The Print
The Print 2009 December
Volume 1 Issue 3
•Pullout Poster •Murder of Crows •Recipes •Clubs and Socs •Interviews The Print master 1
The Bertie Battle: views from both sides The triumphant return of the Canteen Correspondent and much, much more...
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The Print
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The Print
T h e Pr i n t Contents
December 2009
Union Your Union
What we’re doing
Features
Editorial Letters to Editor President’s Report Welfare Report Student Services News
p4 p5 p6 p7 p8
Useful stuff
Canteen Correspondent The Jeff Word & The Life of Brian & An Eye On 10 Minutes With Recipes Story General Whimsy
p9 p11 p12 p13 p14 p15 p19
Ents
Reviews Interview: Howard Zinns
p20 p22
Features
Ents
Making the most of your time off
News News
What’s happening
C&S Clubs/Socs
The Bertie Battle Ministerial appointment for Maynooth Prof Maynooth Students for charity NUIM Soccer Roundup UN Climate Change Conference Library Plans Lodged NUIM Wins Swimming Varsities News from Clubs and Societies
Things to do around campus Editor in Chief: Eoin Byrne Design: Eoin Byrne Editors: Keith Broni, Simon Greene
Contributors: Eoin Byrne, Susan Caldwell, Maria Carty-Mole, Tara Clarke, Brian Dillon, James Joseph Emerald, Donal Fallon, Gail Flinter, Ronan Gorry, Jeff Greene, Shane Larkin, Shane Lynn, Martin J McCann, Brian Murphy, Liz Murray, Oisin Nolan, Niamh O’Brien, Bernard O’Rourke, L. Parsons, Barry Prendeville, Disgruntled Thomas, Lorcan Walsh, Laura Wilson
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What a month it’s been. Hell, what a semester it’s been. It’s a very different Maynooth from the one we left in June: the campus if rife with new constructions, both staff and students alike are at each other’s throats over the appointment of an honorary lecturer, we’ve been the setting of industrial action, we’ve had students trapped out West due to flooding and the one glint of tranquility ahead is Christmas and even as I type it, I know how foolish that sounds. Christmas is notorious for being one of the most stressful times of the year as we scrabble for that perfect gift for friends, family and loved ones and once we have it, we feign enthusiasm for the underwear and socks that are the staple Christmas gift. The family members we see but once a year arrive and show quite clearly why it’s only once a year that they’re allowed in our home as they get drunk and insist that everyone wears the paper hat from their Christmas cracker all day. I think it’s getting pretty clear at this point that I’m not Christmas’ biggest fan but don’t get me wrong, there are parts of this festive time that I love; like walking through Dublin the odd evening and admiring the Christmas lights on Grafton Street and along Henry’s Street. Naturally, I can’t forget the Toy Show. As long as I can remember (and that’s quite a while at this point) I haven’t missed a Toy Show but I have to say that this year I was a little disappointed; not because of Mr Tubridy’s subversive mocking of the children, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but because there wasn’t the usual inner city kid dressed entirely in something made of glitter with opinions and attitudes that would best suit a middle aged woman. Sure, we had that creepy kid who wants to fix watches for a living and Ireland’s Littlest Muck-savage but that doesn’t give the fairest representation of Ireland’s youth. So, on that note, I’d like to wish you all the very best this Christmas. I hope you all get a better present than you give and that you have someone you care about when midnight closes this decade.
L e t t e r s to the E d i t o r Forum Fury Recently, my an ongoing
inbox and
has become disappointingly
a forum for facile debate.
By the time this is published, the subject of the debate, the campus strike on November 24th, will more than likely have passed without incident. But, Michael <dublincitykid>, Tom Dowling, Lennart Gosen and Sean Conaty have become a little vocal regarding this simple democratic demonstration. The affair began in a simple fashion. Dermot Kelly sent an informative email regarding campus activity on the day of the strike. The phrase “wisest course of action may be to stay away from Maynooth” popped up, referring to anyone who had plans to go to college on the day, which is a bit overblown and dramatic, but was merely making a point. Other than that, it was inoffensive, essential reading. Dermot’s message became the root of some consternation. Citykid accused the university lecturers of selfishness and cowardice. He referred to a number of figures, wages, proposed cuts and all that kind of thing that never sounds solid coming from a layperson, particularly an anonymous layperson. Tom Dowling accused our citykid of cowardice. Tom, surely it is everyone’s right to anonymously put forward a view? It was unfortunate that citykid was making a point about cowardice, but just because he’s a hypocrite doesn’t necessarily mean he’s wrong. Tom’s barbed semantics didn’t really add anything to the fray. After that there were the usual trappings of an internet debate; the voice of Reason, the voice of Childish Logic and a lot of bogus points, Conaty taking the gong for greatest simpleton to invade my privacy. Sorry Sean, I’m sure you’re a nice chap and you have every right to post your views on the world wide web, but of all the available spots in all the world, why mine? It is great to see people getting involved and expressing these views. What is not great is the pettiness and detached point-scoring element. There are better ways to inform or express yourself, such as actual discussion. What really was not great was the venue. I understand how it seems obnoxious and hypocritical to blast these people for publicly expressing themselves by expressing myself publicly, but damnit, my college address is for information. To the best of knowledge the message was only sent to CS students, which is a bit of a pain considering that I am not one. Not everybody received them, but many did. People! Emails are man’s greatest gift from God, such beautiful things should not be sullied with sophistry and poor argument. So please, spare my inbox of your objective personal views, that’s what forums are for. Ronan Gorry
Taoiseach Teaching
I’ll catch you in the new year
To the Editor,
Be safe
At the time of writing, more than 550 NUI Maynooth students have signed a petition in opposition to the appointment of Bertie Ahern T.D by the department of Business and Law. After a combined total of four hours canvassing for signatures, over two days, this is a fantastic indication of the feeling on the ground from the student body, with many of those who signed expressing disgust at Aherns own personal
Eoin
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The Print track record, and in many cases that of his political party with regards not just education, but many other social issues. Bertie Ahern and his political party played no small part in crashing the Irish economy. Ahern was directly involved, along with the previously convicted Ray Burke, in not just the giveaway of Irish natural resources (valued in the billions) but also in removing the stipulation that ensured the state sees a significant return on gas obtained by private corporations in Irish waters. Ahern’s personal finances remain a mystery. It was Bertie himself who remarked in the Dail (way back in 1996) that “the public are entitled to have an absolute guarantee of the financial probity and integrity of their elected representatives” It is perhaps fitting that the last time NUI Maynooth students took large-scale action on a political issue, it was at the time of the Iraq war. In a lecture on conflict resolution, perhaps Professor Ahern will give his opinion on the use of Shannon Airport by conflict forces on route to the Middle East, something that began during his time in office. In the likely event Bertie Ahern is snuck on (or at the time of print has been snuck on) to campus, the petition serves to highlight the fact a large body of students are opposed to his presence here, now or in the future. Of course, some academic staff also made their feelings on his presence here clear before the student petition, and of I’m sure I speak for most students who signed the petition when I say we have full support for the academic staff here at present, working
in the conditions that they are with regards cutbacks on campus. Bertie is not a ‘retired’ figure, or anything near it, remember he hobbled into the Dail on crutches to vote for cutbacks before. Its a long way from the days of walking around shopping centres for Bertie Ahern, a long way indeed. To each and every name on that list, I say thank you. Best wishes, L.Parsons. Dear Editor, I am getting a bit of sick of the opposition to Bertie Ahern’s appointment as lecturer in Business and Law. I fully understand that people may have reservations about Bertie’s financial dealings and with his treatment of the education system in light of the fees debate and cut backs in NUIM, however these are not valid reasons for opposing Bertie’s appointment as a lecturer. Whether people like it or not there are few people in Ireland with as wide knowledge and experience in the legal and business world as Bertie Ahern. These protesters fail to see that politicising his appointment will only serve to get in the way of fellow student’s education. Aside from that, doesn’t each and every student have the choice themselves to boycott his lectures? No one is being forced to attend his lectures (though my suspicion is that the people calling for the Bertie boycott are probably not even going to be in any of his lectures anyway). It’s nothing short of
arrogance telling other students they can’t be taught by Ahern. If people don’t want to hear him speak they’ll not show up to his lectures. And what are the protesters hoping to achieve from all this? If the campaign of people such as Aidan Rowe (letter’s page vol1. Issue 2.) succeeds and Ahern is ousted what will be the positive outcome? Apart from still having to pay Bertie (because he will have signed a contract) the college would then have to rush to find a replacement lecture and pay them as well. And more importantly, like I’ve said, the college have next to no hope of finding anyone with as good a background in law and business as a former Taoiseach of near 11 years. By all means oppose his politics but think carefully before you decide to start messing around with other students’ teaching. Disgruntled Thomas
if you have something you’d like to scream, rant or warn about anything good, bad or political don’t hesitate to submit a letter to us here at The Print.
theprint@nuimsu.com Submission deadline: January 15th
Feedback From The Computer Centre There have been a number of complaints in regards to students using facebook in the computer labs during peak hours. There are queues of people waiting to do research, type essays and submit assignments and people are annoyed about having to to wait. While facebook is an important social aspect of college for some, please have consideration for the people that have deadlines to meet. The computer labs (Rye Hall, Arts Block etc) are under huge strain with the amount printing that is
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required by students so a new wireless printing system has been set up via the NUIM Wireless network to a new print release station and printer located in the Arts Building near the Internet Pod. This service uses the same print cards that you use to print in the Public Access Computer Rooms. Unfortunately, not a lot of students are availing of it so we urge you to download the program needed to connect to the system. This can be found at the following URL: http://computercentre.nuim. ie/students/wireless_printing/ wireless_printing.shtml For further information or for any queries please contact the Computer
Assistant on duty in the PACR.
