the Dane) murdering a key political figure in character back to his detective days in this Gotham, setting traps and riddles for gritty, scary, and gothic-like noir Batman to explore, leaving a card reimagining that really does live up to the addressed ‘’To the Batman’’. Brought in Batman name. If you thought the Nolan by Jim Gordon (not yet Commissioner) movies were realistic, Reeves makes sure played charismatically by Jeffrey Wright. any humour is null and void here. Right With each passing murder, the secrets from the opening scene, we get not only a behind Bruce’s parents and Gotham start brutal and sadistic murder, but a look at a to unravel, leaving Batman and only his much scarier, and angrier version of Batman. trusted allies in a race against time to save No, he doesn’t kill like Affleck’s iteration the city from imploding. (thankfully), but he is by no means forgiving We are introduced to iconic villains from or caring of how much punishment he dishes Batman’s rogue’s gallery, Cat-Woman, out. played ferociously by Zoë Isabella Robert Pattinson wears the cape and cowl Kravitz, and The Penguin, played by an this time around, the suit for all intents and unbelievably unfamiliar looking Colin purposes looks raw, neither polished nor as Farrell. As we meet Selina Kyle cinematic looking compared to previous (Catwoman) we find out she has a iterations, but for this movie, it works. From connection to long-time mob boss the bulky and bulletproof armour to the Carmine Falcone (John Turturro) which lightweight cowl, Pattinson never looks sets in motion the rest of the movie and its awkward or unconvincing, helped by the finale. most perfect Batman chin known to man. The first and second acts of the film are As Bruce Wayne, he looks tired, broken where the film is at its peak, captivating in overly pale, and uninterested with his the way its script handles the many family’s affairs, shy and masqueraded by his characters, its intelligent dialogue, and emo attitude and long hair, clearly much showcased by its excellent sound design more comfortable with the mask on than off. and action sequences. Pattinson is a different Batman and by the end of the film, you could easily call him the greatest Batman put to screen.

Mar. 2022 27 Website Exclusive But as the film enters its third and final act, I From the trailers and all the marketing, was entirely ready to leave the screening, not the inclusion of Nirvana fit the tone of because I hated the film or anything, but what Reeves was going for, an ultra- because the film drags and drags in its last realistic take on the Batman lore, the song act, underwhelming in its execution but not Something in The Way is sporadically downright terrible. Reeves could have easily used throughout the film, alongside trimmed 20 minutes off and it wouldn’t have Michael Giacchino’s epic score, the film been integral to the story at hand. Reeves feels classic in almost every way. makes sure Gotham City is a character itself Verdict here, from the dazzling cinematography ‘The Batman’ is an entirely different take similar to that of the gothic approach Tim on the character, the first real Batman Burton took with his Michael Keato led movie to incorporate his true detective films. However, Reeves has much more to style of crime-fighting, mixed with an play with here, the noir filter adds to the overly dark, realistic, and intriguing film’s already gloomy tone, all encapsulated instalment encapsulated by Reeves by the emergence of Paul Dano’s Riddler. direction and Pattinson’s ideal Like his comic book counterpart, the Riddler performance. It will go down as one of is so much more than a narcissistic mental the best Batman movies of all time, if not case, he is truly psychotic and most the best. importantly scary. Rating: 4/5 UL Musical Theatre Society Announces an Upcoming Production of Spring Awakening Performances to take place April 13 – 15, 2022 UL Musical Theatre Society will stage their Cillian Fahy, Chairperson of ULMTS, first-ever production during Easter Week in said, \"We are incredibly excited to be on the Belltable in the heart of Limerick City. stage with our first-ever full-scale After being founded back in 2019 and production. suffering blow after blow on planned \"The past two years have been a performances with COVID-19 restrictions, challenging time for everyone, particularly this eager group of students are set on finally arts organizations. We look forward to taking to the stage. Spring Awakening is a welcoming back theatre-goers with this rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik poignant and moving piece of theatre.\" and book and lyrics by Steven Sater. This Tickets are available on the theatre's musical utilises modern rock music to website: www.limetreetheatre.ie contrast with the provincial setting and Please note that this musical deals with brings the story into the 21st century. Spring some heavy themes, such as suicide, Awakening is a coming-of-age story, set in violence against women, child abuse, and the late 19th century, centered around young sexual abuse. We encourage anyone who schoolchildren in provincial Germany. The finds any of these themes affecting them in story deals with the struggles of young any way to please contact the relevant people while coming to terms with their own organisations for help. growing bodies and sexualities; all while trying to find their place in the world.This story also focuses on the censorship of young children by their parents and the dangers that it can have on their development.

