An Focal November 2020

Edition XXVI  Edition XXXIII October 20N18ovember 2020 A Christmas Like No Other Current lockdown to be lifted in light of the Christmas period BY ORLA GALLAGHER Gyms, retail, to be permitted over the Christmas dinner this year Christmas season. In an RTÉ can help reduce the spread hairdressers, and News broadcast, Archbishop of COVID. However, there Diarmuid Martin detailed the is a lenience to meet up personal services will reopen precautions that the Church with external family and would take to ensure the safety friends which can inevitably in the first week of December, of the public including the promote social benefits sanitising of churches between that improve mental health. along with cinemas, galleries, masses and, if necessary, the introduction of extra masses to By adhering to social and other cultural attractions. accommodate the demanding distancing and the wearing of numbers over the festive period. face masks when mandatory, Individual sports will also we can still enjoy the There is no denying that 2020 festivities of Christmas. It is be allowed to commence. has been an extraordinarily a period that encourages both difficult year and the restrictions optimism and reassurance, two The five-kilometre travel that are going to prevail over attitudes that are encouraged the holiday period will bring in these unprecedented times. limit will be lifted, permitting us a Christmas like no other. Nevertheless, the withdrawal travel within the county of these current restrictions means that we do not have to border until December 18th. spend the festivities in complete isolation. Rather than dwelling The reopening of restaurants on the negative, we should seek to embrace the positive. and gastropubs and hotel So how do we navigate dining will be on December Christmas in this COVID year? 4th. However, this will most People are encouraged to partake in Christmas shopping likely entail the nine-euro activities once retail stores are opened. In supporting substantial meal rule once local, we can strive towards reviving our economy again, as well as further and providing more jobs. introductory measures. Opting for a more intimate On midnight, Wednesday, in the Dáil on Tuesday the Following these October 21st, the government 24th November, Tánaiste Leo put a Level 5 lockdown in place Varadkar proposed that the modifications, the government is for a totality of six weeks in country should “seek to ease hopes to reopen the country in restrictions next week but not so hoping to further ease restrictions time for the Christmas season. much that it requires it to return to Level 4 or 5 for a prolonged for two weeks over Christmas. As we approach the final days of period in the New Year”. this lockdown, the question still Consideration is being given remains: what restrictions will The process of reopening the be lifted come December 1st? country will follow a step by to expand visitations of six step approach easing restrictions The Taoiseach has announced steadily in a time manipulated people from one household to that the country will move procedure in order to limit from Level 5 to a lightly an escalated rise in cases. visitations of six people from modified Level 3. Speaking three households in light of the festive season. In addition, there are plans to allow for inter-county travel to visit loved ones for the holiday period. Mass and other religious congregations are also expected What’s inside? Housing Fuinneamh Diego Disaster in UL Maradona pg 10 pg 6 pg 21

2 Editorial TEAM Editor’s Note Editor: Hey there! Welcome to our second edition of our we’ve been working very hard on, and as always Chloe O’Keeffe virtual newspaper! Once things are back to normal, there’s some amazing pieces for you all to read! Arts and Fuinneamh Editor: I think I’ll swear off using or hearing the word virtual. There’s many words I feel people will feel Still not wholly convinced on joining a Club or Aislinn Kelly similar towards. Soc? Check out Alannah Meighan’s experience Sports Editor: of joining clubs and societies in UL, and how it James Roulston Mooney This semester has gone by way too quickly. Who benefitted her over her time in college. Design & Layout: knew working from home would actually go fast? We’re in the final month of the year; let that one Former editor, Mike Finnerty pays homage to the Kevin Dunne settle! life and career of the wonderful Diego Maradona. Contributors: We’ve also two amazing rugby interviews from It’s not all that bad, because we can finally Siadbh Redmond! Orla Gallagher (shamelessly) start using “It’s Christmas” as an excuse for everything. That said, probably best As always, our Fuinneamh section has all the Chloe O’Keeffe to hold off that for the next three weeks. I always latest recommendations with a lovely festive movie find it so difficult to not throw everything out the list coming from Cian Dalton to name just one of Shannon Sweeney window and kick the feet up once I start feeling any the amazing pieces to sink your teeth into! bit Christmassy. *Only three more weeks, we got Alanna Meighan this* We really hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together! It’s definitely a shame Aislinn Kelly When does Christmas start for you? Personally, that there’s no physical An Focal this year, but I’m my tell tale signs are.. the Coca Cola ad, the so chuffed we were able to bring a newspaper to James Roulston Mooney Kelloggs Christmas ad and of course The Late Late you virtually! Toy Show. Emma Hickey As always, we welcome new contributors always. I think I enjoy it more the older I get, anyone with Just email [email protected] or contact us through Katie Coughlan me? Facebook or Instagram. This will be the last newspaper of the semester, but we will be working Aoife O’Sullivan Fridays was in particular super special. I think it up until the final bell of the academic year online made things feel somewhat normal again for a few at anfocal.ie! Cian Dalton hours. Stay safe, and Merry Christmas! Siadbh Redmond Enough of the rambling now! This newspaper Mike Finnerty Nuacht

3 Movember UL raise three times more than last year BY CHLOE O’KEEFFE The Cornstore also put Final year student Seán Movember is an annual on a Mocktail Class in Ó’Maoilchiaráin exceeded fundraising event which collaboration with the team. his goal of €500 and raised takes place during the €3,120 (as of Saturday, month of November to raise All events were livestreamed 28 November at 17.07). awareness for men’s health. via Zoom and are currently being The event was first set uploaded to Youtube for anyone University of Limerick is up by a group of friends in that either missed events or currently the 4th University Australia, 2003 but has since would like to refer back to them. to fundraise for Movember, become a worldwide event. on the heels of Trinity In it’s second year running, The events and guests College, UCD and UCC. as of Saturday 28 November ranged from people sharing at 17.07 the Are UL? their own personal stories; Donations are being Movember team have tripled to people from charities accepted up to December 9th. what they raised last year. sharing charity perspectives. Teams across the University of Scan the QR Code to Limerick have collaboratively Movember UL founder go to the donations page. raised over €20,000. Tariq El- Masri called the Over the month the ‘Are UL?’ month and reception of team put on 19 events, from the fundraiser “amazing.” ‘moga’ classes on Mondays; 11 mo-talks with guests The amazing team such as Clodagh Guerin of boasted 67 members. Anytime of the Month, Peadar Collins of the Speakfor15 Mr El- Masri was very pleased movement and Niall Colgan. and proud of the “incredible team” they had, and said a huge goal was to get a conversation going about men’s health. A massive congratulations to everyone who participated. Georgian Christmas fair set for Limerick BY SHANNON of crafts and baked goods City Art Gallery. SWEENEY Choral singing and According to Patricia Hotel No.1 Pery Square will storytelling are also planned Roberts, Limerick’s host a Georgian Christmas fair for the event if public Georgian Quarter is the in Limerick City in December. health guidance allows. ideal setting for this The fair will be held on The fair is open on Friday year’s Christmas fair. the corner of Pery Square and Saturday from 5pm-8pm “With the support and Barrington Street from and 12pm-5pm on Sunday. of traders and locals Friday the 18th to Sunday “Visitors can enjoy festive alike we can create the 20th of December. spiced coffees, mulled wine, a wonderful festive Hotel Owner and Fair honeycomb hot chocolates, experience,” she added. Organiser, Patricia mince pies and much Roberts says the fair will more while browsing the encourage people to shop stalls,” added Ms Roberts. local this Christmas. Limerick’s Georgian “The Christmas Fair is the quarter, also known as brainchild of the team at Newtown Pery was built No. 1 Pery Square who are in the late 18th century, determined to save Christmas and the early 19th century. and be sure to give Limerick Pery Square and Barrington people and their loved ones street are part of Limerick a memorable Christmas city’s Georgian quarter. experience in the historic The Georgian Quarter corner of our town,” she said. is home to The People’s The fair will have more than Museum, St Michael’s 20 stalls selling a variety Church and The Limerick Nuacht

4 16 Days Against Violence global movement set up by Limerick Area Network BY JAMES ROULSTON LAN will be doing this work the workings of LAN, encourages “the public to MOONEY online via #16DaysLimerick this educational resources and engage with the #16DaysOf year as a result of the COVID-19 national supports available Limerick posts on social Limerick Area Network on outbreak and the restrictions put to women experiencing media as they may end up Violence Against Women (LAN) in place. domestic violence daily being a lifeline for someone will move their work online throughout the 16 days using they know and love.” to mark the global movement, LAN Chairperson and their hashtag. the 16 Days of Action Against Executive Director of Rape Crisis . Gender Based Violence. Midwest Miriam Duffy said that The organisation would “while we are disappointed we like members of the public to are living with domestic violence The global movement takes cannot meet in person this year to help share this information by circulating this information place annually from November mark the 16 Days of Action, we on social to ensure it has as wide online. 25 – December 10 with the intent are delighted that we can carry a reach as possible. to educate and raise awareness out this important awareness LAN also aim to educate the for the topic of gender-based raising campaign online”. They hope that the women of public on how to support a loved violence. Limerick will know that there one that they fear may be in a LAN member groups are numerous local and national violent situation. Each year, LAN organises will release information on supports available to them if they numerous events to help promote Mrs. Duffy added that LAN the movement in Limerick. Clare Women’s Network move Festival of Feminisms online to mark International Human Rights Day BY CHLOE O’KEEFFE Speakers at the events will include; Dr Ebun Joseph, Dr. Phil Clare Women’s Network are Mullen, Carine Mambou, Jennifer moving their well-known Festival Awoh, Salome Mbugua, Sharon of Feminisms, Silence + Voice Murphy and many more. online to mark International Human Rights Day of December 10th. When speaking about the silencing of women, and encouraging women The webinar, Silence + Voice to use their voices, author, lecturer Speak Up Speak Out will take place and race relations expert Ebun on Thursday, December 10 from Joseph said: “Stories are powerful 2.30pm – 5pm and is the first in a tools that can unsilenced women. new series being organised by the network. “When women share their stories it’s a scary but courageous move to It will see influential feminists step out of the boundaries created from across the country, speaking for them to be in the world as people up and speaking out about their in certain ways.” lived experiences personally and professionally. Clare Women’s Network are hopeful that Silence + Voice Speak Project Co-ordinator of the Clare Up Speak Out will engage the public Women’s Network, Elaine D’Alton and ignite conversations around said, “We are excited to launch building solidarity and an inclusive this series on International Human feminist movement in Ireland. Rights Day. The webinar is free to attend “The panel will discuss issues but registration via Eventbrite is pertaining to feminism in Ireland, required (search Silence + Voice). gender identity, human rights, gender based violence and racism.” Irish Sign Language Interpreters will also be present at the event. If you feel in any way low or just need a chat, please talk to someone, contact: SAMARITANS IRELAND : (01) 671 0071 PIETA HOUSE : (01) 6010000 LIMERICK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION : (061) 446 786 Nuacht