The computer Centre have informed us that quite a number of students have ECDL modules that are mandatory for their course. The numbers that have taken it so far this year has been slow. They urge you to get these done early in the second semester to get them out of the way as the fear is that everyone will leave it until the last minute and the classes will be overburdened.
03/12/2009 16:05:10
The Print
PRESIDENT’S REPORT [ ]
Your Students’ Union
from
Brian Murphy
SU President Brian Murphy lets you know what he’s been up to and keeps you up to date with all you should know about student life.
President Brian Murphy Office Hours: 9.30-5.00 Monday-Friday 01-7086436 president@nuimsu.com VP/Education and Welfare Liz Murray Office Hours: 9:30-5.00 Monday-Friday 01-7086808 vicepresident@nuimsu.com VP/Comms and Dev Eoin Byrne Office Hours: 9.30-5.00 Monday-Friday 01-7086249
communications@nuimsu.com
Entertainment Officer Jeff Greene Office Hours: 12.00-2.00 Monday 01-7083946 ents@nuimsu.com Finance Officer Brian Dillon Office Hours: 3.00-5.00 Monday 01-7083946 finance@nuimsu.com Cultural Affairs & Irish Language Officer Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 Monday 01-7083946 culture@nuimsu.com
Keep up to date with all that’s happening in your union nuimsu.com
bebo.com/nuimsu
facebook.com/nuimsu twitter.com/nuimsu
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Student Support Bill The Student Support Bill was introduced by the then Minister of Education Mary Hanafin in February 2008 but has yet to put to vote at the Oireachtas. This Bill would simplify the current grants system and make it more accessible to students. I brought this up at the Student affairs Committee and it was agreed that a letter would be sent from the committee to the Department of Education requesting information the Bills progress. Also at the last FUSU it was decided that a letter would be sent with the signatures of its members SU’s to the each of the Political Parties expressing our disappointment that the Bill has not yet been presented to the Oireachtas for approval. Pugin Hall There are a lot of rumours going around about the future of Pugin Hall and I would like to make it clear what is going on. St Patrick’s College have announced that they will not be running it as a restaurant from December 18th on. It is important to remember that Pat’s currently owns Pugin and runs it but lets NUI Maynooth students eat there. NUI Maynooth are currently in negations with St Patrick’s College about its future so whether the restaurant will remain open under different circumstances is not known as of yet. As soon as I have any more information on it I will let you know. Raise and Give Charity For those of you who don’t know, we have already chosen our Raise and Give charity for the year. The Charity we have chosen is “Little Way” cancer support centre in Clane. We are hoping that students will organise Raise and Give events throughout the academic year with all proceeds going to the charity. Any ideas you have whatsoever you have to raise money for this great cause (be it carol singing at Christmas or juggling) call in to us and we will try our best to help you our group out.
Parking I would like to thank everyone who responded to the proposed parking measures that are being discussed at the moment. The response was great and a number of important points and issues were brought highlighted. I have drawn up a report based on the students’ responses and this will be presented to the University so that the students can have their voice heard in it. Discussion Forum on Higher Education On Thursday 12th November we were invited along with reps from other SU’s to attend a Discussion Forum on Higher Education in which the group’s ideas would be reported to the Minister of Education. It was a great opportunity for Students to outline ways in which third level education in Ireland could be improved in the future. It was also of great benefit to us as we got feedback from other Universities that we can now bring to various committees in the University. Your Union I just want to remind everyone that this is YOUR Union. No matter how big or small your problem is call in to us, where there to help. I will say however, if you wish to contact us please contact us by our email addresses or office numbers. We urge you not to use online forums such as boards.ie or social networking forums to contact us as any problems you have will not be addressed on these.
Keep up to date with Brian at www.twitter.com/ nuimsupresident
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A word in your ear from Liz Murray giving you helpful tips to keep your body and mind in the best shape possible
WELFARE REPORTS
Lonely this Christmas? Save yourself a Blu
e Christmas wit
Whoever said ‘tis the season to be jolly was clearly unaware of how potentially embarrassing getting jolly can be. Between getting broke buying presents, getting stressed over exams and getting locked around the Christmas tree with your family (which always ends in a row) its easy to fall into the trap of letting your hair down a little too much resulting in humiliation that will linger well into the new year. The staff Christmas party, the one opportunity a year you get to drink yourself under the table and charge it to your stingy bosses account. Naturally you’re going to want to overindulge in order to get him/her back for all the late nights, the extra shifts and the crummy wages but think of the consequences! A couple of drinks down and you completely forget that you cannot stand most of the people you work with. As you open your emotional floodgates to tell them how you weren’t hugged enough as a child the one irritatingly sober member of the group is silently taking notes to blackmail you with while what little respect everyone else had for you dissipates like Christmas spirit after the 6th of January. Karaoke. Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’. Don’t do it, enough said.
The Print Clubs Officer Donal Spring Office Hours: 2.00-4.00 Tuesday 01-7086436 clubs@nuimsu.com Societies Officer Office Hours: 2:00-4:00 Tuesday 01-7083946 societies@nuimsu.com
h Liz’s words o
f wisdom
Mistletoe: the ultimate drunken disaster facilitator. Fuelled by festive spirit(s) and longing for love this holiday season, desperados who only make appearances at Christmas and Valentine’s day come out in full force and linger around this magical mistletoe waiting for someone (potentially you) to stumble close enough for them to lock lips. While people like this are easy to spot and therefore easy to avoid the trap that is most difficult to avoid is becoming that desperado. You spend hours getting ready, you fancy a little bit of loving this Christmas and you automatically assume that as you are naturally god’s gift that anyone you can get within the proximity of that leafy green lump of love will want you to smooch them. They more than likely won’t. Save yourself the embarrassment. Foolproof ways to save face this Winter? Watch how much you’ve had to drink, avoid karaoke and when it comes to love being too eager is a sure fire way to end up alone and we don’t want that - be the flame not the moth. Merry Christmas, Love Liz xx
St. Pat’s Representative Sean Dench Office Hours: 1:00-3:00 Thursday 01-7083946 stpatsrep@nuimsu.com
First Year Representative Louise Feahany Office Hours: TBC 01-7083946 firstyear@nuimsu.com
Post Grad Representative
Donnacha Gayer Office Hours: 1.00-3.00 Wednesday 01-7083946 postgrad@nuimsu.com
To make an appointment with any member of the Executive, get the cheapest photocopying on campus or to pick up your student travel card, call into Mary MacCourt in the Students’ Union front office
Message from the Ambulance Service We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call. Hence the ICE (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. All you need to do is store the number of a contact person who should be contacted during emergency under the name ICE (ICE 1, ICE 2 etc) to make it easier to get in touch with your loved ones if you’re unable to use your phone yourself
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News from Student Services Trócaire Christmas Cards
Are you looking for a special Christmas card to send to family, friends and colleagues this festive season? Purchase a pack of Trócaire Christmas cards beautifully illustrated by Niamh Sharkey. We have two different packs available each priced at €5. Purchase from Trócaire office in St. Patrick’s College (South Campus), Maynooth or from Maynooth University Bookshop. To order cards please contact 01-6293333.
Change Someone’s Life with a Trocaire Global Gift This Christmas there are nine Gifts for you to choose from. Each has been carefully selected to make the greatest difference to the people who need it most. To order your Global Gift, please call 1850 408 408, buy online at www. trocaire.org or call into Trócaire’s office in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. For each gift purchased, we’ll send you a beautifully illustrated tree decoration along with a card to sign and send to your family or friends.
Kildare Volunteer Centre Outreach Office
Quiet Room
Sacrament of Penance If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities our office is located in the Students’ Union. Open three days per week: 9a.m.5.p.m. Closed for lunch. Contact: Doreen 01-7084712/086-8740709 doreen@volunteerkildare.ie or visit our website at www.volunteerkildare.ie
Medical Centre Student Services Centre. Nurses Pauline & Kathleen & Dr. Helen: 10-1pm & 2-4pm. Appointments, contact Rose, 01-7083878 or call in.
Has reopened in Classhall E. Term times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 26pm, Wednesday 4-8pm, Friday 10-12 noon. Full details on all new and improved services at http:// supportcentre.maths.nuim.ie/
Take time out to drop into Quiet Room in Arts Building anytime for peaceful reflection.
Maynooth Mission Outreach Maynooth Mission Outreach is a missionary group that sends volunteers from St. Patrick’s College and NUIM to work in the Third World in places such as Calcutta, Peru and Tanzania. There are some places available for Summer 2010. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Colm Murphy at 086 316 1532 or email colummurphy@ireland.com
Maths Support Centre
Meditation The Meditation Group meets next Monday, 30 November, 4 - 4.30 in the Quiet Room, Arts Building, N.Campus.
Every Tues. 12.30pm – 1.15pm in St. Joseph’s Oratory – opposite Computer Centre, can be accessed by Trocaire Arch, South Campus.