Mar. 2022 28 Website Exclusive Borrow Box Review and Reading Recommendation for Starting Out By Sadhbh Pearse Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve all It may seem redundant, but the first thing I been doing the usual daily walks, binging did was reserve all of the Harry Potter everything on every streaming platform out audiobooks because Stephen Fry is an there, and even taking a craic at all the absolute king! books from our past and the new ones that Apart from the Harry Potter books, here are have been churned out in the last few years. some of the best books that are available via I myself have lost my love of reading in the app (in ebooks and/or audiobooks) and recent years. Plus, with being kept busy are generally great reads, just in case you’re with coursework, who has got the time to more of a kindle or paperback kind of reader. devour multiple novels every week? This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay I missed haunting the book shops and This book has been on all of our reading lists exploring the library. When it was made for a few years now and is a bestseller! There public that the long-standing Limerick city was another surge in popularity when the library at The Granary wouldn’t be BBC adaptation was released last month. reopening, there were many broken hearts. Listening to the audiobook of Adams' story is just a whole other level as you can hear the But as restrictions eased, the old InStore emotion in his voice, from the exhaustion, shop was to be the new location. So, I ran the laughable excuse of the healthcare there as quickly as my little legs would system, and the sorrow from the climactic carry me and started a new membership. If ending. As it’s about his life as an OBGYN, anyone else would like to, make sure you we wouldn’t suggest it if you’re squeamish. have a photo ID and proof of address. But other than that, it’s a great recount of the When I was there, they told me about this years he spent as an understaffed, underpaid, app that they partnered with. Ebook overworked doctor, working his way through borrowing services via libraries aren’t new, the ranks before he quit. but it was a first for Limerick. It’s called BorrowBox. Simply download it onto your Flatshare by Beth O’Leary devices, select the library you’re a member Another best seller and a nice long story to of, and use the same login to start using this sink your teeth into. Though I am gem of an app. disappointed that they cut out the pivotal rescue scene, it’s very well written and, in You can borrow any ebooks and audiobooks this case, read. The author also has two other that they have on offer and even reserve any books available as well! that may already be on loan, all free of charge! The Spinster Club series by Holly Bourne Having used the app since mid-November, Now, while this isn’t the official name of this my suggestion is to use larger devices for series, it’s just known amongst the the e-books and use your phone for readerships. Follow Evie, Amber, and Lottie audiobooks, perfect for walks and travel. as they go through their individual journeys, but with the support of each other, forming a bond that you can only find in the family you choose. Actually, all of Holly’s books are amazing. She’s an incredible young adult author.