5 My experience at UL: Clubs and Societies. BY ALANNA MEIGHAN. impossible not to smile. I was As the end of my first year came calling and my passion in life. writing this article during the As my first semester of final immediately drawn to people to a close and I had such a good Through my involvement with global pandemic the things I miss year is quickly ending and I find flipping and twisting in the experience I promised myself I the radio and the trampoline club the most about my life before myself spending hours in front of air, otherwise known as the would join more in my next year. I found myself on committees, the pandemic, is not eating out my computer, trying to complete trampoline club. This was the helping to organise events and at restaurants, crawling out of my assignments to have some first club I ever joined and I Over my four years at college, I trainings, I’ve gained valuable Costellos at 3am or dancing the free time over the holiday period, couldn’t be happier have tried so many new activities night away on the dancefloor I often find myself looking back that I did. Through this experience that will greatly (although I do miss them. What on the past three years of my club I made so many through the clubs and societies I impact my life as I move I miss most is sitting in the radio time at college. Coming to UL friends both within UL have joined. I decided to join the on from college. Joining station talking about nothing by myself was nerve wracking, and other universities college radio society and through these clubs and societies and laughing till my stomach going into a big course I feared in Ireland and England, this I have found my career has really changed my hurts, I miss going to training I would find it hard to make many of these people life and as I get ready to and learning new stunts and friends. I can remember the I would consider my leave college I realise that routines but most of all I miss sweatiness of palms as I met closest friends despite these are what I will miss hanging out with my friends that my housemates the first day I only seeing them three the most, the friends and I met through these clubs and moved in, all older than me. of four times a year. I memories I have made, societies. For anyone reading They seemed to have their friend learned new skills that the skills I’ve learned will this I would highly recommend groups and were happy to leave I never thought I could never be forgotten. I am so joining a club or society, UL me to myself. My first semester I do; I mean twisting glad that I pushed myself has over 80 clubs and societies decided to attend the recruitment flips- I never imagined to join something back in and you’ll definitely find an drive for clubs and societies, myself doing that! This first year. activity that interests you and walking through the side doors club made me push my find likeminded people. Clubs of the arena, the numerous limits both mentally and Clubs and societies have and Societies have enhanced my stands filled with enthusiastic physically to achieve always been so important college experience and I couldn’t people trying to convince me to those skills. This club allowed to me, I can’t imagine my imagine how different my time at join them. me to travel all over Ireland college experience without college would have been without With the blaring music and competing with the team and being involved in them. I met them. cheerful atmosphere, it was over to Scotland a few times. so many of my best friends through them and I have found my passion in life. As I sit here Next phase of Anytime of the Month initiative is workshops! By Emma Hickey. next phase of the project in UL Student Life; Alison, the existence of period poverty. which is Anytime of the Month Chelsea, Cian and Peadar. Many students face financial Anytime of the Month is a workshops. By taking part in Through our workshops we had difficulties throughout their time student-led social enterprise this workshop, organisations an open discussion with the in third level education - it’s aiming to alleviate the effects of become Anytime of the Month Student Officers about period a natural occurrence, it’s time period poverty through creating ambassadors, providing period poverty and how it is a reality for to normalise anytime of the a network of friendly strangers. products for free to employees many students on campus as well month.” By displaying our logo on a and customers. These partner as gender and cultural differences badge or sticker, someone in organisations are joining us in with regards to periods. UL We look forward to welcoming need of a period product can removing the harmful taboo Student Life provides free pads more organisations to our approach you, a friendly stranger about period poverty and and tampons in their bathrooms growing network of friendly and get a period product from helping us to alleviate its effects for free for students. strangers. you or you can direct them to a throughout Ireland. partner who provides them for Testimonial from Cian, UL If your business or student free. Profits from an Anytime We are delighted to announce Student President, on the union would like to learn more of the Month purchase go to that UL Student Life is the first partnership between Anytime of about our workshops or become providing long term sustainable Anytime of the Month approved the Month and UL Student Life: an ambassador, period products for people who ambassador Student Union. Our “Anytime of the Month is a great face period poverty. team conducted the workshop initiative by UL students, for more information can be found with the four Student Officers UL students as it acknowledges at www.anytimeofthemonth. We have now launched our com or by emailing info@ anytimeofthemonth.com Features

6 The Housing Disaster: Analysing Our Generation’s Defining Crisis This article is the first in a new students every year who make The highest rent average by Despite university management introduced on June 4th last series of collaborative efforts the move to Dublin. In February maintaining this “will contribute by Irish student journalists. The 2019, University College Dublin county was in Dublin county with to longer term rent stability”, year. This legislation placed a team comes from four student (UCD) moved to increase on- students can’t help feeling hard newspapers across Ireland’s campus rents by over 12% over €1,709, and lowest in Leitrim with done by in the midst of a housing requirement on all providers of largest four cities. We aim to tell the next three years, much like crisis. the key stories of our generation, other universities. The move was €599 per month. The rent averages Student Specific Accommodation starting off with this in depth look met with universal condemnation In response to UCD’s defence of at Ireland’s housing crisis. by student groups nationwide. The in the other major college cities in building luxury accommodation, to register their student tenancies question is, how do these increases McHugh comments on this, saying We are living in a world with a compare to previous years? Ireland lie at €1,653 in Dublin city, “this idea that ramping up supply with the RTB. These registered growing housing crisis around will bring down price is correct, the student population; something According to The College €1,169 in Galway, €1,209 in Cork but what is the type of supply and tenancies were found across 169 that is troubling to young people, Tribune, back in 2006, a room in what’s the market price in which parents, and guardians as a UCD’s cheapest accommodation city, €971 in Limerick city and you’re introducing?” Student Specific Accommodation problem once someone reaches block cost €3,544, with a further third-level education. This is not €353 for utilities and insurance. €799 in Waterford. “We are seeing a reverse effect”, developments, 13 of which were a unique problem that targets a Fast forwarding to 2019, the main McHugh explains, as supply single part of the country; tens of fee increased by 88.57% to €6,683, Statistics compiled by Hugh increases so does the price. “It’s managed by higher education thousands of students return to a raw increase of €3,139. The bizarre.” education each year and face a average yearly increase of 4.81% Dooley for The College Tribune. institutions, and 156 were private housing crisis that is affecting their dwarfs the inflation levels of less The Rise of Student demographic across the country. than 1% annually. At UCD during “Bizarre” Price Increases Accommodation developments. As a collaboration of Irish student the academic year 2019/20, it journalists we delve into the story cost between €6,745 and €11,591 The Union of Students in Ireland As recently as August 2019, The student specific from different corners of the for two semesters to stay at on- tenants in student-specific country and illustrate the story of campus accommodation - this is (USI) is one group championing accommodation gained largely accommodation providers the housing system that students a rent increase of 76% in the last the same rights as private tenants navigate each year. ten years. affordable accommodation. in all but their security of tenure are currently in the process of and right to remain. Under Irish Double the Rent – Same According to the Residential Speaking to The College law, private tenants are entitled registering their tenancies for the Accommodation Tenancies Board (RTB), the to certain minimum standards of national rent average in Ireland in Tribune, USI’s Vice President accommodation. A property must 20/21 Academic Year. In response Ireland’s capital has become Q2 2020 was €1,224 per month. be free from damp, with all internal infamous for its rents, affecting for Campaigns Craig McHugh and external structures such as to the ongoing pandemic, as of walls, pipes, tiles, windows, floors says students require affordable midnight on October 21st 2020, in good condition. housing – not luxury. McHugh Every room must be a general ban on evictions was wants universities to receive adequately ventilated, with renewed by the government for heating tenants can control. funding from the government to In addition, private tenants the duration of Level 5 and any must have access to a washing subsidise the construction and machine and cooking future restrictions of movement of facilities, this includes items maintenance of purpose-built such as a fridge, microwave up to 5 kilometres in response to and kitchen cupboards. student accommodation, which To meet these minimum the pandemic. standards of accommodation, will help control the average a landlord must provide a Supports For Some, But Not All sink with hot and cold water, prices and keep it affordable for a fixed heating appliance in Even with the help of the Student each room, and access to a students. separate room with a toilet, Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) washbasin and fixed bath or After its latest increase, UCD’s shower. Local authorities are many students across Ireland will responsible for inspecting most expensive accommodation and enforcing these minimum often find themselves still pretty standards. will cost almost €13,000 strapped for cash on a month According to the RTB, there between September and May. were 28,414 Student Specific by month basis. It’s all down to Accommodation tenancies registered in 2019 because budgeting, but when rent has of changes to the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) nearly doubled in the last five years, and SUSI hasn’t increased in near the same amount of time the budgeting skills (or lack thereof) may not be the real issue. This accommodation crisis is not unique to undergraduate students; masters students around the country face uphill battles too. SUSI having different thresholds for postgraduate courses restrict many students in further pursuing their education unless they have at least a part-time job. Though the margin for postgraduates receiving SUSI is quite high it’s not only postgrads that may suffer the consequences of not getting maintenance. Many undergraduate students are not in receipt of SUSI, and these in particular may face unnecessary stress. SUSI data shows there was a 6% fall in the number of recipients to the grant from 2015- 2018. This fall in applications means a lower percentage of students are Features