AA Meetings Held every Mon. Wed. & Fri in An Tobar, Student Services Building (1 – 2 pm-) for both students & staff Confidential
Pioneers for You
If interested drop into Chaplaincy office in Arts Building or ring Seán 086 165 1219
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The Print
Canteen Correspondent Back by popular demand, we have Maynooth’s most loved and loathed resident. Back with a bang he seems to be making up for lost time What, so a new paper comes out and I’m forgotten? Me? A staple of Maynooth life. The true voice of the students. The last of a dying breed. So I’m back by popular demand it seems. I’m glad to see that some of you have some sense at any rate. VP Comms come and go, but somehow, I’m the one constant of the paper, no matter what the name. So where do I begin? It’s been March since we’ve last crossed paths and clearly a lot has happened in the interim. We’ve had a new wave of impressionable first years who barely look like they’re old enough to tie the laces on their big boy shoes, but that seems to be the case every year. I did get a look at next year’s batch though at the Open Day the other week; slim pickings. But then again, in a few years time when they’ve lost the baby fat, who knows how I’ll feel? Still, the thought of scoring someone who was born the year I went to see Jurassic Park in the cinema... There’s something not quite right about that. So lets retire to a more present topic. I’ve set myself up in this new common room as a base since there’s enough room to spread out my newspaper on the table. I’ve found a corner warm enough with as little traffic as possible, but given that this place is minute, there’s very rarely an occasion I can savour my crrosswrod in peace. Here’s a prime example of how a brunette and a blonde effectively ruined my morning. I spotted her out of the corner of my eye a few weeks back and being that I’ve become cynical in my old age, rather than “invest” my time engaging her, I continued with my crossword. She was with a friend: the
little blonde number who was desperately trying to look effortlessly fashionable but instead looked windswept and appeared to be wearing a cowboy scarf, but then again they all seem to be these days. The two asked if the other seats at my almost abandoned table were free and I grunted a response. The two pulled out their chairs and sat down while chirping about some banal event involving what I think was a duck. I could never master Carlow slang so you’ll have to bear with me. So I look up while pondering a cryptic clue and actually get a decent look at her. She was just my type: female. No, I kid. She was the brunette, athletic and fairly cute. She did look a little green for my taste but she was clearly over eighteen so I thought to myself “Give it some time, maybe she’ll redeem herself”. It would appear that this was not, nor would it be, the case. She pulled out what I imagined to be a biology book based on the amount of sketches of internal organs. Either that or the kids are into some pretty messed up porn these days. I sighed and filled in twelve down: mundane. After a few more clues I wandered machine-wards to settle for a sub-par beverage. When I got back to the table, there were more of them. It may have been osmosis because these were practically closes of the blonde girl, although the new girls seemed to be bottle blonde. To add to the already unintelligible Carlow accent, we now had Monaghan in the mix. Anthropologically speaking it was quite an experience, reminding me of a documentary
I watched several years before about tribes in the jungle. They seemed to be able to understand each other perfectly though, through their series of clicks and whistles mixed with “OMG” and “Like, no way”. You’d think with a college that has a degree in English available, that someone would take it upon themself to teach these kids how to speak properly; or how to use full words at the very least. It appears that it’s going to be another year where I have to endure the youth using less and less words as their births correlate more and more to some of my favourite films. Next year it’s Jurassic Park. The following year it’s Pulp Fiction. I don’t think I can take that. I rolled up my paper and decided that now was as good a time as any to hit the road and get myself something more substantial than a Yorkie for lunch. I folded up my paper and stood up, removing my jacket from the back of my chair. As I put my arms through the sleeves I realised that this was a lot like how I felt this time last year. I turned to the budding socialites at my table “As ever, it’s been a pleasure” and gripping my newspaper I walked out into the elements. So
I’m
back
Maynooth.
Miss
me?
Humans vs Zombies Want to be involved in the world’s greatset team sport? Sign up for HvZ, the ultimate RAG Week challenge by mailing Jeff at ents@nuimsu.com Not quite ready to take the leap? Check out www. humansvszombies.org for all the gory details
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The Print
The Jeff The Naughties: A Word Decade In Review Jeff Greene takes it upon himself to tell it like it is
It all boils down to this, are you a somebody? Or are you a nobody? I want you to really think about that one for a second and see if you can look in a mirror and say “yeah I’m a god damn somebody. I eat f**king nobodies for breakfast”. Any other word order is frankly ridiculous and should be immediately ignored. Outrageous. Now, down to business, you scream to the heavens ‘How do I, Mr. Average Joe, become an immortal, how do I cast off the shackles of being a big dickhead loser and do something with my life?’ ‘I’ll tell you how’, I’ll whisper back, ‘ by joining a boy band’. It’s so simple really, they are the epitome of life, and everything they do is done to the max. They live and die on the whim of millions. When they suck, they do it royal and most importantly, when they wash up, they wash up hard. They really throw everything into crashing and burning and brother, sister, lover, they do it right. Their example should be followed by all, that is live and be loved and burn so intensely that when your fame becomes a memory, it’s a hazy confusing one and when your career becomes a joke, its damn funny. So now you’re as confused as ever, ‘how do I get in a boy band?’ Well stop being such a sour chump and join the boy band contest. It is not so much a contest as it is a cause, a movement, a way of life. So stop crying about your annoying life and your mank girlfriend. Stop whinging about your wasted youth and the fact that you cant run because it hurts your knees and you don’t know if its serious enough to go to the doctor because that costs money which means your shit out of luck from your dead end job which you know, you KNOW pays less than the dole and is degrading but you stick with it because your such an dickhead assclown baby. You gonna cry baby? Well man up. Or boy up and throw together a boy band pronto. Entries to ents@nuimsu.com. Don’t let the girl bands win. Team boy is counting on you. Team boy needs a hero.
The Big Stuff
The Noughties was the most disastrous time since World War Two, and looking around us it’s no wonder. Uggs rose to fame, as back-combing and excessive use of hairspray made an unexpected come back (resulting in. . .), global warming speeding up and the death of Michael Jackson. Terrorism was rife and the economy took a nose dive resulting in a little thing called The Recession. Unlike most things that occur in the outside world, all of these things had a direct and long lasting effect on the previously impenetrable Maynooth bubble. Students’ drink of choice no longer had a socially acceptable brand name and while businesses were closing down nationwide, Dutch Gold is quite probably the only business that has actually thrived since the Celtic Tiger was eaten by Bush.
Sex & the City
Justin was bring sexy back, Nelly Furtado was getting promiscuous and (to the delight of visiting American students) Souljah Boy was super soaking hoes left right and centre. The easily influenced among us were being turned noughtier than could ever have been imagined. With all this sex floating around we needed a hero, someone to say no for all of us who had been brainwashed by MTV’s
competing music channels who actually play music videos. The people of Dublin said no. They said no to provocative outfits, no to dressing scantily in public and no to women getting down and dirty in the middle of the day. In a brave move to save the country the women of Dublin took to the streets in their hundreds. Starting at level zero, Abrakebabras and Tescos slowly began filling with pyjamas, velour and fake Uggs.
The Future?
The move for modesty and wholesome entertainment was taken a step further when the international market were offered a couple of musical maestros the likes of which we hadn’t seen since the Osmonds or the Jackson 5. These guys are too cool to moonwalk, take life with an extra slice of cheese and could be the bringers of the music revolution. Reppin’ it up for the boys in Green, this couple could be the face of Ireland’s future. They infiltrated the largest talent show in Europe (bar the Eurovision) and gave people with actual talent a run for their money. Ladies and gentlemen, Ireland is changing, we no longer need to panic about things that seemed important in the Noughties – being forerunners in the economic rat race, being employed or being excellent at what we do. The next decade should see us all relax, do what we want and do it with gusto. Who can lead us to this magical stress-free, fun loving place? Is there anybody up to the task? Students of Maynooth – Jedward.
words by Liz Murray
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The Print
An Eye On... Each issue we’ll be casting an eye on a specific club or society on campus. We’ll be starting off with the newly recognised Frisbee Club
Ultimate Frisbee is finally a fully recognized college club within NUIM! It only took us about a year to get all the paperwork done. The jerseys have been ordered, the Frisbees have been bought and the coach is coming out from Dublin for two hours a week.
train twice a week, Tuesdays from 2-4pm on the Astroturf and Wednesdays from 24pm in the large sports hall. The ratio of beginner players to experienced ones is roughly 50:50. So if you are interested in playing frisbee we always welcome new players… come along to a training For those of you who weren’t here last year, session and see how the sport is played! yes you heard it right, we are NUIM’s first Ultimate Frisbee team and one of around 20 Our first tournament was on the 14th Ultimate college teams in Ireland. Ultimate of November in DCU. It was the indoor Frisbee is a relatively new and fast growing intervarsaties. Out of 15 teams NUIM sport in Ireland. It is a competitive game came 8th which was a great result for played with a (yes, you guessed it) frisbee. our first tournament. Also 8th place Outdoor games are normally seven on earned us our very first half-pint sized seven with loads of subs. The basic aim is trophy… a truly great start to the season! to score points in a style similar to scoring a try in rugby. The players on one team Our next tournament is a beginner tournament pass the frisbee up the pitch while those taking place in Tallaght on the 28th and 29th on the other team try to prevent this from of November. Given the amount of talented happening by either blocking whoever is beginners who signed up this year we have ‘handling’ the frisbee with their body or by high hopes for the team this weekend. hitting the frisbee to the ground while it is in mid-air. It is mainly a non-contact sport. So that’s it from me, if I have aroused Each team has to catch the frisbee in your interest then feel free to come along their respective end zone to score a point. for a session, I guarantee you will enjoy it! So that is a basic explanation of the game. Any questions just give us an email: Once you start playing you realize that the game is a lot more complex. Well that’s what frisbee@nuimsu.com our newest recruits found out anyway. This year we have been getting a great turn out words by Oisin Nolan at both our training sessions. We currently
If you want your Club or Society to feature in “An Eye On” next issue, drop us an email at features@nuimsu.com
The Little Way Cancer Support Centre, Clane NUIMSU’s Raise And Give Charity 2009-10
The Life of Brian
The weeners and misdemeanours in the life of Maynooth’s very own Brian Dillon.