Mar. 2022 29 Website Exclusive The Art of Being Normal by Lisa The Best of Edgar Allan Poe (read Williamson by Edward Blake) Lisa is a great author, but this book Now, those of us who took English at definitely takes the cake. It tells a beautiful any point in our college careers, we story of the personal struggles faced by those probably read Poe at some point. This in the trans community, from more than one audiobook has some of the best stories angle, of course, which makes it a great read like \"The Tell-Tale Heart\" and \"The for those who may also be coming to terms Fall of the House of Usher\". It gives with their identity or a good reference for you the feeling that you’re being someone learning about a loved one who productive because the stories are used wants to transition and how they aren’t academically, but they're for becoming a stranger to you, just the best recreational use! Why wait for spooky version of themselves. season for spooky content? Some Kind of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher If you’re looking for a light read, be sure to check out the works by the Queen of the Castle. It follows the story of Lizzie trying to find who she is outside of her long-term relationship and being the badass she’s always been behind the overpriced wine and monotony of her relationship. Torch Players present, \"Doubt\", a review By Ben McMahon Doubt is a play produced by the Torch Doubt is a play about the complexities Players in the Belltable Theatre, originally and ambiguities of morality, and it written in 2004 by John Patrick Shanley. forces the audience to confront the The play won a Pullitzer award for Drama, lack of simplicity in hard situations by as well as the Tony Award for Best Play. adding twist upon twist right through Having seen it myself, I certainly see why- to the end. The opening two scenes during its 90-minute runtime, I found myself introduce us to what we assume are the fixated on every word each character was personalities of the three major saying, and by the play’s end, I felt characters, but by the time the curtain completely shaken. The story follows the falls, every single one of these ideas is charismatic priest, Father Flynn, played by challenged, if not downright shattered. Dan Mooney, as he faces allegations of This is due in no small part to the misconduct with students at St Nicholas’ fantastic performances of the entire Church School, where he teaches. These cast; Dan Mooney does a fantastic job allegations are levied against him by the of hiding enough of a hint of shame school’s principal, the strict and behind Father Flynn’s charisma to conservative Sister Aloysius, played by Brid make the audience question his Hartnett, with the younger Sister James, character without completely played by Robyn O’Riordan, finding herself incriminating him, and poor Sister caught in the middle of the conflict, not James’ innocent nature getting caught knowing who to believe. in the crosshairs is one of the more

Mar. 2022 30 Website Exclusive tragic developments in the entire play. I It struck me at that moment that we can’t call it the most tragic event, however, I think that honour would go to the discussion were mirroring the characters in the between Sister Aloysius and Mrs Muller, portrayed by Johanna Thea, about the play, attempting to make a relationship between Father Flynn and her son, Edward Muller, the first black student devastating moral judgment without to attend the school. What follows is a heart- breaking conversation, throwing everything knowing all the facts. The play aims that came before into doubt and casting a dark shadow on everything that comes later to force us to confront the difficulty in the play. It amazes me how both actresses were able to perform such a difficult, of moral choices, and it succeeded. shocking scene to such a high standard and both deserve the highest commendations for Doubt is a gripping, thought- their roles. While the stage was small, the set design was in no way hindered by this provoking play, produced limitation, Sister Aloysius’ office, where the majority of the play takes place, was fantastically by the Torch Players, phenom. While I won’t discuss the ending in detail, I and I would highly recommend it to will say this: if Doubt were the word to describe how the audience should feel anyone who wishes to visit the during the events of the play, dread would be the word I’d use to describe how the theatre. audience should feel leaving. Throughout the final scene, I felt as if I’d been punched in the stomach by the last number of revelations, and there was plenty of debate among the group I saw the play with about our interpretations of the events we’d just witnessed.

Mar. 2022 31 Website Exclusive UL Drama Society’s Passenger Review “As live theatre returns in the wake of the pandemic, it’s refreshing to watch a play that feels like a celebration of theatre.” By Ben McMahon This past Monday, I was invited to see a Nigel is a conflicted character, unsure of preview of UL Drama Society’s self- his place within the world after the produced one-act play, Passenger, written accident, and I found that Joe did a by Rian Upton Mescal and directed by fantastic job of portraying these elements Cian Scully. While I really enjoyed what I of the character in a believable and saw, I must note that there were a couple of sympathetic manner. Nigel’s fiancé Anna, finishing touches missing, which is played by Aisling Keyes, is supporting inevitable when seeing a production a Nigel through his recovery before they get week in advance, so hopefully, by the time married. Aisling does well, at times the production opens, the standard will be heartbreakingly well, at keeping the play even higher than what I’ll be describing grounded in its serious moments, and the here. two have fantastic chemistry that gives the Passenger is a play you should see play its emotional center. Nigel’s best completely blind, so in this review I am friend, Jack, played by Gary O’Hanlon, is going to go into as little detail about the trying to finish a book on atheism that he plot as possible-you’ll thank me for it later. and Nigel were working on before the There is an extremely unsettling accident. He’s egotistical and dates around atmosphere that builds throughout the carelessly-he has his current girlfriend entire play, beginning with some blink- Diana, played excellently by Victoria and-you’ll-miss-it lines of dialogue or Cottrell, to flirt with publishers for his own some off-putting implications here and benefit before dumping her between there, before slowly becoming outright scenes-but does seem to somewhat care for disturbing and even threatening to the Nigel, even if it is through the lens of his audience. At times, Passenger can feel like own ego. you’re witnessing the very car crash that kicks off the events of the play (not in terms of quality, of course)—horrifying and overwhelming, but morbidly captivating, impossible to look away from, lest you miss what happens next. When the moment finally rolls around that you understand what’s going on, it’s satisfying on one level, but even more horrifying on another level as you grapple with what that entails. It’s a play that seems to invite repeat viewings, and I fully intend to see it again now that I have the full context. What I can go into detail about is the great performances of the cast members. Joe Egan plays the lead role, Nigel, a man recovering from a car accident that left him with severe head trauma.