7 now receiving SUSI compared to out – although without financial properly, she couldn’t afford a is not regulated or capped by urged students to be “proactive” in just a few years ago. This fall in support from home. Sarah moved better option and was too afraid to legislation. Upon leaving the their search for accommodation. applications and awardees is likely in with a friend in a “very, very complain to the landlord, for fear property, this deposit must be “I was 100% excited and rearing down to the income thresholds for small apartment”. that being kicked out would force returned in full. to move”, Danny said, and after grant eligibility being static for her back home. receiving the email he proceeded near 10 years. “The rent was just about Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ) to take out a student loan to pay for manageable with the 15 hours of Fortunately, Sarah’s situation has were introduced in 2019 as a his housing. In a report carried out last year by work that I was doing, but it was improved now, but not without mechanism to make the rental the ESRI (Economic and Social very tight.” Sarah sees it as “a bit years of hard work and a successful market more predictable as “An email like that” Danny said, Research Institute) and Trinity fucked up” that she was forced to tenure on a Students’ Union team. rents rise exponentially across “confirms the dream you have of College Dublin it was revealed cut college classes to afford rent, “I learnt a lot in the process, but the country. Such zones - which having a normal year.” that over 2 thirds of 20- year olds in order to attend college. the thing is, I shouldn’t have had currently include Cork City still live with their parents, and to learn that.” Council and Cobh, most of Indeed, as some might have most of them depend financially The heating broke down one Dublin and Galway City, Kildare, expected, it was not a normal year, on them also. 44% of the 20- year winter, and with the old building’s What Are Your Rights? parts of Meath, Wicklow and with all third-level institutions olds surveyed said their main single pane windows, Sarah says While letting, a landlord is legally Louth, as well as Limerick and being moved to Level 3 before worry was access to housing. “you could feel the wind from bound to give tenants a rent book Waterford cities - dictate that the new semester even began. outside”. or written legal agreement or lease rent cannot be increased by more Students, just like Danny, who felt One postgraduate student, to track and schedule all payments than 4 per cent per annum. As assured of face-to-face teaching, Clara* was advised to reconsider “The amount of money that I had throughout the tenancy. There are per the Residential Tenancies suddenly found themselves no doing a masters if she was going to to put away for rent, those margins obligations a tenant must follow Amendment Act 2015, rent can longer needing accommodation be balancing a part-time job along were very tight. So, if I wanted to while renting, to breach conditions only be increased every 2 years. in the city but having paid for the with the full-time masters, “I was get anything more comfortable, it of tenancy has the potential to semester, or even the full year.With told to give a serious rethink of was just outside of my reach. impede any assertion of rights. Cork Students Take Action rent hikes of 19% in the last three doing the masters along with a These include avoiding damage, Things in the south of the years across all their complexes, part-time job, but the reality is that She said that their rents were granting the landlord access to country cast a mirror image of UCC Campus Accommodation I needed the part-time job to fund lucky enough to stay stable the property by appointment only what is happening in the capital. has been the subject of some of the masters, and I would need the while the rest of Dublin’s were for routine inspections, and to pay In February this year, 200 the highest rent increases in the masters to get higher on the career increasing, however, there was a rent on time. All landlords must University College Cork (UCC) country. ladder,” she stated. “constant fear” that if she brought register with the Private Tenancies students rotationally camped on up maintenance issues, she would Board (PRTB), if a tenancy is not the Quad to protest the planned While one can be critical of Living in “Constant Fear” be kicked out for subletting. registered then substantial fees 3% rent increase for campus some of the early messages We spoke to a former Students’ She says that if the rents were can accrue - increasing for each accommodation for the 2020/21 coming out of UCC in relation to Union Sabbatical Officer about increased, they would have been tenancy. Payment of security academic year. The protestors accommodation, the University her housing struggles throughout “fucked”. As per the Residential deposit is the norm amongst braved the elements for 17 days could be commended for its her time in college. Sarah* began Tenancies Amendment Act 2015, renters - a sum usually equal before the onset of the pandemic decision last month to offer college commuting 2.5 hours rent can be increased every 2 to one months rent held by the ended the occupation. refunds to any student living in each way to Dublin. For logistical years. landlord to cover rent arrears, bills As September approached, a campus accommodation who reasons and due to a tough home owing or damage - this deposit new host of troubles unfolded decides to return home due to situation, she decided to move Trapped in a mould-ridden for student renters as the new the ongoing pandemic/lack of house, with the “kitchen falling academic year began, set against campus hours. This decision apart” and the windows not closing the backdrop of an unwaning came following a UCC Students’ global pandemic. With the Union meeting with UCC uncertainty surrounding timetables Campus Accommodation after the and on-campus hours, many UCC announcement by the university students reported feeling unsure that the majority of courses will be of whether it would be necessary taking place entirely online for the for them to rent accommodation in remainder of the semester. Cork or not. We spoke with 1st year Joe Leogue, Media and PR Government and Political Science Officer for the University student, Danny Sheehy, who explained the rationale behind expressed his frustrations over the the decision: “UCC understands puzzling messages coming from that for many students, campus the Cork University in relation accommodation is their home. to accommodation. Danny spoke However, the university about an email he received from acknowledges that some students UCC as part of his registration, in campus accommodation which instructed him to organise are living away from support his accommodation “as you would networks such as family, relatives have done if Covid-19 did not and friends and may wish to return exist.” The email indicated that to these environments during the the University was “planning to current public health restrictions.” implement face-to-face teaching where safe and possible” and Reacting to this, Council Chairperson Mr. O’Riordan said: “It’s encouraging to see compassion from the University Features

8 by offering refunds for Campus student accommodation crisis in of this planned development.” Ireland. Over recent years planned Cúirt na Coiribe is not the sole Accommodation, however developments across the country have been offered student lodgings example of expensive luxury UCC should follow the lead with incorporated elements of accommodation being rolled out grandeur not typically associated across the city either. Recent on of statements from colleges in with student living. Complexes campus developments in NUI advertised as ‘state of the art’ have Galway such as Goldcrest Village Limerick and elsewhere and been seen to demand higher prices, have also seen hikes in prices Trapped in a mould-ridden house, with the by comparison to the standard coming hand in hand with opulent “kitchen falling apart” and the windows not let students know what second student house. lodgings, closing properly semester will look like so they can One such example is Cúirt Fighting For Housing Rights na Coiribe, a privately owned Students who have not been able adequately prepare. It’s also now student accommodation facility to secure accommodation turn in Terryland in Galway City that to organisations like Threshold. time for our politicians to pick up currently provides 405 bed spaces Threshold is a registered charity, to students in NUI Galway. In established in Ireland in 1978 the slack and implement similar 2018 a decision to impose steep with the aim of securing a rental hikes, some as high as 18% right to housing, particularly protections for student renting in in the facility caused controversy. for households experiencing Covid-19 has shone a light on he got a nicer and cheaper house Cúirt, which advertises itself as the problems of poverty and the shortcomings of the private when he took a year out for his private accommodations.” a provider of ‘luxury’ student exclusion. rented sector as a place to live and Co-Operative placement, he was accommodation defended the New research from Threshold make a home, organisations like with all working professionals Expensive Accommodation A increases at the time stating that suggests Irish renters are Threshold say that young people and believes that the location they were imposed to bring the increasingly unable to afford are expected to rent until they he secured for his placement ‘Barrier To Education’ complex in line with the wider permanent housing. The findings “settle down” and buy a home. year was far superior due to him student rental market in Galway also show higher percentages of being considered a working The level of income generated City. income demanded for rent and “Co-living has been proposed as professional. The rise in demand just 15% are renting by choice. a suitable housing option for young in houses has always been evident by the university sector from Earlier this month, plans for One expert heavily criticised people. Such complexes, where a but the lack of a rent cap could a major expansion of the Cúirt the “lack of trajectory” from the developer’s goal is to the maximise see them potentially increasing student accommodation at large na Coiribe were granted by An Housing Ministers, demanding profit per sq metre, are not suitable furthermore. Bord Pleanála which would see departmental reforms. Carried out for most people, with high rents was estimated to increase from the facility double in capacity. in July of this year, the survey of and limited living spaces. They do Claire McCarthy, a recent Crucially however, within the plans 150 renters “paints a grim picture”, not provide homes. Unfortunately, graduate at UL speaks of how €51 million in 2014 to just under provisions for the construction of a according to Threshold’s Policy housing policy does not address her part- time job didn’t cover her gym, games room, lounge facility Officer Ann Marie O’Reilly. the needs of young people and rent and bills month on month. €120 million in 2024. The sector and study spaces for residents A spokesperson from Threshold those who do not buy, whether “If I didn’t get support from my were also included. The necessity commented on the situation: out of choice or not, their own parents then I would have to work is growing exponentially as the of these facilities have been “Young workers and students, home. Policy makers do not treat endlessly to make ends meet, and widely questioned and criticised living in house shares or as renting as a legitimate tenure. [...] as a result would probably have numbers of students seeking by the student body and their licensees, were the first groups Rented homes are real homes,” the failed college.” Similarly, Erin representatives. hit by the impact of COVID-19. spokesperson finished. Smyth a recent graduate at the UL accommodation increases. These Even before the country went into says she struggled with trying to NUI Galway Students’ Union ‘lockdown’ Threshold advisors With the growing housing crisis find affordable accommodation soaring prices were a huge worry President Pádraic Toomey were receiving calls from young in the country, and the student with rent being around the €500- expressed his hope that the trend of people, forced to leave their housing crisis branching off, 600 mark, having increased from for students long before Covid-19 accommodation providers offering accommodation with a few another aspect to consider is the between €360-480 from last year. costly luxury accommodation to hours’ notice. [...] Licensees had cost of living for a student in came into our consciousness. students ends. zero protections, even under the Ireland. *Names have been changed at moratorium on evictions. These the request of the individuals. Commenting on the matter “We just hope that we don’t groups have been hit again by the “From 1st to 4th year I’ve seen continue to see massive luxury second ‘lockdown’ with the retail, properties go from less than €300 Conor Capplis - Senior Reporter UCCSU Council Chairperson accommodation that’s costing tourism and hospitality sectors to over €400 for poor quality at The College Tribune too much. We just hope that for shutting down and the colleges houses. As a working professional Stephen O’Riordan said: “The cost students and for their families that going online.” now, I’ve seen more poor quality Paddy Henry - Editor at Student the prices go down with the likes “Threshold’s Student Housing houses advertised for over €500 Independent News of campus accommodation can be Survey 2020 found that 21% of per month,” says Mark* a 2018 those seeking accommodation graduate of the University of Conor Brummell - News Editor exorbitant and only acts to create for the new academic year were Limerick (UL). at Student Independent News asked to pay four months’ rent or further barriers to education.” UCC more in advance. We see now as “As a student the prejudice Maeve McTaggert - News Editor the colleges closed down students was if something went wrong - at University Express spokespeople continue to assert out of pocket and forced them to students were always to blame. return to the family home.” Whilst There is an age bias. Experiences Elisha Carey - Features Editor at that “campus accommodation are much more pleasant now; University Express landlords are more cooperative rates are significantly below rates and understanding. I don’t have to Chloe O’Keefe - Editor at An pay by cash.” Focal provided by private operators.” However, students have Edited by Fiona Keeley - Editor In 2017, the Higher Education experienced that working at University Express professionals, or recent graduates Authority estimated that there was going into the working world can either experience prejudice or a demand for 57,104 student bed see a prejudice towards students when living with them. James*, spaces in 2014. It was projected a Business graduate at UL says that by 2024, such a number should rise to 68,670. The level of income generated by the university sector from student accommodation was estimated to increase from €51 million in 2014 to just under €120 million in 2024. The sector is growing exponentially as the numbers of students seeking accommodation increases. A tendency by property developers to build ‘luxury’ accommodation complexes has been a key characteristic of the As a student the prejudice was if something went wrong - students were always to blame. Features