In this great wide world, in which wonders abound and magical events occur every day, I find it hard to believe that there are still people who “can’t believe it’s not butter”. It really is an inappropriate title for something, which has very little connection to the salty, yellow dairy product that some folks apparently confuse it with. If it were called “I can’t believe it’s not margarine” I’d understand. Except of course that would also be grossly incorrect, because it is margarine. Imagine, in a world in which a coloured image can be projected thousands of miles in a millisecond and reproduced down to the most minute detail on a screen, there are still people being fooled by this transparent con. Well not me. I, for one, am going to stand up to these dairy-free-despots. The health furhers behind these filthy lies will have to reckon with me from now on. I may only be one man (well, one boy technically, but let’s not get hung up on technicalities), but one man can do a lot when he stands for all that is right and just in the world. Picture the scene. It is 2 o’clock in the morning and Tesco in Maynooth is getting its “ I can’t believe it’s not butter” deliveries. Out of the shadows, steps a man in a cloak and a mask. His cowl hangs loosely around his jagged shoulders. “Not on my watch”. Suddenly, amid a shower of sawdust and bowel-clenching, teeth-grinding pain the wrongdoers realise their mistake. “Wrong place, wrong lifetime.” the shadowy voice echoes again. However, when the police arrive on the scene nothing remains except for patches of what appears to be blood and a few delicious, fruity yoghurts. Dear readers, I don’t wish to alarm you. However, I must inform you that should anyone in this college step out of line it will be taken note of and swift retribution will be had. Oh yes, I should probably mention that this also applies to all the people who aren’t reading this as well. Maybe it’s unfair not to warn them in some way but... f**k ‘em. That’s life. They say no good deed goes without thanks but you all must remember that no bad deed goes unpunished. So the next time you buy cheap toilet paper or listen to Celine Dion, keep in mind that we are watching you all the time. Like hawks, or perverts, or one of those paintings with the eyes that follow you around the room. Anyway, that’s all I have to say for now. Cheerio until we meet again and remember to tune in next month, same bath time, same bath channel.
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The Print
Ten minutes with... This issue we have Irish award winning D o c u m e n t a r y maker and novelist John MacKenna
John MacKenna (that’s MacKenna with an “a”!) has been around the block professionally speaking! An award winning author, award winning documentary maker, poet, actor... and he still finds the time to teach a “Radio Packages” course as part of the HDip in “Radio & Documentary” for Kairos Communications. His biography is impressive! In 2002 he left RTE radio (where he worked as a senior producer and commissioning editor) to spend more time writing and acting. Since then, he has produced several memorable series, including a groundbreaking series called “Someone Has To Do It” and the highly-regarded “Secret Gardens of the Heart,” which followed a young woman through the last months of her life. His radio documentary series on Leonard Cohen, “How The Heart Approaches What It Yearns”, won him a Jacob’s Radio Award. He is the author of several novels and his memoir, “Things You Should Know”, won considerable critical acclaim. Among the awards his books have won are the Irish Times Fiction Award and the C Day Lewis Award. He also regularly exercises his acting muscle as he writes for, directs and acts with Mend and Makedo Theatre Co.
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So, John, start your
when did you writing career?
Secondary school, I had an English teacher called Ray Kearns who was a priest. He was a great English teacher. I wrote a play when I was about 14 and he got me to put it on. He was always bringing us to plays and getting us to write stories and poetry. Plus, he’d no interest in grades... which was a bonus.
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When you read other people’s fiction, do you find that you can identify with their characters?
Oh yes, actually I was just having a conversation today with a student
about Wuthering Heights. We agreed that we both wanted Cathy... although not necessarily at the same time!
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You write about very personal matters in your work, does it ever bother you that some comment you’ve made or an offhand remark you said might come back to haunt you?
God, yes. There was a short story I wrote a while ago which was to do with some members of my extended family. I thought I had disguised the characters but obviously I didn’t do it well enough. You don’t set out to malaign somebody and if somebody gets upset then that’s unfortunate, but you can’t write with that in the back of your mind.
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Is there anything that you have not written about that you wish you had?
I once tried to do a radio documentary about necrophilia. I remember reading a blog about a woman in America who had been arrested and jailed a number of times for necrophilic practices. I was fascinated by her because she came across as being completely sane and logical. I would really have liked to explore this and interview this woman but it never happened. It certainly gives a new meaning to the word stiff!
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What fascinated you about it?
I can’t understand it and I was fascinated by the fact that people do it. This woman had worked in 4 or 5 different undertakers across America and been caught several times and was finally arrested and jailed; first of all for 3 months and then for 2 years for a second offense. I thought she’d be interesting. In a way I’m glad I didn’t do it because it’s kind of a very weird area.
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What do you find the hardest about the creative process?
Well, I find the idea’s are the easiest. It’s actually the discipline of turning up day after day after day and putting in 5/6 hours. I try
to write 1,500 words a day and very often all 1,500 might be crap and I may have to get rid of them the next day! But the only way to write is to write! It may take 6 or 7 attempts to get it correct but if you don’t make the first attempt it will never happen
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When you’ve put in all that time, written the 1,500 words a day for, maybe, 2 years and are happy with the end product, does it compromise you as an author if the publisher suggests changes?
I’ve been very lucky so far. I haven’t had that experience too much. Having said that, I did sell a book to an American film producer at one stage. It was a book that was based on a guy talking about the death of his girlfriend. The producer suggested to me that she might survive the accident and have a happy, ever, after ending. I said “No”. The book was about loss so it just wouldn’t have worked..
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There are many artists out there that are rude, crude and usually in a mood. Do you think that bad behaviour from artists is acceptable?
I think a lot of people who work in the arts use it as an excuse to behave in a really bad way. That whole thing of alcoholism, drug abuse, that it’s acceptable because I’m an artist! But it doesn’t seem to be acceptable because I’m a bricklayer or because I clean toilets or because I work in the supermarket. If it’s acceptable for one trade then it’s acceptable for every trade
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In your opinion, does everyone have the capacity to be a writer? Or are they born rather than created?
I think that everybody has the ability to write. But I think you need that extra spark of having the stories to tell and the ability to tell them in a quirky way. Everybody can be taught to write to a certain point but beyond that it comes down to personal ability
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If you had one piece of advise for aspiring writers, what would that be?
Be disciplined. Just sit down and do it! John MacKenna is currently writing a collection of 13 short stories. Keep your eye out in the local bookstores...
words by Gail Flinter
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Hungry?
The Print
For decorative nonsense, go buy a Delia Smith book. For recpies that are useful to the students who pay for this magazine, look no further for meals that are cheap, fast, healthy and sexy. Fast: These meals are simple and made in no time.
Veggie: Students make up the highest percentage of vegetarians. Only fair.
Recipe #1: Pasta Bake
Healthy: Grow a little with the following recipies. These meals are junk-free.
This recipe is one of the cheapest and easiest way to feed four people, or to give yourself four good meals. The recipe has been honed over the last few years to make sure you always get the measurements exactly right.
Sexy: Hide your incompetence from your girlfriend that little bit longer with one of these.
You will need: 1 kilo of a pasta of your
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees 2. Cook pasta according to packet instructions 3. While pasta is cooking grate enough cheese to cover a medium sized caserole dish/pyrex bowl
choice 1 jar of pasta sauce 1 pack of sausages 1 pepper Cheddar Cheese
4. Dice and fry sausages 5. Thinly slice pepper 6. Drain pasta and empty into dish. Stir in sliced cooked sausages, pepper and sauce 7. Top with cheese and bake in oven for about 15 minutes (until cheese is bubbling and golden coloured
Recipe #2: Bruchetta You will need: 1 Baguette 8 Plum tomatos
Bruchetta dates back to 15th Century Italy, and is a great accompaniment to any pasta dish or can be eaten solo
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celcius
Half an onion
2. Mix tomatoe, basil and minced onion in a bowl, adding pepper to your preference
3 Cloves of Garlic
3. Cut bread into 1/2 inch slices and
40g Basil
Black pepper
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Words by Laura Wilson
bake until golden brown 4. Remove bread and leave to cool slightly. Rub garlic onto the top of the bread until the bread has a nice sheen 5. Spoon tomatoe mixture onto each slice and serve 13
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The Print Stay tuned for how this story continues next issue in The Print
The M u r der o f C r ows
by James Joseph Emerald
“The Murder of Crows” is a serialised story about a murder in the John Hume Building, with a new installment in every issue of The Print. The Print accepts no liability for anyone that mistakes it for a true story and calls the Gardai. Sam and Max agreed to break for lunch, and then get one of the sergeants to continue the interviews while they tracked down this Rufus character.As soon as Sam turned on her phone, she got a call, so Max left her. He remembered there was a nice dining hall and restaurant on the south campus, so he left the John Hume Building and started heading there.
“C-Can I help you?” He was starting to make it out.A girl, with long, dark hair. Her skin was pale as a ghost’s.
pathology because I wanted to be like the people on CSI?”
“It can’t be stopped.” She took a step forward. He could see her face now. Crimson tears ran down from her emerald eyes. “He’ll grab your heart with his cold hands, and squeeze until you’re dead.”
“Nice talking to you, Bernie. Keep me posted.”
It was so foggy outside Max could hardly see ten feet in front of him. Surprisingly. The stuff had appeared out of nowhere. It had been a bit of a misty morning, but Max couldn’t even remember the last time he’d seen fog so thick.
“Lenore?” Max looked away, shaking himself. When he glanced back, the girl was gone. Hallucinations. Christ. He needed some coffee.
He crossed the footbridge and passed the library – a building he’d become quite familiar with from his days of feverish night-before studying back when he went to college here. How far he had come since his days as an awkward first year. Back then, he never would have imagined the things he was doing now. Maybe it was a mistake. He didn’t like to think about it, but his work studying criminals... it never seemed to make him happy. It only ever led to frustration and depression. Of course, maybe that was just life. As he walked down the side of theAula Maxima, Max heard something strange.Awhisper. He turned around. There was someone behind him. They were about twelve feet away, obscured in the fog. This wasn’t particularly unusual, but the whisper had sent shivers down his spine. “This isn’t a game, Max.” Louder this time. He jumped. The figure moved closer, but it was still too hazy to make out.
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“Prick.” Bernard hung up. Max smiled. Afew seconds later, Sam called. “Max, do you know where the little graveyard is, behind the abbey?”
Max rationalised what he’d seen as the product of sleep deprivation. Still, in that case, it had come from his subconscious. He wondered what it had meant. What was he trying to tell himself? Max thought about it for a few minutes as he walked the rest of the way to Pugin Hall. The coroner would be performing his autopsy soon. It just so happened that the man was a friend of Max’s, so he decided to call.