Mar. 2022 32 Website Exclusive Gary brings a brilliant blend of humour and Passenger is a piece that simply could not narcissism that makes Jack a treat to watch, exist in any other medium. As live theatre even if we may not form a particularly high returns in the wake of the pandemic, it’s opinion of the character himself. Finally, refreshing to watch a play that feels like a Nigel’s sister Gráinne, played by Naomi celebration of theatre. Thompson, helps to counteract the Again, it’s hard to explain what makes heightened egos of Jack and Diana with her Passenger such a brilliant deconstruction of sarcasm, though her efforts to help Nigel in the stage play without outright ruining it, but his recovery-and Anna when the burden as UL Drama Society’s first original piece in becomes too much to bear on her own-show the post-restriction world, it is a triumphant a more caring side to the character than her and thought-provoking return to the stage. initial introduction would let on. Tickets are still available, and I would Thompson's portrayal of Gráinne as a very highly recommend getting yours as soon as authentic, if flawed, character helps the play possible. ground itself a little deeper in realism when Passenger’s official opening night is March it needs to. Unfortunately, I’d be giving 22nd and production will run until March away a lot if I spoke about the rest of the 24th in the Jonathan Swift Theatre. cast, but rest assured that all are similarly well written and performed. Portia Coughlan At The Abbey Theatre (TW: Mentions of Mental Illness) By Molly Cantwell \"After the final bows, when we emerged will take the life of another twin 15 years back into the real world on the streets of the later. The play runs one hour and 45 minutes big smoke, my boyfriend and I stopped to without an intermission, but feels like it gather ourselves, and could say nothing but could be ten minutes long. The scenery, simply, \"wow.\" acting, and the well-written script and structure of this play take you into a world After two years of restrictions decimating you’re sad to be broken away from at the the arts scene, it was such a joy to finally sit curtains close. in a theatre – especially to witness the The breath-taking Denise Gough leads a incredible Portia Coughlan. The play has stellar cast including Marty Rea, Jamie made the Abbey Theatre, in the heart of Beamish, Barbara Brennan, Gary Murphy, Dublin city, its home from February 11th Imogen Doel, Fionn Ó Loingsigh, Anna until March 16th. Healy, Liam Carney, and on March 5th, Written by Marina Carr, directed by Fiona Browne joined the cast. Caroline Byrne, and with Denise Gough in It’s shocking to me that, as a writer and the starring role, I knew this play would be someone who can never be quiet in general, outstanding before even setting foot on the I’m lost for words to correctly illustrate how train to Dublin. Of course, I was proven spectacular this show was. The only thing I right, scene after scene. wanted more of from this play was more of Portia Coughlan details the coping it! mechanisms of a 30-year-old woman, After the final bows, when we emerged back mourning the loss of her twin brother. We into the real world on the streets of the big see the mental turmoil of Portia on her smoke, my boyfriend and I stopped to gather birthday, feeling her grief and depression ourselves, and could say nothing but simply, closing in, and ponder if the Belmont River \"wow.\"