9 UL Social Enterprise Awarded European Funding to Integrate Refugees and Asylum Seekers BY KATIE COUGHLAN, International Protection Applicants to education for Internataional to study at University of Limerick. next few months and will have CO- PROJECT LEADER to enhance their agricultural Protection Applicants living Earned €4,037 in revenue, an opportunities for local community skills and integrate with the local in direct provision. While also members to get involved in the ReStart Enactus UL are a community in the process. Growing enabling us to scale and grow increase of 489% on last year. social enterprise too! You can University of Limerick student-led crops on the land allows us to have ReStart, working towards our core We are looking forward to further follow our journey on social media social enterprise, and we have some a sustainable, environmentally objective of community integration @ReStartUL on all platforms. exciting news we wanted to share! friendly supply chain for ReStart and inclusion. We are so grateful for growing our impact this year thanks Cooking. this opportunity and excited to have to the support of the ESU. We have Our social enterprise aims to support at a European level. some very exciting plans for the integrate International Protection ReStart has been awarded a Applicants to the local community grant of €9,000 from the European According to the ESU website through a portfolio of different Student’s Union, through the there has previously only been initiatives. Together Moving Forward 2 projects from Ireland selected programme supported by the for the grant (Irish Second-Level ReStart Cooking: Traditional Open Society Foundations. This is Student Union awarded €6,620 in dishes from International Protection programme supports student-led 2018 and the USI awarded €3,900 Applicant home countries are actions and projects around Europe in 2017), so we are even more cooked and sold at our weekly aimed at breaking educational and delighted to receive this support as market stall in UL. International societal barriers, and to amplify the an organisation outside Dublin! Protection Applicants are taught voice of students advocating for soft business skills by our team, a better perception of EU citizens In 2019/20 ReStart: empowering them to operate the toward migration challenges. Since Directly impacted the lives of 311 stall. The success of our weekly stall 2016 ESU TMF has supported 47 International Protection Applicants led to an expansion into catering - to projects across 20 countries. We are and local community members. date we have successfully catered 6 delighted to be one of the 9 projects Worked with 9 direct provision events. selected in Europe this year. centers across 5 counties. Helped 2 IPA secure scholarships ReStart Gardening: Provides This funding will enable our a positive outlet for mental health social enterprise to provide access and wellbeing, while also enabling Thousands of explicit images of young Irish women leaked online BY AOIFE O’SULLIVAN by this in the past. wasn’t a criminal offense. weeks following the leaks that the not to excuse it because you may It also brought back to light “We believe that Irish women were women of Ireland are tired of the think someone is ‘sound’ or ‘one of Earlier in the week, allegations patriarchal injustice presented to the lads’. Saying this, we must not were made that thousands of explicit the incidence of Dara Quigley’s targeted because the perpetrators girls and women that have had their generalise all men but recognise that images of young Irish women had suicide, a young Irish activist and know there is no law against sharing images shared without consent or this is happening with enough men been leaked onto a Discord forum journalist who had CCTV footage intimate images without consent,” even those who have been sexually for it to be an issue. One Instagram by 500 male users, and in turn is now shared by Gardaí throughout she said. assaulted. It is the responsibility of user wrote: being investigated by Gardaí. This WhatsApp groups in which she both men and women to call out forum included images of women was walking naked down a Dublin In the meantime, what can we this behaviour in our peers, and “It may not be all men, but every that had been sent through social street amidst what was described as do as students? It became very woman has a story”. media outlets such as Snapchat a ‘psychotic episode’. As the events clear across social media in the and OnlyFans, and were now being of the Discord leaks emerged, shared without their consent. The Quigley’s mother spoke of her upset forum also included images of via Twitter and how no progress underage women, and were found has been made since her daughter’s in a file labelled ‘minors’. death in 2017. These events caused an eruption ‘It wasn’t a crime then in amongst the Irish public and the 2017 and it still isn’t. Time to reaction was widespread across make it one! #Justice4Dara government bodies and on social #endimagebasedcrime’. media, where many Irish women came out and shared their stories. Since the issue arose, almost Holly Cairns, TD, called on the 75,000 people have signed the Minister for Justice to make petition to make revenge porn in immediate changes regarding laws Ireland, putting pressure on the surrounding revenge porn and government to act efficiently. The sharing explicit images without founder of the Victim’s Alliance, consent, for the sake of protection Linda Hayden expressed her belief of these young women and many that so many images had been others like them who have been hurt shared because people knew that the non-consensual sharing of images Features

10 Fuinneamh Letter from the Fuinneamh Editor The deadlines are fast classmates for Big Blue this year with me and kept approaching, the evenings Button has deducted years morals high when they are closing in on us. While off my life expectancy. I’d could be at an all-time low. restrictions are slowly willingly go to a lecture at lifting, there is still a nine in the morning in the James Roulston Mooney sense of claustrophobia Health Sciences Building sat down with the band circulating with normality just to feel that university Sheerbuz to discuss far from being restored. buzz again. how they are adapting Despite the chaos, to the restrictions with Fuinneamh is here to However, there’s always performing arts being serve as a valuable form of a glimmer of positivity one of the worst affected escapism from your hectic to be found even in these sectors due to the schedule. trying times. lockdown. When the lockdown Like I outlined in the last Also featured is a look at was first announced back edition, arts can provide some of the top winners in March, I refrained a valuable escape to the of the An Post Irish Book from telling people how monotony of this Covid Awards. One of the most relieved I was to be going existence. prominent wins, Strange back home for a while. Flowers, is reviewed by This edition’s Fuinneamh Cian Dalton to accompany I had most of my sees culture adapt to the the piece. assignments completed, dreaded new normal. The with an air of an extended UL Crafts Society have For a cheesy comic relief holiday about the whole displayed inspirational in these trying times, we ordeal as it offered what I initiative in using creativity also look at the Christmas saw as a wonderful break to unite a fragmented movies to provide some from my part-time stint campus and their projects welcome escapism over in the mental world of are featured throughout the next few weeks. hospitality. this edition. Lockdown in the winter My own long read With resilience and is a totally different features one of my all- experience. Rather than time favourite bands, The creativity a running thread replacing the stunning Boomtown Rats. I’ve tied UL campus for rural their return this year as a through each article, I hope sun drenched evenings determining factor in my at home, the fog and self-indulgent exploration this edition of Fuinneamh frost that have greeted of a musical act I believe me every morning seem deserve the height of may resonate with the more like a taunt rather recognition. than a welcome. I feel fellow disillusioned. the universal sense of I feel we’ve all gained punishment as I remember an emotional connection Compiling each article the last time I was on to the artists that provided campus was back in the our soundtrack during this instilled a further sense first week of this semester. isolated year. A Tonic for The Troops will remain of hope in me that despite I feel like online learning a close favourite as it and the replacement of my endured a lengthy battle of the darkened evenings, the future remains bright. All the best, Aislinn Kelly Funnieamh Editor

11 The Legacy of both music and Irish society’s landscape. The genius behind BY AISLINN KELLY The Boomtown Rats stand on-air gained considerable The Fine Art of Surfacing the Rat’s means their messages Often overlooked as one of as having one of the most attention, only a small insight contained the stunning contained within stunning Ireland’s greatest bands, our impressive oeuvre’s in Irish into the larger than life Someone’s Looking At You, musical works stand in the Arts Editor and self-confessed music history. character behind the soaring which maintains a fresh modern-day. superfan Aislinn Kelly Formed in Dun Laoghaire in song. sound to this day, despite the His activism and reflects on why she believes 1975, the Rats got their name The satirical, brutal inspiration drawing from outspokenness generated their punk productions from the novel “Bound for observations made by Geldof paranoia described by Orwell a talking point for the most stand the test of time. Glory” an American protester may be taken as a swipe at his in The 1984. pressing issues of the time. Woody Guthrie’s biography. native country, but upon closer No stranger to societal When our very own University For music to retain the same The original line-up consisted inspection, the hits from Tonic commentary, Geldof also of Limerick awarded him an punchy relevance almost half of Bob Geldof, Johnnie for the Troops veer on the penned Diamond Smiles about honorary doctorate, he used a decade on, more credit is Fingers on the keyboards, profound. a young model’s suicide at a the platform as a chance to due to The Boomtown Rats. Pete Briquette on bass, Gerry London party. Considering call the British government Following the most hectic Cotton on guitar, Garry Like Clockwork, their first the tragic death of his wife “inept” and calling Brexit year for the band since their Roberts on lead guitar, and song to reach the Top Ten in Paula Yates and more recently supporters “headbangers.” reunion in 2013, the turn of the Simon Crowe on drums. the UK Single’s Chart, sees his daughter Peaches, the decade saw the group release a While their debut self- Geldof drawing inspiration frontman cites the song as Speaking to The Rolling long-awaited album. titled album made a relative from A Clockwork Orange, having an eerily prophetic Frontman Bob Geldof even splash with Looking After singing about the industrial quality. Stone, Geldof said: “When I released a book containing Number One, it is the creative disillusion experienced by the The punk band’s pattern of lyrics and fragments from the masterpiece follow up with A working class all to a catchy drawing inspiration from sing ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ band’s illustrious career that Tonic for the Troops in 1978 staccato beat bass. death gained considerable fused punk with pop all while which showcased the band’s The Boomtown Rats were controversy at the time, I’m not in 1979, I’m in last holding a pulse of political ability to merge punk with an lauded as the first group to however, the song retains commentary. infectious pop twist. bring punk, new wave tunes a thrilling shock factor in night’s school massacre, which Geldof is an iconic figure in From adopting the perspective to the charts through their modern times. Irish society. His activism of Adolf Hitler in I Never hitmaking, brimming with Subsequent albums failed to nobody anticipated at the time. and boisterous demeanor have Loved Eva Braun, to observe originality and personality to gain the traction of pervious cemented him as a steadfast the industrial mismatch of boot. hits however songs such as When I’m doing ‘Rat Trap,’ character in the media, broken dreams experienced It was their third album, Banana Republic in 1980 however often the band behind by working-class Dubliners The Fine Art of Surfacing, continued to allow the band it’s not for the hopelessness the genius is overlooked in in Rat Trap, A Tonic for the which brought the Dublin to skate around the public eye Ireland’s illustrious musical Troops encapsulated Geldof’s band their iconic hit I Don’t before Geldof arranged Live of the people in that abattoir history. writing genius alongside the Like Mondays. Inspired Aid and Band-Aid alongside The rock group returned this bands’ ability to produce by the school shooting of a Ultravox’s Midge Ure, who I wrote it in, but hopelessness year with the release of Citizens souring riffs with a startling Californian teenager, the eerie echoed Geldof’s bandmates of Boomtown accompanied by amount of energy. tune brought the Rats their by becoming disillusioned in now. When I do ‘Banana a documentary chronicling Rat Trap’s palpable sense only entry into the US charts. what he viewed as Geldof’s the band who reunited in 2013 of restlessness knocked the “It’s no wonder Bob Geldof frequent self-centered moves Republic’ it’s not for the Irish after almost thirty years apart. widely popular Summer knows so much about famine for egotism. The album was welcomed Nights from Greece off the – he’s been dining out on Midge Ure goes frequently Republic, which eventually by old fans and even gained charts, perhaps as it resonated I Don’t Like Mondays for uncredited as part of the double them some new, with Trash more with its listeners in the thirty years,” quipped Russell act which led the movement grew up and matured. It’s for Glam Baby echoing of their winter of 1978. Brand, however in truth the that brought a colossal £30 signature statement sound In a pattern that would reoccur lyrical genius behind the song million sterling to aid famine- the American republic as it with their infectious melody in the band’s history, Geldof’s is one of the few chart-toppers stricken Ethiopia. fused with punchy lyrics act of miming the iconic that has stayed relevant almost Despite his sometimes descends ever further into appealing to the disillusioned. saxophone solo through a forty-four years on. obnoxious public appearances, While some critics cringed trumpet through a candelabra The first line alone sets the behind Geldof is a genius political infantilism.” at what they deemed an old after being banned from song up for greatness: “The commentator who managed to band’s attempt to be current, planning the trumpet live silicon chip inside her head make a considerable mark on The band’s musical merit Gets switched to overload.” stands the test of time also, with their originality allowing their epic, blinding accompaniment to the punchy, literary steeped meanings. Take ‘Dave,’ for example, which can generate a unique, hypnotic trance from a listener from a marriage of both music and lyrical method only the Rats could achieve. On reflection of The Boomtown Rats, it’s clear their creativity, relevance and musical creativity earn them the place amongst other Irish heavyweights in music’s history. Their reunion stands testament to their resilience, with fans hoping they will continue to provide their razor-sharp observations accompanied by their trademark punchy tunes well into the future.