“Err, vaguely. Why?”
“Hey Bernard, it’s Max.”
“AGoth in a graveyard? Seems a bit banal.”
“I’m scrubbing in for the post-mortem. Can’t this wait?”
“Just get going, please.”
“Something came to me. I think our victim may have died of a heart attack, or similar.”
Max sighed and stood up from his table. There would be time for coffee later, he guessed.
“Meet me there.” “Again, why?” “I have reason to believe our suspect may be there. Apparently, he frequents the place.”
“Why would you think that?” “I don’t know, let’s call it a premonition. Just, keep an eye out for heart trouble.” “Gee, thanks Max.As soon as I figure out what the hell your job actually is, I’m gonna randomly call you to tell you how to do it. You think I got a PhD in forensic
Stay tuned for how this story continues in the next issue of The Print
03/12/2009 16:05:36
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The Print
General Whimsy CROSSWORD
courtesy of Maria Carty-Mole
SUDOKU
ACROSS 2. Negative in South West is fun frozen vapour! (4) 5. The bleat of 4 down (3) 6. The quantity of matter in a body – and where many a body goes Christmas morn (4) 8. Pub-previous girl/boyfriend, where many a student body goes for the SU Christmas party! (3-2) 9. Queen of pop and mother of the Prince of Peace (7) 11. Hydrogen a.m. goes nicely with 21 across! (3) 12. See 3 down 14. Slang name for St. Father Christmas (4) 16 and 19 across: Mute evening gives a song title (6, 5) 21.Birdy saucy delicious country (6) 22. Pine tree leaf with which to sew (6) 25 Plant under which to place lots and lots of 28 acrosses! (4) 27. Put on lock opener – on a dusty road (6) 28. Demonstrate and a gift (7) 29. A heated hit to the face makes for a good drink (3, 5)
The first correctly completed crossword to be returned to the VP Comms office will win two free tickets to the first Bar Ex of 2010
Since there was no winner of Wallace Bird’s album last issue, we’re offering it as a bonus prize to the winner of this issue’s crossword competition
DOWN 1. Hey ground-level! An angel’s loop (4) 3 down and 12 across: Musically rhyming writing material to cover a 28 across (8, 5) 4. These were being watched by night when the angel of the Lord came down (5) 7. Steady location for Jesus’ birth (6) 9. Finely chopped meat and πs are tasty! (5, 4) 10. Road notice mixed up to garnish the house (10) 13. Sounds like drizzle darling is Rudolph (8) 15. Sn trade can be draped around the tree (6) 17. A lack of ‘L’ is a French 18 down (4) 18. It’s charms, and I wish you all a merry one! (9) 20. Sacred and sounds like full of holes (4) 23. The war when disordered is a green ring on a door (6) 24. Sled that can slaughter (6) 26. The stump of this Santa ‘held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.’ (4)
A very special thank you to the Maynooth Devils Swimming and Water Polo Club who posed for the cover of this issue. Call into the office here in the Students’ Union to collect your tickets to the Christmas Ball
Raise And Give Week is coming and we’re looking for your great ideas. If you’re interested in getting involved to help raise as much money as possible for the Little Way Cancer Support Centre in Clane, we want to hear from you. If you’re in the mood for racing around campus in your underwear as part of Jeff Greene’s Marathong, we want to hear from you. If you want to have a sponsored silence, we want to hear from you. If all you want to do is help collect money, we definitely want to hear from you. So, drop into the Union with your ideas or email ents@nuimsu.com 19
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The Print
FILM: A Serious Man “I’ve tried to be a serious man. I’ve tried to do right.” laments Larry Gopnik, the hapless physics professor blindsided by life’s afflicting dilemmas. Haven’t we all? The question acting as the crux of the Coen brothers’ latest film, a peculiar, endlessly thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable work, is Why? Why is such a good and pious man met with such misfortune in his life? Why doesn’t god take him seriously? And more importantly, does it really matter? Life is not kind to Larry. His wife is leaving him for his smugly compassionate friend Sy Ableman (Fred Melamed). One of his students is bribing and blackmailing him at the same time. His children undermine him. His brother-in-law is an unstable leech. Utterly beset by personal turmoil, he seeks help from a variety of sources, but not the lawyers, not the rabbis, not even God can lead him through the wilderness. Set in a Jewish community in 1960s suburban Minnesota, A Serious Man is a very peculiar film. The Coens’ have never been so overtly personal, drawing on aspects of their own childhood throughout. From the 19th century Poland-set prologue spoken in Yiddish, to the prevalent JewishAmerican setting, jewishness is
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brought to the fore here, more so than in any of their other works. As usual, the Coens create a magnificent sense of place, while carefully addressing the issue of unjust suffering, and the conflict between rationality and faith. Their trademark line-blurring of the serious and the comic is artfully utilized here, too, resulting in one of their most darkly hilarious offerings to date. The ambiguous ending may frustrate, but that is likely the point. And would a proper resolution really alter our perception of everything that came before? Is a satisfying resolution even possible? I don’t think so. Even Larry concedes at one point; “We can’t ever really know what’s going on”. Much of the movie’s success lies in Michael Stuhlbarg’s portrayal of Larry. He imbues him with charm and a moral centre, and his frustration as all aspects of his life begin to collapse is beautifully realised. A cast of predominantly unknown actors gives the film a lean quality. It relies on the strength of its story and performances rather than star power. One of the year’s best films, A Serious Man is an engrossing work. An intriguing insight into such alluring issues as religion, morality, metaphysics, and of course Jefferson Aeroplane.
Directors:
Ethan & Joel Coen
Writers:
Ethan & Joel Coen
Staring:
Michael Stuhlbarg Richard Kind Fred Melamed
Release Date: November 8th
Review by Shane Larkin
Love films, tv shows or music? Found an album that’s changed your life? Recently watched a film that’s made you want to rip out your eyes? We want to hear about it. Drop us a line at reviewsprint@nuimsu.
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The Print
Album:Them Crooked Vultures by Them Crooked Vultures from the collaboration between these three musicians. It just rocks. It is loud, fast, and could very well be described as larger-than-life, in your face, pretty much totally embodying the spirit of these three musicians. With Homme on lead guitar and vocals the sound is probably closest to Queens of the Stone Age than anything else that these three musicians have done. Arguably it is nothing more than Queens of the Stone Age album with tighter drumming and better production. However saying that, this is at least as good, if not better, than Queens of the Stone Age’s last album and goes a long way to put a unique, definitive stamp on things.
The self titled album from the collaboration between Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, Josh Homme of the Queens of the Stone Age and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin is probably as good as you can expect The album is a wild mix of different
tracks that complement each other and never sound bland or like the song that came before it. Particularly at the end of the album, with tracks like Caligulove and Spinning in Daffodils, which pretty much defy conventional description, and really give the album an awesome finale where the real experimentation sets in and moves it away from sounding like Queens of the Stone Age. It definitely gets better as you go through the album, and despite a couple of tracks around the middle of the album that don’t fully hit the mark, it really plays to the respective musician’s strengths to really create something completely different.
Review by Bernard O’Rourke
FILM: Paranormal Activity The things that scare us most are the things we cannot see. Director Oren Peli preys on our fear of the unknown and uses bare bones haunting elements to get under our skin in this effective lowbudget horror. Katie (Katie Featherstone) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are living together in San Diego. They’re “engaged to be engaged.” Katie has had some kind of presence haunting her intermittently since she was a child, and Micah has bought a new camera in order to document any paranormal activity that occurs in their home. At night, Micah sets up the camera on a tripod in the bedroom for the purpose of recording any mysterious events that may occur while they sleep. This is how we witness the majority of the unsettling events that take place in the film. These events are often tiny, and as the dread increases, the haunting escalates. The source of much of the movie’s fascination is that murky, gaping doorway to the left of the frame, the inky black beyond acting as the source of most of Katie’s –and the audience’s- dread. After all, we’re never more vulnerable than when we’re asleep. Made for $15,000, the manner in which
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the meagre budget has been used is very admirable. The sense of unease is achieved through the masterful use of sound, and extended periods of silence and waiting that prove much more cogent than a barrage of CGI driven shocks. It’s habitually compared to The Blair Witch project, which utilized the “found video” motif to great effect. For better or worse, that film worked, and to an extent, this one does too. Katie and Micah are strangely likable and believable characters. The actors’ performances are effective rather than amateurish, and they manage not to irritate too much (an almost monumental achievement for a film of this nature). However, the sense of dread is not quite as palpable as I would have liked. I wish I had been part of the audience at one of the initial test screenings, knowing nothing of the film, and actually believing to some extent in the mythology of the film. Therein lied the success of The Blair Witch Project, and so it is fair to say that Paranormal Activity is a victim of its own hype. It fails to truly terrify. Nevertheless, it’s difficult not to admire the way it embraces simplicity, and the film is indeed a refreshing aberration to the rest of contemporary horror’s gore-soaked, brutality-filled landscape.
Review by Shane Larkin
Directors:
Oren Peli
Writers:
Oren Peli
Staring:
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The Print
An Interview with Howard Zinn
INTERVIEW BY DONAL FALLON
Howard Zinn is not just any historian. A W Howard Zinn is not just any historian. A World War two veteran, a playwright (His Marx in Soho play was recently performed in Dublin), a political activist and a firm believer in popular education, Zinns seminal work ‘A Peoples History of the United States’ has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide, becoming not just a much studied work, but indeed a much debated and discussed one. Telling American history from the bottom up, and not the top down, Zinn presented a radical retelling of the history of the United States to the general public in the 1980s, and its one people listened to. His book has been updated several times since first print. While undoubtedly his best known work, A Peoples History of the United States can sometimes seem to dwarf his other works, which deal with issues as diverse as popular education, and U.S foreign policy in the twenty first century.