Mar. 2022 33 Website Exclusive For us both, the completely immersive I wasn’t expecting the river to be real and nature of depression displayed in the show used so excellently to transition through hit far too close to home, but it was mutually scenes and sets. This added exponentially agreed that it was perfectly captured and to an already superb show. portrayed throughout the entirety of the play. I could not possibly praise this play any The fantastic scenery also really accentuated more highly – every scene had me the cloud of misery hanging over the gripping my seat in anticipation as I grew characters. more and more engrossed. The actors’ ability to demonstrate grief and If you ever have the chance to see this heartbreak so much so that it leapt off the play or the stellar cast in any capacity, stage and stung the audience was exquisite, grab it and run. You will absolutely not unlike any play I’ve seen before. One thing I regret it. particularly loved was the use of actual water throughout the play. Relapsing into a Live Music Addiction By Molly Cantwell Two years since the beginning of the Aaron Griffin said. pandemic, the Irish music industry is He added, \"everyone’s been missing gigs, I finally starting to get back on its feet. have as well, so I’m really excited about the Aaron Griffin, Ciara Hayes, and Jim opportunity to put on an event for people, Spillane are a group of musicians focused have a bit of craic and get back the things on showcasing the best that Irish music we’ve missed from gigs\". has to offer in the form of Relapse The Dublin duo, Vulpynes, will headline the Promotions. festival, along with notable performances The group is coming to the end of from The Nilz, Audible Joe's, Hashmaker, preparations for the Relapse Festival, Waterdogs, and 50 Foot Woman. taking place on March 19th in An 50 Foot Woman are a young punk band from Spailpín Fánach in Cork City. Limerick who formed over lockdown, making Relapse Festival, a reincarnation of the Relapse their first out-of-county gig. pre-covid Overdose Festival, is the Discussing the new group, Aaron said, \"I was beginning of a series of festivals and gigs interested to see what young punks in run by the new promotion company. Limerick were up to coming out of the \"I’m excited about us getting the chance pandemic. Punk music is usually reactionary to put on a festival and getting to see to your environment, so it’s interesting to see everyone play again,\" Limerick native what they’re doing with it.\"

Mar. 2022 34 Website Exclusive \"Being from Limerick, I wanted to promote \"There’ll be art stalls, poetry, and a swap- punk music in Limerick, so putting them on shop on the day,\" Mr Griffin stated. to the set was a no-brainer,\" he The festival will be open to over-18s from added.Waterdogs are another band making 11.30/12pm to 12.30/1am. their debut at Relapse. Tickets are currently on pre-sale on The band features festival organisers Aaron Eventbrite and are flying out quickly. Griffin on guitar and Ciara Hayes on bass, Relapse Promotions can be found on along with lead vocalist Gearoid Relihan. Facebook and Instagram at “Obviously, we would’ve loved to have @relapsepromotionsirl and can be contacted played gigs earlier, but with restrictions we for bookings or enquiries through couldn’t,\" front man Relihan commented. [email protected]. “We’re at a place now where we’re really comfortable with what we’re doing. \" The Waterdogs singer added: \"Relapse is not just a gig, there’s so much more going on, it’s an experience, and to have that as our first gig is so exciting.