12 Sheerbuzz: Being A Band in 2020 BY JAMES ROULSTON education-y things done first good, with the band listening friend group to hear us. It’s a to normal and play on front of MOONEY then we get to writing as soon very fulfilling feeling making fans again. as we can.” to the song multiple times and something and seeing other Donegal band Sheerbuzz people invest so much energy “We miss standing gigs have been forced to do things The group have begun work looking at what it says from in it.” definitely, we played in the differently this year because of on a new album recently and Balor in Ballybofey [before the COVID-19 pandemic. are enjoying coming up with different angles. The quartet have also raised the restrictions were brought the sounds that they like. money for bailout funds and the back in] but we really realised Answering as a collective, As for their music, it Irish refugee council by selling how much we missed gigs. they talked about their lives, However, any recording of hand-painted CD covers. The crowds, the chants, sweaty their music, fundraising and new tracks will have to wait has reached radio stations mosh pits, it’s difficult to think their hopes for the future. until they know it is safe to do Lachlann revealed himself as of how they felt at this stage but so. worldwide, including the one who did the artwork it just goes to show you don’t The band members – and the band went on to say know what you’ve got till it’s Lachlann Ó Fionnáin, Evan The lads give every track a lot Melbourne’s 3RRR and BBC that “after seeing the video of gone.” McGinty, Adam Grady and of attention in each part of the George Floyd, [they] all knew Lughan Devenny – all have production process but agree Radio 1. there was something [they] had Sheerbuzz described the other priorities that are of more that their best stuff is written to do.” Donegal music scene as importance. whenever they are under Speaking about this, the band “brilliant” and talked about pressure. They think that everyone has how they feel towards the other They said that “it’s weird said it is bizarre to them but a right to use their platform bands personally. being anything these days, but Their writing process is a mix however they feel but “raising I think the band is the least of trial and error and convincing also very heartwarming. awareness for things you’re The guys said that the people of our worries…we get our themselves that the song sounds passionate about is definitely a involved in Donegal are some They think that “the fact nice thing to do.” of the most talented and nicest people that you could meet. people listen to [them] on Altogether, the group managed to raise over €350 for “There’s so much variety and purpose is so cool. their chosen causes. support for one another. It’s a really lovely time.” “Over the past year, we’ve had The group have done shows with the Regional Cultural They would love to be able to hundreds of people listening Centre in Letterkenny during do “another packed out RCC the pandemic that were with [their] friends Happy Out. to us every week, and when livestreamed online. “Can’t forget the burrito we released the EP, we didn’t The lads noted that it was great before the show too.” to be back playing and they even expect anyone outside our were delighted with how the livestreams went but they did find the cameras intimidating. They do not have any future gigs planned yet, but they cannot wait to be able to return Craft Society pairs with Limerick Nursing Home as part of National Pen Pal Project BY AISLINN KELLY and outbreaks reaching over 51 nice to be able to link in with can support local people too,” members of the community. The Craft Society have devised nursing homes. people who are maybe a little said Niamh. The craft society encourages their own way of combatting more isolated.” isolation felt my residents of High restrictions have been The society has also offered each individual to get creative Ireland’s nursing homes, one of enforced which include the With creativity the core of the to send small handmade crafts in their letters with skills such the worst effected community’s banning of family visits society, letter writing stuck the alongside the letters as a token as drawing and calligraphy from the Covid Pandemic. and as the Christmas season members as a unique and safe to the residents on the run up to encouraged. The Pen Pal Project is an approaches residents face way of reaching residents of Christmas to accompany their incentive by Irish businessowner another epidemic- loneliness. nursing homes. decorated ornamental letters. If people are looking to join Stacey Fiat, with the aim to pair the craft idea, they can contact Irish nursing home residents “It’s important because we The Craft Society contacted The fruits of UL Craft’s labour the Craft Society at ulcraftsoc@ with a Pen Pal volunteer. are all about building little the Pen Pal Project Ireland are then distributed amongst gmail.com and they will receive Ireland’s nursing homes were communities within our via Instagram and were linked residents who have opted to an information pack containing badly hit during the pandemic, society,” said Niamh Tubridy, with a Limerick nursing become involved in the project. more details about the project. with a total of 444 cases President of UL Craft Society. home, Milford Care Centre in reported in early November “The people we would usually Castletroy. While not all residents are in have as our members would be the position to reply, their act International students and it’s “It is absolutely fantastic as it of kindness is guaranteed to be keeps it local and it is great we appreciated by these vulnerable

13 An Post Irish Book Awards Winners Announced BY AISLINN KELLY an investigative journalist and The National Book Tokens by Doireann Ní Ghríofa, a Reply” by Deirdre Sullivan The University of Limerick’s as a broadcaster beloved by Popular Fiction Book of the and illustrated by Karen very own Creative Writing the nation. Year went to Home Stretch unique pairing of a 1700s Vaughan earning the prize. Lecturer Donal Ryan was Keelin’s husband completed by Graham Norton. The BBC awarded Easons Novel of the the book following her passing broadcaster explores stigmas noblewoman and the struggles The Journal.ie’s Best Irish- Year for Strange Flowers. The with readers praising the of nineties Ireland with the Published Book of the Year acclaimed novel follows the positive, inspirational outlook story following a young of a young Irish mother in the went to “Old Ireland in return of a missing woman held throughout. Irishman’s move to Liverpool, Colour” by John Breslin and to rural Tipperary and is a The award for Bord Gais London and New York while present day. Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, passionate exploration of a Energy Sports Book of the dealing with the demons of his published by Merrion Press, family’s dynamic set in Ryan’s year went to Champagne past. Disability activist Sinead which features digitally native county in the 1970s. Football by Mark Tighe and Professor Luke O Neill, chair restored imagery from The win was announced as Paul Rowen which follows of Biochemistry in Trinity Burke scooped Specsavers Ireland’s archives revamped in part of the An Post Irish Book the career of John Delany College Dublin has been a stunning technicolour. Awards 2020 which took place as head of the Football particularly prominent figure Children’s Book of the Year’s Finally, Love Leabar Gaeilge on Wednesday 25th November. Association of Ireland and his in the Irish media over the Irish Language Book of the For the first time, the awards ultimate resignation following last year with his information senior category for her book Year went to “Cnámh” by took place online with RTÉ damaging revelations the regarding Covid-19. He Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríd for Culture streaming the event in authors published in the received the Ireland AM Break the Mould, illustrated his a short story collection. real time to audiences across Sunday Times. Popular Non-Fiction Book of The overall winner of An Post the country. No stranger to awards, West the Year for Never Mind the by Natalie Byrne. Irish Book of the Year will Keelin Shanley was Cork’s very own Louise Boll***s, Here’s the Science. be announced on RTE One posthumously awarded the O’Neill scooped The Irish His own take on filtering The blogger and teacher has at 10.15pm on Thursday, 10th RTE Radio 1 Listener’s Choice Independent Crime Fiction out the fake news offers December. Award for A Light That Never Book of the Year for her novel readers a refreshing takes on made her name as an influential Goes Out. The broadcaster’s After the Silence. controversial topics such as memoir was published after The work is her first mystery vaccinations and euthanasia observation of inclusivity in her untimely passing in thriller in which a of rural with his definite answers February from her battle with island community revisit their employing science and society, with his book aimed to cancer. tragedy as a documentary humour in delivering the facts. The writing chronicles her investigates a murder which Non-fiction book of the year encourage children to embrace career as biochemistry student, occurred ten years beforehand. went to `A Ghost in the Throat” their differences. Dara McAnulty ‘s Diary of a Young Naturalist led him to receive the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year award. The County Fermanagh native’s reflections on his environment has been hailed by naturalists such as Chris Peckham and follow his interpretations of his surroundings as someone on the autism spectrum . A retelling of the Children of Lir earned teen adult book of the year, with “Savage her