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istorians are always quick to keep the ‘then’ and the ‘now’ separate from one another. A study like A Peoples History of the United States though, when so rooted in class, is where the line between the two becomes harder to spot and the past raises political questions about the present. I began by asking Howard how the book was received at the time. “It was quite ignored in Academic Circles, and it was not reviewed in the major historical journal ‘The American Historical Review ” he noted. Ironically, for a ‘Peoples History’ it seems it was the people that made Zinn’s work respected. “Now that it has sold over two million copies, it is hard to ignore” he stated, adding that “It managed to infuriate conservative historians, yet drew some praise from historians on the left, as from Eric Foner in the New York Times book review” The subject of class is itself an interesting one. Who are ‘the working class’? Is it all those who work for a living, or is it a smaller group of society? Why is it that in Ireland and the UK people rush to pronounce themselves working class yet in the United States it is the polar opposite? Obamas ‘middle America’ speeches for example would be a perfect example of an American phobia of the term ‘working class’. Zinn attributes this to the changing nature of US society.“You bring up an interesting point. I suppose the working class has always been identified with immigrants, with uneducated and unskilled workers, so people in the working class hesitate to identify themselves that way” Asking Zinn if a particular figure from history inspires him, he identifies some choice characters who he feels are “…neglected or barely mentioned in our history books” Of
particular note are “Helen Keller, the socialist and W.E Dubois, the great African-American writer” but perhaps most interestingly “Mark Twain, the anti-imperialist”. How often in Mark Twain viewed in that light is an interesting point in itself. It seems immigrants are central to the story of Americas working poor. I asked Zinn about the likes of the Saint Patricks Battalion, a small group of Irish catholic soldiers who deserted the U.S Army to fight alongside the poor of Mexico. Asking if in recent times it has become somewhat more acceptable to remember such black sheep, I couldn’t agree more with Zinns assessment that “It is still a rare phenomenon to recognise people like the ‘San Patricios’. There was no need to make an effort to eliminate these people from history. It was the easy and safe, comfortable thing to do” One thing that strikes any reader of ‘A Peoples History of the United States’ is the undemocratic nature of laws like the Alien and Sedition Acts. Asking Howard if he finds it frustrating ‘democratic’ nations can go down the round of repeating the darkest days of their own history, for example with the U.S Patriot Act eerily familiar to such Acts, Zinn observes “Of course I find it frustrating that people know so little history, most Americans don’t know about the Alien and sedition acts, not about its successors in our time, the sedition act of the first World War, the Smith Act of the second World War, or the Patriot Act of today even. Yet I know people are deprived of their real history without them knowing it, so I feel not frustration but a strong impulse to correct that” Zinn makes no attempt to hide or ‘package up’ his own politics. When asked about Marx in Soho, his popular play on Karl Marx, and whether or not if the play was an attempt to make human the man of a thousand
statues, he stated “Yes, it was to show his humanity, but also to show how his critique of capitalism is still true, and how his dream of a communist society still valid” Asking Zinn that if beyond the ‘big names’, the Connolly’s, Marx’s and Twain’s for example, does he feel there are any groups or movements that deserve a more high profile place in history, he notes that “When we recall the history of movements we tend to notice the leaders, not the mass movements. I saw that when I lived in the South. While Martin Luther King was given notice, thousands of black people who marched and protested, and were arrested, become nameless and overlooked” Zinns work however is about making sure such overlooked characters, and the mass movements of history, find their rightful place in the library. orld War two veteran, a playwright (His Marx in Soho play was recently performed in Dublin), a political activist and a firm believer in popular education, Zinns seminal work ‘A Peoples History of the United States’ has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide, becoming not just a much studied work, but indeed a much debated and discussed one. Telling American history from the bottom up, and not the top down, Zinn presented a radical retelling of the history of the United States to the general public in the 1980s, and its one people listened to. His book has been updated several times since first print. While undoubtedly his best known work, A Peoples History of the United States can sometimes seem to dwarf his other works, which deal with issues as diverse as popular education, and U.S foreign policy in the twenty first century.
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NEWS
The Bertie Battle
With the appointment of Bertie Ahern as an Honorary Adjunct Professor to NUI Maynooth’s School of Business and Law, we ask the two main opposing factions on campus why this is such a bone of contention. Ogra Fianna Fail and FEE Maynooth duke it out.
FEE Maynooth On December 2nd 2009, over 250 students and staff walked together to the office of John Hughes, the president of this university, to deliver a petition signed by over 1100 students, demonstrating their opposition to the appointment of Bertie Ahern T.D as an Honorary ‘Adjunct’ Professor. Those who took part in the demonstration and signed the petition did so for a variety of reasons. However two things all demonstrators and signatories had in common was their opposition to the appointment of Bertie Ahern and membership of the student body. The petition cited the following reasons for opposing Ahern’s appointment: 1. The economic policies enacted by Mr. Ahern during his time as Taoiseach directly precipitated the economic crisis which is currently crippling our country. 2. Mr. Ahern is still a sitting Fianna Fail TD and as such is part of the Government which imposes cutbacks in Education and other vital public services, as well as policies such as the Pension Levy which attack the living standards of students and our families. To welcome him into an institution which he is an active part of attacking makes no sense. 3. Mr. Ahern is still under investigation by the Mahon Tribunal. The substantial ambiguity surrounding Mr. Ahern’s personal finances, and his inability to give consistent answers when pressed by journalists on the issue, have profound implications which cannot be dismissed or ignored. It is important to stress that while the petition opposing Bertie Ahern was drafted and promulgated by Free Education for Everyone (FEE), the opposition to Bertie Ahern’s appointment is much larger than FEE. There is substantial and justified anger felt by a large number of people on campus, from across the political spectrum. FEE are a broad left-wing group of students and staff opposed to cutbacks in education, the commercialisation of education and other policies that interfere with student’s access to high quality education, which represents a broad range of opinion from centre-left to anarchist. As our name suggests we believe that education is a right which should be freely available to everyone. We have been open about this from our conception and make no apologies for taking such a stance. However, the sheer numbers involved in the signing of the petition and its delivery shows that the opposition to the appointment Bertie Ahern transcends any single political ideology. This petition was not just a protest by the left. It was a protest for everyone who opposes the economic policies which have landed our nation in crisis. It was a protest for everyone who opposes the Government’s attacks on our education system, and it was a protest for everyone who opposes the sleaze and corruption embodied by Bertie Ahern. We believe the University should take into account the views of the student body and thus that Professor Hughes’ decision to ignore the views of concerned students and staff, which he dismisses as “irrelevant and prejudicial,” and to press ahead with the appointment of Mr. Ahern is wrong. We would love to publically debate this issue.
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Ógra Fianna Fáil
As members of the Sean Lemass Cumann of Ógra Fianna Fáil at NUI Maynooth , we fully support the decision made by our University officials to appoint Bertie Ahern TD, former Taoiseach and Minister of State as an honorary lecturer for the Department of Law and Business for their Masters in Mediation and Conflict Intervention programme. In relation to the argument posed by the opposition to his appointment, we wish to highlight a few minor flaws in their argument. We gather from what we have seen and heard around college that their main argument is that he should not have been appointed due to his role within the Mahon Tribunal and pending results of said tribunal. We wish to highlight that the position in question is in fact an unpaid position and one from which Deputy Ahern stands to gain nothing other than to pass on his experiences to NUI Maynooth students. We believe his mediation skills as the former taoiseach are unparalleled and that the students would benefit greatly from his experience. The remaining four arguments the posed via a youtube video, are not only irrelevant but down right insulting to each and every one of our members and public representatives. We resent the fact that this group have dubbed not only our own members, but every member of Fianna Fáil “gombeen Fianna Fáil gobs***es” We wish to remind the opposition that it was during Bertie Ahern’s term as Minister for Finance that Third Level Tutiton Fees were originally abolished in the Republic of Ireland, when times were good. In relation to Budget proposals that were introduced last year, we wish to express that decision was made independently of Deputy Ahern and it was not entered into lightly and it reflected the economic downturn and the extent to which the national budget was being stretched. We wish to express to the wider student populace that this group has yet to receive support from the Students’ Union Council and when they raised the motion, the Union Council representatives voted against it. The aforementioned representatives are elected by the students and vote in accordance to what will benefit the wider student body. We in the Seán Lemass Cumann wish to express that we believe that it is both an honour and a credit to our university to have Bertie Ahern as an honorary lecturer here. He possesses valid and unparalleled experience in the field in question due to the role which he played in implementing the Good Friday Agreement in the North of Ireland. As well as this Bertie Ahern has been one of the greatest and most popular leaders of the Irish Government in the last 30 years. He negotiated the Nice Treaty between 27 member states even after everyone said it could not be done. Bertie Ahern has been appointed as an honorary, unpaid Professor of Mediation and Conflict Intervention, a field in which he has ample experience. This protest uses him as a platform to attack Fianna Fáil. To have to resort to these kinds of tactics in order to get listened to says a lot for the group behind the protest. We in the Seán Lemass Cumann, and as fellow students of NUI Maynooth support Bertie Ahern and we continue to support him for the duration of his appointment.
03/12/2009 16:06:55
The Print
Ministerial appointment for Prof Chris Morash
broadcasters, public or private, to comply with their licence conditions, broadcasting codes and rules. New codes in relation to children’s advertising, among others, will be introduced under the Broadcasting Act. The Compliance Committee will also carry out the work previously undertaken by the BCC (Broadcasting Complaints Committee). Appointed alongside Prof Morash on the Compliance Committee are John Reynolds, music promoter, Aidine O’Reilly, MD of Real Event Solutions and communications consultant Edel Hackett.