\" During the festival, there will be much more than music to feast on that poetry and art lovers can avail of. Seachtain na Gaeilge: ag Tacú Ceoltóirí na hÉireann le Mia Daly Le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge, chomh Champagne Butterflies; amhráin pop faoin maith le béim a chur ar an teanga féin,, mealladh domhínithe idir bheirt daoine óga. meastar go bhfuil sé tábhactach Ní feidir a shéanadh go cruthaíonn an banna ealaíontóirí na hÉireann a chur chun cinn amhráin beoga, bríomhar, agus ní feidir ach comh maith. Bhí an t-ádh dearg orm triúr damhsa nuair a cloistear iad. ceoltóir iontach a chloisteáil le déanaí: D’oscail an ceolchoirm le Elle Coves ón Elle Coves, Post Party agus Wild Youth. gCorcaigh. Is é an camchuairt seo a chéad Sheinn Wild Youth ceolchoirm iontach i uair ag seinm beo, ach ní creidtear é óna Dolan’s le déanaí ar an 25ú Feabhra. taispeántas. Ag seinm aonréad giotáir Bunaithe i 2017 i mBaile Átha Cliath, leictreach mar thionlacan, rinne sí cúpla seinneann siad go rialta ar meán na leaganacha, ag déanamh a casadh féin ar hÉireann, ag déanamh iad mar stápla inár amhráin cosúil le Material Girl agus Her. Bhí oileáin de cheoltóirí agus ealaín. Is píosa lúcháir uirthi a bheith ag seinm ar an stáitse, ceithre iad, le David Whelan mar agus bhí áthas an domhain orainn í a príomhamhránaí, Ed Porter ar an giotáir, Conor O’Donohoe ar an méarchlár agus Callum McAdam ar na drumaí. Anois, tá an banna ar camchuairt chun a albam is déanaí, Forever Girl a chur chun cinn. Tá sé déanta de 6 amhráin, ach an ceann is fearr liom, go pearsanta, ná

Mar. 2022 35 Website Exclusive chloisteáil, Roimh í imeacht, sheinn sí Tá siad tar éis an cothromaíocht cheart a bunamhráin álainn le Conor O’Donohoe, aimsiú idir an meascán de ceol pop, ball de Wild Youth. Níl aon ceol scaoilte go spraoiúil agus na liricí cliste, cinnte. poiblí aici go foil, ach creidim go bhfuiltá Feictear an scil seo i cúrfa ceann dena saol maith os a comhair sna healaíona – amhráin a ghreamhódh i d’aigne, Can’t coiméad súil amach di! Move On, “How am I supposed to move Tháinig iontas mór eile don slua nuair a if I can’t move on”. Na laethanta seo, ní tháinig banna tacaíocht eile amach; grúpa cloistear go minic liricí comh cliste sin i indie-rac darbh ainm Post Party. Bunaithe i gceol pop – an cuid is mó den am ní mBaile Átha Cliath, faigheann an grúpa cuireann ceolteorí an-bhéim ar na liricí in ceithre-phíosa inspioráid ó bhannaí indie ón aon chor, ach déanann Wild Youth an- 2000, ar nós The Killers agus The Vaccines, iarracht, agus tá an-mheas agam orthu. comh maith le na 80í, ar nós The Cure. Léim An t-aon gearán atá agam mar gheall ar said amach ar an stáitse le fuinneamh nach an ceolchoirm ná níor sheinn said ceann raibh feicthe agam le blianta anuas. Ba léir dena t-amhráin is fearr, Drinking About óna aoibh gháire móra go raibh said ar bís a You. Ach, sin mo thuairim phearsanta, bheith ag seinm. Bhí said ag damhsa agus ag agus caithim a admháil gur sheinn siad preabadh timpeall ar an stáitse ó thuas go an iomarca amhráin iontach. Chuir siad deireadh. Ní h-aon bréag é a rá go raibh said taispéantais thar barr ar siúl i gcomhair a ag cur allais go mór faoin am go raibh said t-amhráin móréileamh, ar nós Making críochnaithe! Cathaim a rá go chuir said seó Me Dance agus Long Time No See. iontach ar siúl, agus mollaim go hard na Bíonn David Whelan an-láthair agus é ar spéire iad. Tá ceithre amhráin scaoilte acu ar stáits. Bhí sé ag damhsa timpeall an Spotify, agus beidh siad ina príomhaoi ag oíche ar fad, ag cruthú atmaisféar de ceolchoirm ar an 20ú Bealtaine i cóisir príobháideach, in ionad ceolchoirm Workman’s, Baile Átha Cliath - má bhíonn a bhí díolta amach. Bhí tallann an fonn oraibh iad a chloisteáil beo! ceathrar ríshóiléir i rith an léiriú ar fad, Tar éis an tús iontach sin, ní raibh dabht go háirithe glór an príomhamhránaí. agam go mbeidh an méid eile den oíche thar Tháinig an banna amach arís le hagaidh barr – agus ní raibh díoma orm! Tháinig an tiúin deireanach gnách, agus sheinn Wild Youth amach, i lár torann an slua, le siad a t-amhráin is mó a thatníonn le cuma ríshásta orthu. Ba iad Wild Youth daoine; All or Nothing. ceann dena ceolchoirme deireanach a Sheinn siad tobchumtha dochreidte ag an chonaic mé roimh an phandéim, nuair a deireadh, le glór David Whelan