14 Digital Delight- UL Craft Society Creatively Adapts to New Measures BY AISLINN KELLY crafty,” said Niamh Tubridy, product on Tic Tok. community- creativity. While all societies have made President of the UL Crafts The incentive aims to the conscious effort to move Society. online this semester, the Craft showcase skills members learn Society have been particularly The society has also formed as part of those communities, productive in moving their a Creators Panel that appeals such as changing a bicycle tyre activities to suit our new digital to artists in every division or self-defence. semester. including animators, cosplayers The first new introduction and costume designers. The Craft society, for is a Craft Exchange which example, teaches members sees members swap their own The varied panel includes handy life such as repairing handmade items in a creative professionals and amateur clothes through their stitchwork twist to the classic Kris Kringle. artists and gives them a platform tutorials. The Craft Exchange is open to to showcase their skills and anyone wishing to be involved talents. “I think it is a nice way to with participation open to showcase the different things staff and students united by an The society aims to provide a each club and society brings to interest in the hobby. medium for creatives to speak the table as they are all so unique Anyone interested is directed about their passions while also and individual,” said Niamh. to the society’s Instagram inspiring a legion of potential “I think it goes unrepresented bio, where they can apply to crafters looking to explore their the benefit joining clubs and receive a special information creative streak. societies have for people, not pack containing all they need to even in a social capacity but the know about participating in the “There is no better way to things they learn while there nationwide exchange. learn than from listening to that they might not even value. The society pairs all other people and hearing what We aim to put value on that!” participants up with a craft they are about” said Niamh. buddy and all crafts are aimed With admirable determination to be sent before Christmas. Another project is craft society to provide platforms for all “Sort of like a secret Santa, but working in conjunction with societies within the University Student Life to bring forward a on their talents, Craft Society series of videos called Adulting looks to have a busy and 101. The aim is to collaborate productive year ahead using with as many clubs and societies the skill at the core of their in the University and upload the Funnieamh Top Takes: Christmas Edition BY CIAN DALTON mean actual Christmas films, on television over the festive up inside then does it really hosting an epic battle between Christmas is the magical time not films shown at Christmas period. matter?? all the heavyweights. A daily of year in which cringes is an before anyone’s looking for knockout round will see each acceptable descriptor in our Shrek! The Night Before (2015): Elf (2003): Everybody loves category go head to head for chosen views to take us through Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie Elf. Even if you only watch the main title. To vote, follow the Winter nights. Cian Dalton Angela’s Christmas(2017) : and Joseph-Gordon Levitt have bits of pieces while you pull @ulfilmsociety on Instagram. recommends his top takes on This animated Christmas tale their annual Christmas night yourself away from the tins of some festive flicks for the weeks is on Netflix and and more out in New York City while also sweets and turkey sandwiches ahead. importantly, is Irish! trying to find the biggest party every scene provides a belly of the night, getting in fights laugh. Will Ferrel at his best? Did anyone else realise that Based on a story by Frank and crazy situations along the Possibly. there’s less than a month left to McCourt, we follow Angela way. Their friendship is tested Christmas?! I’ve been so caught and her family on Christmas but the spirit of getting messed Love Actually (2003): I have up wondering what level we’re Eve trying to make the best out up at Christmas brings them seen some comments online at that I forgot to keep track. of a bad situation involving the together! questioning the greatness infant baby Jesus! of this movie. While it is no We all know that one of the Last Christmas (2019): masterpiece, I think everybody best things about December Office Christmas Party Set to a backdrop of Wham! enjoys seeing the mish mash is the absolute abundance of (2016): Jason Bateman, songs, Emilia Clarke and Henry of people’s lives in this classic. Christmas movies that will be Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn, Golding give us a holiday We can all agree that Alan on TV and available to stream Kate McKinnon and T.J. romance with one hell of a twist Rickman’s character is an arse, over the next month. So, here’s Miller are absolutely hilarious at the end. Most people will can’t we? a list of some Christmas films in this riotously funny office probably see the twist coming I think you’ll enjoy! And I Christmas party gone wild. You a mile away but as long as Have strong opinions on the can rent this for €4 on YouTube you feel all warm and loved best Christmas film of all time? and it will definitely be shown The UL Film Society will be

15 BOOK Review of Strange Flowers BY CIAN DALTON At the heart of this novel is a chapter has to get on with it can be who we really want to A 5 out of 5 for our Creative Lecturer Donal Ryan’s nostalgic father-son relationship and what and so do we. The characters be and those we need in life will Writing Professor here at UL and take on familial structures makes happens when that is lost or gone. may live on in memory, but come back to us, opening up the the An Post Eason Novel of the for a Touching read as Cian they are physically gone, creaking garden gate and walking Year Winner. Congratulations Dalton reviews the novel which In an interview with Rick allowing other stories to up the garden path to the half Donal Ryan and thank you for recently won the author the O’Shea on O’Shea’s series ‘Book develop. Death is tragic no door, offering no explanation but another wonderful book! Eason Novel of The Year. Shelf’, Donal Ryan said that the matter the circumstances. to be there with us on our journey. character of Josh is based off A Creative Writing Professor at himself at that same age in the Faith and our interpretation the University of Limerick, Donal ‘90s. Ryan’s father passed away of faith is a major theme in Ryan received this latest accolade just before he wrote this book and this novel. The chapters of last Wednesday night. It is the he described it as a way of fending the book are named after latest honour in the Tipperary off what had just happened. the books of the Bibles, and man’s short but successful career. Joshua writes a story about There is a realness to every the blind beggar healed by In Strange Flowers, Moll character that Ryan creates and Jesus and what the story was Gladney goes missing from not just in this book. His previous actually like. her rural Tipperary home one novels and collections of short morning in 1973. Her parents stories have gripped me, and the It is a striking part of the Paddy and Kit are left reeling characters have stayed fresh in book, told in fits and bursts in with no prior indication that this my mind for long after I finished between Joshua’s and Ryan’s could happen. reading. The Gladneys will stay own embarrassment at using with me for a long time. words he wouldn’t normally Life goes on for the bereaved use and his attempts at couple. Paddy continues his job This is probably the most remaining calm and collected as village postman and general hopeful of Ryan’s books. in front of a girl he likes. handyman for the Jackmans, Previous novels such as All We while Kit balances the books Shall Know and The Thing About Each character struggles for them and keeps her house in December were filled with bleak with their faith before going order. passages and doom and gloom on to accept their own version for the inhabitants of the story. of what happens to us after we Five years later Moll comes While I devoured them, it took are gone and whether or not back in the front gate and up the its toll reading them the first time hell is real or if we even care little garden path with a smoking around as you are exposed to such anymore in later life. habit and not much information hardship and dark thoughts, and on where she has been. The the prose is so good that it seeps All of the character struggle Gladneys’ lives are about to be into your soul. with their true selves yearning upended as following Moll is to get out and we are witness another abandoned family, her Strange Flowers, on the other to seismic changes in the husband Alexander and son hand, while still containing dark individuals we first meet at the Joshua. passages and adult themes, leaves beginning of the book. Moll the reader with a sense of hope and Joshua had to go away Alexander is a black man from that everything will be O.K. to find themselves, while Kit London, where Moll has been, stays in the same cottage for most and their son has come out white This is in part due to Ryan’s of her life and eventually finds and pale. Each family members’ realistic depiction of death. In one a way to live her spiritual life faith and resolve are tested in this passage a main character will be while embracing her newfound novel about life, death and the central to the story and in the next scepticism of her faith. terrible struggle we go through to passage we will be told that they be our true selves. were killed or died. We are all on a journey and we will all suffer loss, but we The protagonist of that certain Interested in writing a book, movie or music review? Email [email protected]

16 Why Liverpool Are Doing So Well This Season BY JAMES ROULSTON an injury crisis that seems to part of the back four. so devastating, two things counter from the middle of the MOONEY get worse every week. Curtis Jones has seen more Takumi Minamino and Divock field. Liverpool have been forced to Van Dijk’s injury made him game time than expected as Origi cannot maintain. The aforementioned new role endure an early injury crisis the sixth senior squad member a result of the injury crisis on His purchase has ensured that for Fabinho can also come in the first half of this season, to miss a game through injury Merseyside, starting four of the Merseyside club is well- under this heading. losing their preferred centre- this season - the season in his the last five games for the club. stocked up top. Liverpool are still challenging back partnership in Virgil case. The Scouse talent looked Goalkeeper Alisson has for silverware because they Van Dijk and Joe Gomez The injuries and COVID- at home in the champions’ returned from a shoulder injury have the mentality to do so, and multiple other first-team related absences have piled midfield against an in-form which preceded the 7-2 loss at they have the commitment and players. up for Liverpool since then Leicester side. Villa Park and has looked at they have the quality. However, they sit second in with only one of Liverpool’s James Milner has been his his best since his return to the They exude excellence and, the Premier League at the time regular back four currently usual solid self in the majority side. even with setbacks, appear of writing, behind Spurs on available. of games he’s been called Klopp’s management should to be one of the best sides in goal difference. It is not only the defence that upon. also be commended for this England with their shrewd They also lead their Champions has been ravaged by injuries The Yorkshire-born midfielder consistency with a withered business, versatility and League group and are three but also Liverpool’s midfield, also gave his best performance squad. management standing out. points off qualification with forcing them to change their in the 3-0 win over Leicester Every player knows their role They’re back on top of their two games to go. formation to 4-2-4 or 4-2-3-1 with his set-pieces through and plays them very well. perch and they’re not going to That raises the question - why multiple times in recent weeks balls to Jota causing all sorts Some tactical tweaks like the get off without a fight. are they still so good? to accommodate the issue. of problems for the Foxes. formation changes have also The short answer is simple - But they’re getting through Liverpool’s forwards have paid off. they’re the Premier League and it, having only lost once since escaped the problems the rest Bobby Firmino’s performance Club World Cup champions. losing Van Dijk at the moment of the side has faced in the last against Leicester City was a They dominated the league and doing something even three months. reminder of the magnificent last season and blew away any better - keeping clean sheets. A few positive tests have player he can be. potential opposition on the Klopp’s trust and belief in limited options for the front His constant position changes way to their 19th English title, his players, along with the line but that sorely-needed with Naby Keita allowed the first in the Premier League atmosphere that he’s crafted fourth option that they lacked him to collect the ball in era. over his four years at the club in previous seasons is now open spaces as the Leicester There was no need to plug any has led to this moment. available - the previously midfield was too preoccupied holes or vastly improve any The German’s faith in mentioned Jota. with Liverpool’s double 6 of part of their game like other youngsters like Rhys Williams The Portuguese forward Jones and Gini Wijnaldum. teams needed to do - they were and other players on the fringes has seamlessly transitioned It gave the Brazilian the almost flawless the previous such as Nathaniel Phillips has into the Liverpool side and freedom to manoeuver in that season. paid off. the 23-year-old has helped space, play the ball to Keita and Michael Edwards has produced Williams made his debut this to maintain the fluidity and reverse the positional change another wonderful transfer season and has played all four pace of the front three that to attack, giving Liverpool window regardless - they Champions League games, can make Liverpool’s attacks fluid movement and a pacey came into the season having keeping three clean sheets and added to the squad smartly looking at home in a European with Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo football backline. Jota and Thiago Alcantara all Phillips stepped in to make his joining the Reds while some second appearance for the side players were moved on to against West Ham at Anfield greener pastures. and won Man of the Match, These additions have started to outshining his counterpart, Joe pay dividends already. Gomez. Diogo Jota has been in hot With Fabinho and Joel Matip form since first appearing back in the squad now, in red and has brought the Liverpool has successfully challenge to Firmino that was weathered what could’ve been sorely needed. a huge problem for them. A hat-trick in Bergamo is the Speaking of the former, the highlight of this run with his Brazilian holding midfielder composure and finishing clear has proven his world-class to see on the night. versatility this season when Thiago Alcantara has also he became Liverpool’s fourth- looked stellar in the short choice centre-back after the amount of time he has been club did not replace Dejan able to play. Lovren. Despite the promising buys, He’s looked comfortable and the side have been hindered by impenetrable whenever he is Sport