The Minister for Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, T.D., has today announced the appointment of Professor Chris Morash as Chair of the Compliance Committee of the newly created Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the new single broadcasting content regulator. The Compliance Committee will require all
Maynooth Students for Charity – Annual Galway Cycle 2010 Twenty three years ago, ten NUI Maynooth students sat around a table and asked how they could raise funds for different worthy causes in Ireland every year. They would have no idea what that small informal discussion was to become. Soon after that a committee was formed and early one frosty Friday morning in the March of 1987 the ‘Maynooth Student’s for Charity Annual Galway Cycle’ was born. That year the Irish society for the prevention of cruelty to children (ISPCC) was chosen as the charity. Through the hardwork, determination, and initiative of the students, alumni, and friends of St. Patrick’s College and NUI Maynooth, these seemingly meagre beginnings have blossomed into a remarkable event that our college, students, alumni, friends and town of Maynooth itself can be incredibly proud of! During the past five years, over €340,000 has been raised for a number of worthy charities such as The Irish Kidney Association (2005), The Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice Fund (2006), Stepping
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Commenting on the appointments, Minister Ryan said, ‘Broadcasting in Ireland is entering a period of change. New technologies are changing viewing and listening patterns but the old rule remains as the quality of the content defines success. These appointees will have the requisite skills to help Irish broadcasting adapt and thrive. I hope and trust they will be strict, strong and visionary in their exciting new roles’ Prof. Morash is the founder of NUI Maynooth’s Centre for Media Studies, and is Stones ABA School (2007), Headstrong (2008), and The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (2009). The National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) is the chosen charity for Galway Cycle 2010. We are looking for your involvement to help us make this year’s cycle the most successful yet! Want to get involved? We need two types of fundraisers: cyclists and (most importantly) collectors. The cyclists endure weekly training cycles until the last Friday morning in March when over 120 cyclists gather at the Student’s Union. After four stops, eleven hours, countless energy bars, and 123 miles a Eyre Square finally comes into view, where screams from the collectors are the sole reason to pedal harder. Over the weekend the collectors have the slightly less physically demanding - though possibly more challenging - task of collecting money in each town as the cyclists pass through, as well as providing much needed inspiration to cyclists. Everyone groups together throughout Galway city on the Saturday to raise as much money as possible from our very charitable hosts. There is a great sense of comradery, community and selflessness throughout the weekend which makes it a
Head of the University’s School of English, Media and Theatre Studies. ‘This is not only a great honour’, said Prof. Morash; ‘it is also a great challenge at a time when the Irish media are facing new challenges in fulfilling their remit to deliver inclusive and pluralistic broadcasting.’ The Broadcasting Authority, which came into being with the passing earlier this year of the 2009 Broadcasting Act, consolidates all existing broadcasting legislation going back to 1926, replacing the BCI, the BCC and redefining the role of the RTE authority. The new Authority will be chaired by Bob Collins, former Director General of RTE. ‘The Act recognises the role of the media in promoting the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution,’ notes Prof. Morash, ‘particularly those relating to liberty of expression. I look forward to working with the rest of the Authority in upholding those values.’
http://communications.nuim.ie/ press/chris-morash.shtml
weekend people wish to relive year after year. Both the Friday and Saturday nights are spent in an almost euphoric state - regardless of whether it’s due to the joy from not having to sit on a saddle anymore or from the unforgettable atmosphere that is the spirit of the Galway Cycle. The diehard cyclists wake early again on the Sunday morning, shake off their hangover and after another 123 miles they freewheel into Maynooth, fighting tiredness and basking in the glory of having raised a colossal amount for charity. For many people a significant chunk of their memories of college is the Galway Cycle. From gruelling training cycles to busking and juggling on Shop Street to the craic on the collector’s bus, it makes for an unforgettable experience – make it yours! For more information check out: www. galwaycycle.ie
Lorcan Walsh & Shane Lynn
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03/12/2009 16:06:56
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NEWS
NUIM Soccer Round Up It has been a busy few months for NUI Maynooth soccer. The men’s soccer club senior team were back training on the 23rd of September in preparation for the CUFL (Colleges & University Football League) games. This is the 1st year the men’s soccer club would have a B team playing in the CUFL (Div 1), ensuring mostly 1st year students get the opportunity to play competitive soccer for the University. Results have been mixed for both sides in there league fixture so far. However with the big improvement in the running of the men’s soccer club the future looks bright. The men’s soccer clubs are now in preparations for the Harding Cup (Freshers’) and Collingwood Cup (Seniors) played in Febuary and March 2010. NUI Maynooth ladies soccer team had a successful year last year, qualifying from there group (Leinster group B). They would like to go one better this year and claim some silverware. The team shows great potential this time round and showed that in their 7-0 victory over IT Carlow. The ladies have most of their league fixtures yet to play and will also compete in the Challenge Cup, regional FUTSAL competition (hosted by NUI Maynooth)and the Intervarsities . This year is the first year NUI Maynooth have had a soccer scholarship programme running. We have four male soccer scholars. The guys have settled in very well, It has been a demanding couple of months for them, and so far have performed admirably in their studies and sportingly. As has been mentioned it has been a busy time for soccer, with local soccer club FUTSAL blitz being held in the University last September and a FAI Kickstart 1 coaching course being held here on the 8th of December. Kildare schools are hosting their FUTSAL finals here on the 30th of November and the 7th of December. The internal league 7 aside is also under way with 22 teams of squads of 10. 220 people are competing in this competition which is played at lunch time Mondays and Tuesdays. If anyone is interested in getting involved with NUI Maynooth soccer or would like to participate in any of the above events contact Barry Prenderville on 086 7954367 or via barry.prenderville@fai.ie
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Barry Prenderville
United Nations Climate Change Conference December 7th to 18th
Copenhagen - COP15 COP15 is the next major convening of international governments to reconcile an international protocol on climate change. As the name suggests, this is the fifteenth Conference of the Parties under the United Nations’ Climate Change Convention. The first conference was held in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, where our international leaders came to an agreement called The Kyoto Protocol. However, the Kyoto Protocol failed to reach its targets. The official Denmark website states that the “the goals of the climate change convention are to stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous man-made climate changes. This stabilization must occur in such a way as to give the ecosystems the opportunity to adapt naturally. This means that food safety must not be compromised, and that the potential to create sustainable social and economic development must not be endangered.”
that we want a proper agreement. We want every contributing nation to tackle the global crisis we are facing today. Our planet is reaching exhaustion point. Developing countries are suffering from extreme drought, leading to more conflict and diseases. We want to Stop Climate Chaos by preventing Global Warming from exceeding the danger threshold of 2 Degrees Celsius. December 12th: March at the Climate Summit in Copenhagen. Green organisations will be taking part in the march to the conference’s venue. Green party participants will be provided with banners and umbrellas for the march. 1000s of people from all over Europe will join this march to prove that our nations are willing to act. December 13th: Hit the Production – action on the economic system
Over 15,000 delegates from 192 nations are expected to be there contributing to the new agreement, along with journalists and environmental activists.
In the morning of December 13th the harbour of Copenhagen will be shut down through a mass action blockade. The harbour is a key symbol of the global free-market economy. Here becomes visible what is usually hidden: ecological deterioration, economic and social exploitation, and utter injustice. Today container shipping is given hardly any regulations: fuel is not taxed, emissions are not subject to control and borders are seemingly non-existent for container ships.
From the 12th-14th of December, environmental activists will be marching the streets of Copenhagen in mass public demonstrations.
We can keep an eye on our students’ progress in Copenhagen at: www.myfoe. wordpress.org
Two students from the Young Green’s Maynooth will be travelling to Copenhagen this December by environmental means and taking part in mass public demonstrations at Denmark’s capital.
December 12th: The Flood for Climate Justice! Activists will be dressed in blue, flooding the centre of Copenhagen, telling our delegates
This is blog will contain information on what’s going in during the Climate Talks and the success of the public demonstrations.
Tara Clarke
03/12/2009 16:06:57
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Phase One Planning Application lodged for NUI Maynooth Library Extension, 100 construction jobs to be created in first phase NUI Maynooth has lodged a planning application for the enabling works for the new library extension to be constructed on the University’s south campus. This first phase of construction, the enabling and infrastructure works, is due to commence May in 2010 and will create around 100 construction jobs. The planning permission for the library building will be lodged later in November. Frank Fitzmaurice, Director of Corporate Services at NUI Maynooth commented “this is a very exciting time for the University - we have experienced strong growth over the last number of years and the new library reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to providing students with best quality facilities for research, learning and teaching”. The key elements of the enabling works are: * Construction of a new roundabout on the Kilcock Road, at the entrance to the North Campus, with a new entrance to the library on the south campus * Traffic calming works commencing at the new roundabout, consisting of road narrowing through the provision of footpaths, grass verges, street lighting and cycle lanes * The removal of the footbridge which spans the Kilcock Road and connects the North and South campus and the installation of a toucan crossing approx 140m east of the new roundabout. Commenting on the construction project Frank Fitzmaurice added that “the proposed design for the library and the new entrance to the north and south campus will help to make the University more visible and open to the general public and will further denote that Maynooth is a university town. This library will also play a key role in enhancing the cultural and intellectual integration between the town and the University.” The new library, due to complete in early 2011, is part of the University’s ambitious campus development plan which includes a new Humanities and Social Sciences Building and additional on campus accommodation. Funding for €20m for the library project was announced by Minister Batt O’Keefe TD at the end of last year.