ag sheinn said i Margadh an Bhainne i mí shroiceadh nótaí nár cheap mé go Nollag, 2019. Cosúil le beagnach gach mbeadh i réimse aon duine! duine, tá an banna tar éis forbairt agus fás Faoi dheireadh thiar thall, bhí oíche den trína dianghlasáila; príomhamhránaí an chéad scoth agam, agus níl ach an banna, David Whelan, thar aon duine! Nuair moladh is airde á thabhairt agam do na a tháinig sé amach lena ghruaig fhada, trí léirithe. Ceapaim go bhfuil sé fhionn, bhí orm féachaint faoi dhó! ríthábhachtach tacaíocht a thabhairt Tá ceol an banna tar éis forbairt comh maith, d’ealaíntóirí na tíre seo, seachas de bharr mar a fheictear ina singil nua, Seventeen. éifeacht an phandéim ach cé go bhfuil San amhráin seo, tá siad ag dul siar ar siad comh cumasach! Beidh Wild Youth bhóithrín na smaointe, ag insint faoina ag seimn ag féile Indie ar an 30ú Iúil, laethanta óga agus an simplíocht a théann agus molaim gach duine iad a fheiceáil! leo. Cé go bhfuil a gceol iontach go deo don Tá gairm bheatha an bhanna díreach ag damhsa, fós tá smaointe ag baint lena gcuid tosnú agus tá sceitimíní an domhain orm liricí. cad atá i ndán dóibh a fheiceáil.

Mar. 2022 36 Website Exclusive Notes From The Editors... Cian Dalton: Editor in chief Jody Coffey: Arts & Ents Hello and welcome to our third edition of the Hi all, academic year. Thank you for taking the time to read the While the site is always ticking over with fresh hard work of our contributors that helped and current news, these PDF editions are bring our March PDF edition to life. always an exciting time for us here at An Focal A lot of time and effort went into the as our contributors come together to bring the making of these stories, and we hope that college paper to life. This semester has seen a you enjoy reading them as much as we return to ‘normality’, whatever that is enjoyed putting this together for you. anymore. There has been confusion and upset We are always looking for new about masks, exams and lectures over the past contributors and we would love to hear year but we hope that everyone is feeling a bit your stories! An Focal is a safe space for better about everything. students to build their portfolios, improve their writing skills, meet new people or This paper is nothing without the contributors even just express themselves by putting and there are some very talented writers in our pen to paper. All are welcome. Stay safe. writers room this semester. Check out some great pieces from some second year journalism Fiona Halligan: Sports students Jade, Molly and Daniel, as well as some great work from those studying the MA This is the first PDF edition that I have program. This paper is not limited to those been involved in as Sports Editor and it studying journalism, with first year psychology has been a brilliant experience. With all student Mia Daly providing us with a review the Covid restrictions now lifted and full as Gaeilge! capacity back at all sporting events, we are We are always on the lookout for new seeing sports back to its best again. It’s a contributors so check us out on Twitter and fantastic time to be a sports fan with the Instagram or email [email protected] to join our UL Ladies team retaining the O’Connor team. Cup and the UL Vikings starting out in Lastly, a word of thanks to my fellow editors. their campaign. Football in Limerick is on In no particular order, Jody, Fiona and Jasmin the cusp of promotion to Division 2 and have kept this ship going over the past few their hurlers are going through a lull but months and we really hope that you like this will they find their way again come the edition of An Focal. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! championship. I have really enjoyed getting these pieces out together and I hope you enjoy reading them.