17 Daniel Ricciardo - Driver of the Year? BY JAMES ROULSTON podium finishes Renault, who lagged behind considerable gap to Ocon. won by Lewis Hamilton, MOONEY Racing Point and Ricciardo’s Ricciardo flew in for more high Ricciardo could be set for a since Malaysia 2011. future team, McLaren. race finishes as Ocon struggled fantastic finish at Renault. Daniel Ricciardo has had Renault gained ground on with mechanical issues. He may even leave Cyril a brilliant 2020 season in It seems like a brilliant parting the pair over the course Pierre Gasly, Ricciardo’s Abiteboul and the rest of the Formula 1 with Renault. of the season, largely due main opposition for Driver team with a win as he makes The seven-time race winner gift as Ricciardo is set to move to Ricciardo’s 96 points of the Year, won in Mugello his to Woking for next season. has reminded everyone and have clawed their way after a stellar drive and a The Honey Badger may not of the talent he is with his to McLaren for the 2021 season. back into the fight for third. Lewis Hamilton penalty. be at the top of the table but confident and assured driving. A fourth-place finish at the However, the Frenchman’s he has enjoyed a feast for The Honey Badger’s fearless Pair it with a potential British GP in Silverstone fortunes have changed, most of the year and may driving has led to many showed Ricciardo’s quality as allowing the Aussie to take the finish it strongly while the considering whether he is Driver of the Year award a driver, climbing four places spotlight since the Italian GP. others watch on in awe. 2020’s Driver of the Year. from eighth on the grid that day, After some disappointing It’s not hard to see why His work throughout the year and it may be the perfect finishing a second off a podium. showings by Gasly on Sunday, Daniel Ricciardo is tipped Some poor non-points results Ricciardo won his first podium to be Driver of the Year. has earned send-off for the Australian. followed in the next two since 2018 at the Eifel GP and Renault races, with teammate Esteban followed it up with a second its Ricciardo’s season got off to Ocon getting the better of two race weeks later in Imola. first the Honey Badger but it A P10 finish in his latest outing two a rough start when he retired proved to be a small blip on in Turkey was disappointing Ricciardo’s season as he grew but was still higher than due to overheating issues with consistent from the seventh both Ocon and Gasly, who race in Belgium onwards. have not beaten Ricciardo the car in the season opener. A fourth-place finish and since Portugal and the 70th an extra point courtesy of Anniversary GPs respectively. This was followed driving the fastest lap spurred With only three races to go Ricciardo on to eight straight at the time of writing and up by two eighth- points finishes, forging a the drivers’ championship place finishes at the Styrian and Hungarian Grands Prix (GP) to round off a disappointing first three weekends for Ben Healy’s Successful Season BY SIADBH REDMOND in 2018. “It was great to get He has bounced around many explained that “when I was prepares himself for games Ben Healy has had a fantastic a taste of success at such positions throughout his younger I did a lot of kicking, so that we are both on the spell at Munster since getting a young age, so that gave career, with last few years but in the past year or so I have same page for the match”. his shot in the number 10 shirt me great confidence going being between scrumhalf and learnt that you can almost do into the Munster Academy”. out-half. “I’ve always wanted too much before games, so the The out-half showed his Munster’s out-half Ben Healy to play scrumhalf, but during practice when I was younger composure on many outings is making huge inroads in the In 2019, Ben had to the 4th year in school, I grew has stood to me till this day”. for the side, most notably region, with his recent outings opportunity of playing for the too tall and settled into the his conversion of an 81st- in the Pro-14 competition. The Irish Under-20’s squad during number 10 position, which has Munster’s newest combination minute penalty off the bench number 10 has been the decisive their Six Nations Campaign. worked in my favour so far”. of Craig Casey at number 9 during their opening fixture edge in their last few games. “20’s is played at such a high to Scarlets, which secured level, that it is very similar to your role doesn’t change even in Munster the win. “For me, Growing up in Tipperary, a Pro-14 game in intensity, pressure situations”. I don’t find too much of a rugby was always surrounding physicality and atmosphere, difference between coming Ben. “My dad played up until so it was a great stepping off the bench or starting, his early thirties, and I have a stone and another place your role doesn’t change brother who is four years older where I met great coaches”. even in pressure situations”. than me, who started playing Being of such a young age and around the age of seven or eight, playing in such an important Healy has never looked out and Ben at 10 has gained the so I followed on and started position as number 10, Ben of place at out-half, with side a new lease of life, with playing at that age as well”. has found his biggest influence his physical presence being newer possibilities of scoring to be his Father, Fergal who evident throughout his off each attack. The pair have Attending Glenstal Abbey coached him at underage performances. Since moving been lucky enough to have was a crucial experience for level. “You need people who up from the Munster Academy, played with each other since him, wherein his leaving-cert you can talk to, not just about he has hit the ground running Under 16’s as Ben says, “we year he captained the team rugby, but all the off-field in terms of consistent kicking know each other pretty well to their first-ever Munster stuff that comes with it too”. and control of the game. Ben at this stage and he’s pretty Schools Rugby Senior Cup similar to me in the way he Sport

18 The depth of Leinster Rugby- Why is the province still so good, even with their stars missing? BY SIADBH REDMOND & JAMES ROULSTON MOONEY The Leinster Rugby set-up boasts one of the deepest and most talented squads in Europe. With the majority of their main players being selected for the Irish squad throughout the Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup, the region has been forced to rely on its reserves. However, their current side, which includes international- level players available such as DevinToner and Rhys Ruddock and youngsters such as Harry Byrne, has dominated once again in the absence of their stars, maintaining their perfect start at the time of writing. But why are they filled with talent and what makes them so attractive to the national side’s selectors? Dublin, being the capital holds Caption: Coming from behind, Leinster defended their crown with a sensational 27-5 victory in the Guinness Pro 14 the most population density in the country. Keeping this in allows Leinster to build up their Gibson-Park have both seen the Englishman’s arrival. answer of more Leinster academy and sub-academy, themselves to be in Andy The former England head dominance down the line mind, it is obvious why Leinster leading to the squad and Farrell’s favour after a number coach has seen more success Their performances only system that they have today. of international starts to begin in his role with the club seem to be getting better Rugby are so successful. With 47 players registered their careers with Ireland. than he did as head coach of every season, and with their to play for them throughout Leinster plays an exciting the England national side. internationals away in the They have the pick of what all their competitions, it is brand of rugby that sees many His training sessions are Irish camp, it gives their easy to see why they are still of its players shine and can be always rotated to keep them younger players a chance comes out of the private winning despite missing devastating for their opponents. fresh and they re never tailored to step into their positions, some of their key players. Senior coach Stuart Lancaster to an independent opposition. get some valuable game schools in the region. The Brilliant performances from is seen as the main man for this The province’s ‘Stuesday’ time and raise their stock. players such as Scott Penny rebirth for the provincial side. training sessions have The Leinster Rugby machine is Leinster Schools Senior and Cian Kelleher have Previous to his appointment, improved their fitness and a model of efficiency, nurturing propelled Leinster to the the club had faltered ability to compensate for any young players, exporting others Challenge Cup is affiliated to top of Conference A of the momentarily and were mistakes made during games. and demanding excellence Pro14 with a 100% record falling down the pecking The side has won the Pro14 in from everyone involved. the Leinster Branch and IRFU. and all possible bonus points. order of top European clubs. the latter three of Lancaster’s As their international This attractiveness that Leinster Lancaster joined for the first four seasons at Leinster market grows, so too Schools like Blackrock exudes as a club does not stop 2016/17 season and, since and has failed to reach does their dominance. at the success of their academy. then, Leinster have rebuilt the Champions Cup semi- The rise and rise of Leinster College, Belvedere, The club is able to keep such themselves into an even finals only once, winning Rugby will continue, with a big squad because of their bigger European behemoth the competition in 2018. or without their best XV. Castleknock, Ternure and sponsorship deals and funding. than what they were before, Following on from their This allows them to cementing themselves as unbeaten domestic season Newbridge, to name a few manage many international perennial Champions Cup in 2019, winning the Pro- players as well as younger challengers for the near future. 14 for the third time in a have competed in their Cup ones throughout the club. The 51-year-old has free row, they do look to be out Some of their international rein over training sessions in a league of their own. since it’s origin in 1887. players have qualified and and the Irish outfit has Adding their ‘A’ side’s victory received caps for Ireland. improved greatly under Leo in the Celtic Cup into the Since the early 2000’s more James Lowe and Jamison Cullen’s management since equation gives us a probable interest has been paid to this competition, as it has seen the emergence of many great Irish and Leinster players like Brian O’Driscoll, Leo Cullen and more recent Gary Ringrose. Their academy’s influence is evident in the Ireland squad of recent years as 16 of the last 25 caps have been given to players who have been in a Leinster shirt at some point in their career. The large amount of home- grown talent at their disposal Sport