http://communications.nuim. ie/press/111109.shtml
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Artist’s impression of new library
NUI Maynooth wins swimming Varsities NUI Maynooth won the Irish Swimming Varsity Championships, held in Dublin over the weekend. It was NUIM’s second overall win in three years and their third consecutive win in the Men’s event. The event hosted by DCU starred a who’s who of Irish swimming to make these championships the most competitive in recent years. University College Dublin had amongst their ranks Beijing Olympian Aisling Cooney, and pushed NUIM all the way to the last event. Several teams also included some of Swim Ireland’s elite squad, Irish record holders and swimmers from Swim Ireland’s two performance centre squads. Two hundred and fifty swimmers jammed into Trinity Sports Complex to give a unique atmosphere as the tension built UCD lead by Coach Earl Mc McCarthy himself an Olympian came out as the dominant force in the women’s section, but it was a combination of NUIM’s dominant men’s team smashing two Irish Varsity relay records, and their girls showing very strong results in the finals to snatch victory by a slim margin of five points. NUIM Swim Coach Martin J Mc Gann is Irelands first full time University Coach, and was full of praise of his team after securing the victory. “This years Championships have been of the highest standard, it was harder to make finals here than at the Irish Short
Course Championships last week. The team have risen to the challenge with great spirit, all the members of the team supported each other and we got off to an early lead, UCD came back strong in the second half with Aisling Cooney lifting her team into a competitive position, but the combination of Sean Redmond getting victory ahead of Conor Leaney and our relays smashing two Irish Varsity records, plus swim scholar Seamus Stacey winning two individual events helped us keep ahead of UCD. We had so many heroes’ today who gave everything to winning this cup each and every finalist should be proud of their efforts”. Final Points Combined NUIM 113pts, UCD 107pts, TRINITY 50.5pts Men NUIM 69pts, UCD 31pts, UU 27pts Women UCD 62pts, TRINITY 45pts, NUIM 34pts
Martin J Mc Gann
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03/12/2009 16:06:58
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Clubs and Socs News
Keeping you up to date with all our clubs and socs on campus. Don’t forget that your Clubs and Socs Officers can be found to answer your questions on Tuesdays from 2-4pm in the C&S Room upstairs in the Students’ Union
Jazz Society
Just a quick note to thank everyone who attended Jazz in O’Neills on Wednesday. The turnout was outstanding. We’d also like to thank Dave (National Symphony Orchestra) on violin, for an excellent performance. Finally, we’d like to remind you that “Just Heads” will be making an apearance at the Christmas Variety Show Thursday the 3rd of Dec. Keep an eye out for the Music Soc emails for finer details, that’s about it for the moment. See you all at Jazz night. Thanking you all in advance.
Trampoline Society The NUIM Trampoline club hauled themselves up to Cavan along with Dublin colleges for the first event of the year. This trip went down in club history as another good’un! There were lots of new somersaults learned and we still managed to pack in a costume night which featured Buzz Lightyear, Ronald McDonald and Bridal Barbie. Due to the trampolines floating around the city, the UCC Intervarsities were successfully relocated to Trinity College, although we would have loved underwater bouncing! All the college Trampoline clubs attended with UCC even managing to swim their way to Dublin to take part in the competition. Nine Maynoothians bounced their hearts out. We’d like to say a massive well done to Sinead Lillis who came away with a bronze medal in her first advanced ladies bouncing competition!
Ógra Fianna Fáil Well to say we put the fun into FunDoran would be putting it lightly. On the 13th of November something new and occasionally strange hit Bundoran that will not be seen again for at least ten years. The Sean Lemass Cumann embraced its true spirit; Party, Policy and Party more. We set out early and after hours of Karen’s epic road-rage we arrived! When we arrived the ‘shenanigans wailed on’, we saw our very own Gemma McGrory take down the NYC with her name and shame speech, unfortunately she was not elected but did receive a standing ovation from the crowds but fear not Damien Gorman will be representing our opinions and they will be heard loud and clear! It was a weekend never to be forgotten as new friendships formed, shots with the ministers consumed, we discussed and debated everything on the ‘genda’ and above all else had a really good weekend. Bring on National Youth Conference 2010!
Christian Union Society
First and foremost, we have two events coming up before the end of the year. On the 8th Dec, Keith McCrory (MCC) will be speaking on “God - for life, not just for Christmas” and on the 15th Dec, we will be having our Christmas Food Night (feel free to drop along, and if you want bring some food). Both will be on at 6:30pm in An Tobar Student Services Centre (behind JH) Secondly, and finally, our CU will be taking part in the IFES Ireland FREE Gospel project (free-online.org) to give out 14,000 copies of Mark’s Gospel around Irish campuses this year. If you or a friend are interested in finding more about Jesus’ amazing real life story, send us a message on www.maynoothcu.org or on Facebook “Maynooth Christian Union” in search. As always, God bless you all, and have a blessed Christmas remembering the One it is all about, Jesus!
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Dance Society
We have a busy few weeks ahead with upcoming performances; Thurs 3rd Dec we are participating in Music Soc’s Variety show which always promises to be a great show, followed by a great night out afterwards. We will have performances from Irish Dance, Ballet and Hip-Hop! On the 6th December our two hiphop crews; Chronix and Lost Souls will be entering Hip-Hop Idol in the Basketball Arena in Tallaght. Both crews have been working very hard on their routines for the past few weeks and we wish them both the best of luck! There will be a Ceili night in the SU on Monday 7th December as part of Arts Week so we ask you all to put on your dancing shoes and come down to join in! On Tuesday the 8th December will be performing at Spotlight’s fashion show in Carton House! Watch out for our surprise Christmas performance coming up in December in the SU! Also I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that we have been having problems with our email system and would like to apologise for the lack of contact due to this problem. Hopefully it will be sorted very soon but in the meantime please keep an eye on our noticeboard in the arts block where we have been posting any important information.
Remember that the deadline for the first issue of The Print for 2010 is January 15th
Drama Society
Drama Soc would like to thank University of Ulster in Derry for the thoroughly enjoyable improv weekend they generously hosted recently. The weekend consisted of a city tour of Derry and an improv competition. Even though our reps (Eoin Byrne, Eillis Carey, Simon Greene, Sinead Lynch, Conor Phelan, Conor Taffe) faced a city-wide blackout before the competition, this didn’t faze their competitive nature because they’ve got balls of steel. Competition came down to a final between Maynooth, Galway and DIT, which we won thanks to the machine-gun fire of comedy from our team. As far as round two in the second semester is concerned, Drama Soc says “Bring it”.
Equestrian Club A great weekend was had by all of the Equestrian Club who travelled to Kells in Co. Meath on the 6th to the 8th of November for the annual Tetrathalon. There was a good turnout of both competitors and spectators and great craic was most definitely had by both! Of course the weekend was all fun and games, but there was also the competition itself! On Saturday, boys ran 3000m and swam for 4 minutes while girls ran 1500m and swam 3 metres. This was after the shooting competition which was held first thing in the morning, with a lot of competitors nursing very sore heads! Sunday then saw the final phase of the competition taking place, show jumping. We are very proud of Michael O Reilly who placed fifth overall, having being placed in swimming and shooting, and also of our president, Michael Hutchinson who won the show jumping phase. A number of first years competed and did very well and we hope to have even more placings next year!
Fr Ted Society ‘I’m say
no good at judging the there’s about seventeen
size of crowds Ted, but I’d million of them out there’
‘It’s like a great big tide of jam. But jam....made out of.....’ students! And we want you! You’ve seen the show, you know the quotes, damn....some of you probably resemble Father Jack after all these new SU promotions. Now join the Soc! The world has been getting you down lately: the recession, floods, sure next they’ll be taking the roads in! But fear not, for Ted Soc is here to save you. We’re a new society on campus and we know we’ve set up pretty late, but feck it; save the best for last. We’ll be going around recruiting members soon but if you miss us, don’t worry. Just email the society tedsoc@ nuimsu.com and we’ll stick you on our mailing list J (psst: it’s free to join!) We plan to have loads of events in the second semester...so get your tea bags, jumpers and bottoms ready you lovely girls (and boys).
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Spotlight Society NUI Maynooth Spotlight Society is proud to announce our Fashion Show spectacular for 2009. It will be held in Carton House on Tuesday December 8th. We are supporting the Make A Wish Foundation and there will be two ‘Wish Kids’ taking part. A special guest comedian will perform on the night – Damian Clark from RTE’s ‘I Dare Ya’ and the hosts are Michelle Forde from MTV Red Carpet and Fiona Ryan from
Rugby Club The Rugby Club would like to say goodbye to John “Johny B” Bagnall who worked closely with the students of the club since he started in 2004 and wish him well working with Leinster but it gives us great pleasure to give a warm welcome to our new Rugby development officer Dennis Bowes. Dennis is from Scotland and he spent two years as a semi-
the Tudors. Tickets are €20 for students and €25 non-students including transport to and from the venue from the Students Union, goodie packs, canapés and entrance to the exclusive VIP after-party in the upstairs Club of Mantra. There will be Spotlight Drinks Promotions in Mantra of €20 for seven shots/cocktails/beers. Doors open at 7pm. For tickets phone 0879595809, drop in to us at the Spotlight stand in the Arts Block or check us out on Facebook - www. facebook.com/nuimspotlight.
professional player in Edinburgh, he has an IRFU level-1 coaching qualification, and is currently in his second season as coach of the Barnhall RFC 1st Team and 1st as the NUI Maynooth 1st Team. We would also like to congratulate our Fresher’s team who won their match last week in a tough game against Athlone IT with close score line of 15 – 10. So keep up the good work. If anyone is interested in joining the men’s or the ladies team drop into Dennis’ office in the Sports Centre.
Fencing Club The Fencing club has enjoyed great success in the last month at both a national and international level. The West of Ireland Open was run this year for the first time for years. Fergal Martin, a native of those parts, stole the show on the day by winning the Men’s Foil competition. This was followed up with a strong performance by Kevin Maher who came third. Not one to be overshadowed by a team mate, Lorraine McGill won Women’s Epee, and took third in Women’s foil too. Other notable performances include Corin Porter – an exchange student from America who came third in Men’s epee. The second weekend in November took us to Cork for the annual novice competition – Schull. Here a great time was had by all in both a social and competitive capacity. Out of a field of 60 male fencers, the best of our second years was John McKenna coming in seventh, with our best first year Chris Burns coming in a impressive 16th.
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03/12/2009 16:07:11
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Think you ve got what it takes to support a RAG Week band? ,
NUIMSU S FIRST
BOYBAND COMPETITION
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03/12/2009 16:07:15
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at NUIMSU 32
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