19 Jim McGuinness and The System ‘the system’ - changed Gaelic football in the early 2010s BY JAMES ROULSTON teams as many problems as level and continued with his point victory in the final against summit of Gaelic football in half MOONEY possible and then lighting them philosophy. Derry. the time he believed they would. up when it was needed. He outlined his intentions to The side won their first provincial They had to go through Cavan, Jim McGuinness is Donegal’s McGuinness’ tactics even have the side in an All-Ireland title since 1992 against the same Derry, Tyrone, Down, Kerry, greatest manager of all time - dismantled Jim Gavin’s Dublin final in 2014. opposition without blowing Cork and Mayo to do so - a very there’s no debate against that. in the 2014 All-Ireland semi- The players feared him but away the masses with fantastic tough task for any side. As Donegal crash out at the final, preventing arguably the also respected him and thought football for 70 minutes. 2013 was a less successful year quarter-final stage once again, greatest side in the history of the highly of him. The team were devastating when for the side, losing heavily to this time in the form of the game from making the final. He would constantly tell them they needed to be regardless of Mayo in the quarter-final after Ulster final, you can’t help That has been the side’s only that they were going to conquer their tendency to let opposition being unable to defend their but think about why it has not loss in the championship since Ulster, that they were going to sides back into the game. provincial crown. worked for such a talented team 2013 and the only time Jim overcome what they had failed They reached the semi-final that McGuinness did not panic - since Jim McGuinness left. Gavin lost a championship to do since 1992 and that they year, beating Kildare in a thriller he looked over the year and They have what it takes to give match as manager. were going to upset the big guns but falling short to eventual adapted the system accordingly, Dublin a game, especially on McGuinness’ style as manager in the province. winners, Dublin. returning the side to the top of their day, and should be the next was evident from the start - The side went through the same Pat Spillane infamously called Ulster and returning to the All- best thing at the very least but Naomh Conaill played the route as this year’s Cavan side the style of play “shi’ite Ireland final, recording that they are not. same type of football - and the - through the preliminary round. football” at half-time. stunning victory against Dublin Their success in the first half Glenties man was set in his They eased past Antrim and Donegal attempted to suck the to book their place in the final. of the last decade may be seen ways. the 2011 Cavan side to book life out of a Dublin side that had Many have tried to replicate in the future as being down the His training was tough and strict an Ulster semi-final spot with never faced a side like that. what McGuinness did with system of football that they but it instilled a genuine belief Tyrone. McGuiness has admitted that their own counties, ushering in played more than the footballers within the Donegal players that Mickey Harte’s men were seen they were not offensive enough the era of the blanket defence within that system, regardless of they could go all the way on the by the masses as the best Ulster in 2011 but he never changed the but, as McGuinness did, Jim talent. inter-county stage from the start. side in the country and one system, only looking to improve Gavin adapted his team’s style McGuinness’ creation - ‘the He reached the final with the of the best inter-county sides it after every year. of play to suit this opposition system’ - changed Gaelic Donegal side in 2010 at u-21 irrespective of provincial lines. Donegal came into 2012 far and conquered Gaelic football football in the early 2010s, level, utilising the system Donegal produced a massive better than they were in 2011 in doing so. becoming a revolutionary setup while devouring Tipperary and upset, recording a 2-6 (12) to and showed off some fantastic Regardless of what differing for the game. narrowly losing the final to Jim 0-9 (9) win over a Tyrone side attacking play as they went opinions people have on It relies on fitness, work rate Gavin and his famed u-21 side. that included Sean Cavanagh back-to-back in Ulster. McGuinness and the system and patience from the players to Jim took the senior job in 2011 and Brian Dooher. Joe Brolly predicted they would he crafted, it is undeniable be executed perfectly, causing after his success at underage They recorded their third six- win an All-Ireland after they that Donegal has been missing took apart Derry in the Ulster something since McGuinness quarter-finals. left. There were always 15 defenders Maybe they don’t have the and 15 attackers. same drive that he instilled They were no longer devastating within them or maybe the newer when they needed to be, they players coming in are not instant were devastating whenever they superstars. wanted to be. Colm McFadden finished the Whatever other problems they year with 4-32, starring in many may have are irrelevant, they are of their games and being their missing ‘the system’ and that’s main attacking threat, averaging what took a good team and gave over six points a game. them glory. The side beat then-favourites Cork in the semi-final 0-16 (16) to 1-11 (14) with their renewed attacking focus helping to squeeze past the Rebels after a tough game. Mayo proved no match for the Green and Gold and McGuinness’ men reached the Sport

20 Tipperary and Cavan Outdo Underdog Status As Bloody Sunday Commemorations Take Place Caption: Tipperary Captain, Conor Sweeney celebrates the victory fewer wides over the course of before racing to join the attack the final. once again. BY CIAN DALTON was killed in the crossfire. to get to another All-Ireland Michael Quinlivan scored some Gearoid McKiernan kicked His name lives on today in the final and put their own ghosts beautiful points in the first- some wonderful frees and his They say that history is written Hogan Stand. Thirteen other from 1951 to peace, the same half to remind everyone of his long-range ball led to the Cavan by the winners and Cavan innocent people were murdered team they faced a century ago. class while Conor Sweeney did goal that sealed their victory. and Tipperary both won in that day which historians agree Dublin, Tipperary, Mayo and some major damage in the full- Conor Madden, a blood extraordinary fashion to secure sparked the beginning of the end Cavan were the provincial forward line. substitute and receiver of a their provincial titles. of the War of Independence. winners 100 years ago and those Evan Comerford chipped in black card, scored that goal and While Tipperary might have It marked an increase in violence four teams are the provincial with some important points several important points to send the Breffni men beat in terms of and retribution from the Black champions this year. from placed ball frees and his Donegal packing. historical importance and length and Tans with the Burning Dublin face Cavan in one semi- goal kicks were also important Mikey Graham’s men just of time waiting for a provincial of Cork occurring less than a final while Mayo and Tipp went throughout. looked like a different class crown, their victories today add month later. head-to-head in the other match. Tipp eventually ran out 0-17 yesterday and while Donegal another chapter to the illustrious It only seemed fitting then, and Tipp and Dublin met in the final - 0-14 winners but it always kicked a few uncharacteristic story of the G.A.A. while wearing a replica of the in 1920, with the Premier county looked comfortable for them. wides they can have no one to 100 years ago on Saturday jersey worn on that fateful day beating the capital to win their Ian Maguire put in a colossal blame but themselves. the 20th November, Tipperary in 1920, that Tipperary would third All-Ireland football title. performance for the Rebels in Cavan won’t care about Donegal and Dublin were playing a win Munster for the first time in In two weeks, those semi-final midfield while Mark Collins and the fact that they performed challenge football game in 85 years. match-ups will be played once tried to pull the strings in the poorly. As Player of the Month Croke Park. Following the They beat the same team in again. second half from further out the Thomas Galligan talked about execution of British officers by 1935 that they beat yesterday 100 years ago the Tipperary field. in his post-match interview with Michael Collins’ Squad earlier in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, ending squad found themselves The loss of Luke Connolly RTÉ, Cavan were underdogs that morning, British army a succession of Kerry wins in wrapped up in the bloody to a hamstring injury at half- against Monaghan, Down and officers surrounded Croke Park, Munster. They lost to Cavan in tapestry that is Irish history time didn’t help their cause but Donegal. Look where they are entered the field while the game the All-Ireland Semi-final that under British occupation. really this game came down to now. was playing and opened fire year. The massacre on the 21st the hunger shown by Tipperary This is their biggest challenge indiscriminately. In the year of Our Lord 2020, November 1920 saw the delay and the superior skill level they since Kerry in 2015, however, Tipperary player Michael Hogan they face a Mayo team looking of their semi-final against Mayo possess. with Galligan also reminding until the summer of 1922. In the end, it wasn’t a bad day the Irish Examiner of their They went on to win the 1920 for Tipperary as they honoured disadvantage playing at Croke All-Ireland against Dublin on the team from 100 years ago, Park. the 11th of June 1922. The ended a provincial drought This only whets the appetite of team that day must have carried and capitalised on their good Gaelic football fans as another the weight of what happened performances and progress over upset may be on the cards, the on Bloody Sunday with them, the last five years. biggest of them all. as did David Power’s men Cavan carved out their own slice History is written by the yesterday. of history at theAthletic Grounds winners, and this chapter of Everybody, including the Cork in the Ulster decider later that history encompasses a century team, but Tipperary seemed afternoon. After coming back of liberation, championships, to think that Cork were the from seemingly impossible unbridled joy and unimaginable favourites. margins against Monaghan and sorrow. However, Tipperary worked Down, they found themselves harder, turned over more balls in rank outsiders against Donegal. Tipperary and Cavan may add in their half-back line and kicked Last year’s winners dispatched their own author’s note: Don’t Tyrone and Armagh on their underestimate us again. path to the final, staying solid Caption: The Breffni County scored a historic upset throughout the course of their games and looking impressive across the board. Michael Murphy had been calling the shots and popping up all over the field, defending and attacking in equal measure. Ryan McHugh was breaking out from the back, keen to lead Donegal back to Croke Park, though, they faced a Cavan team possessed. Oisín Kiernan scored a tremendous point towards the end of the game to restore Cavan’s lead. He was everywhere yesterday, often appearing to claim the ball in the cornerback position Sport

Diego Maradona: An Ode To The King BY Mike Finnerty table, securing their first-ever The passing of Diego title in the process. Maradona has sent shockwaves through the world of football. In 2019, Oscar-winning One side of the coin director Asif Kapadia gave demonstrated a Superman-esque audiences an insight into the figure capable of the impossible impact Maradona’s arrival had on a regular basis, the other on Naples as a city, and if you side revealed a psychological would like an insight into just timebomb that serves as the precisely what Maradona meant warnings of the dangers of as a figure of myth and lore, excess. you’d be hard-pressed to find It was that precariousness better than that. that elevated Maradona from mere superstar to a man who A scene in the film shows plunged his country into 3 days a banner displayed outside of national mourning upon his Naples’ main graveyard passing. following their first-ever title If one were to pick a place to win, with the banner reading start when discussing Maradona, “You don’t know what you one would be hard-pressed to missed.” look past the summer of 1986. Hunger is a great motivator; Prior to Maradona’s arrival, having been left out as a the south of Italy was treated 17-year-old during his country’s as the poor, peasant south, in 1978 win on home soil and man- stark contrast to the wealthy marked within an inch of his and well-off Northern cities of life in the summer 1982 Spanish Milan and Turin. sun, 1986 was Diego’s year. Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop The gap is still apparent today, Boys coined the term “imperial but for a brief period in the phase”, in which an artist is at 1980s, Diego Maradona erased their peak and they can do no that stigma. wrong. Sunday, June 22nd, 1986, was In football, there are legendary just that for Maradona, and a players, ones that are talked perfect distillation of what he about in hushed, revered tones did best. like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Other writers have written Messi. about the Hand Of God or El Diego leading England on a Then there are titans; players merry dance, but that game who not only impacted the pitch was the end of Maradona the they played on, but the wider superstar, and Maradona the environment surrounding them. mythological figure. In the preceding 1986-1987 Childhood is the era where season, Maradona dragged you are taught about the greats the unfavoured Napoli to the of football; Pele, Beckenbauer, summit of the Italian league Best, Cantona, Gascoigne, but those are mere mortals compared to one man; Diego Armando Maradona. Sport