Vikings Win Third Consecutive Shamrock Bowl In Overtime

either side. Heading into the fourth quarter the Vikings began to find running room, breaking off some big runs and hitting long passes only to be repeatedly called back for penalties which killed off drive after drive. The Rebels skillfully defended the long pitch and kept the Vikings The UL Vikings faced the ball remained predominantly on from breaking the big play that Dublin Rebels in a rematch the ground with backs Adrian would have clinched the game. of last years Shamrock Bowl Garvey, James Twomey and Jim As the 4th quarter winded and the game proved to be Davis picking up solid yards down Danny Smith punted for another close fought and behind the blocking of the the Vikings and the ball was entertaining spectacle. Vikings O-line. At the end of the downed on the Rebels 1 yard It took place in Cooke RFC first quarter the teams remained line. The Vikings D, smelling in Belfast in front of a large scoreless. blood, sent the house at the crowd from all over the country. Early in the second quarter Rebels who manfully got their The Dublin Rebels had the the running game of the Rebels noses out of the danger zone better run of form this year, kicked into gear with former and ensured the game went to handing the Vikings their only Vienna Viking, Florian Heiss overtime with two strong runs defeat of the year early in the and Sam Hodgins picking good by Florian Heiss. season in Limerick. The two running lanes. Hodgins sides also played out an intense eventually broke one run 14-14 draw in the return leg in through the Vikings D and put Dublin. The third meeting of the Rebels ahead 6-0. Vikings Full house at Cooke Rugby the teams would prove to be the Middle Linebacker Jim Davis most dramatic and entertaining. blocked the extra point attempt. After the pre-game cere- The Vikings then took over on Club for Shamrock Bowl XXIII monies were completed the Offense and drove down the Rebels won the coin toss and pitch with a number of pass JP Nerbun stepped in ground against a talented and The rules for IAFL overtime elected to defer so the Vikings aggressive runs, one block by front of the short route and physical Rebels Defence. The are the NFL sudden death received and Brendan Mc- TE Marc Ashworth in picked the ball off to give the Rebels and Vikings should be rules. Basically whichever Carthy took UL out to the 30 particular showing the sheer Vikings a chance at victory. A proud of the level of football team scores first wins the yard line. It must be said that physicality of the game. Adrian This added even more couple of Adrian Garvey runs on display in the Shamrock game. both teams special teams units Garvey punched the ball in tension and drama to an put the Vikings into field goal Bowl, showing that Ireland performed extremely well on from 11 yards out with an already amazing game. The range and Danny Smith has plenty of young the day and field position was excellent second effort. The Rebels won the second coin stepped up to kick the 33 yard footballing talent. The future the key of the game. On the extra point snap was bobbled toss and elected to recieve. field goal to give the Vikings is bright for the sport in the Vikings first drive Ross and the teams went in at the Kresowaty was shut down the victory. Click here to country. For more information McCooey pressured Vikings half tied at 6-6. again on the return, this time watch the winning FG on on the UL Vikings visit Quarterback Liam Ryan and The third and fourth quarters John Mullen living up to his YouTube. www.eteamz.com/ulvikings , disrupted a number of plays, were dominated by intense Rookie of the Year status with Vikings celebrate victory for info on the Irish American forcing the Vikings into a 3 and physical battles on both sides of a crunching hit. Dennehy took The game MVP went to a Football League visit out. The Vikings kicker, Daniel the ball as neither team was the ball on his 25 yard line deserving Adrian Garvey who www.iafl.info. Smith, pinned the Rebels back willing to give an inch. Jim and went to the air. On one had over 100 yards on the deep in their half. The game was Davis, Brendan McCarthy and a cagey affair with both teams Glen Carr stuffed run after run unwilling to risk turnovers. The by the Rebels while Ross Rebels moved the ball with McCooey, Brian Carter and short passes from QB Andy Andy Flynn replicated for the Dennehy to his recievers Barry Dublin side. Carter and JP Flinn and Mike Kresowaty. The Nerbun had two interceptions Vikings secondary did well to each as each team started to corral the receivers once the open up their offense as the catch was made to ensure no game progressed. Each team extra yards were gained. When also missed field goals that the Vikings were on Offense the would have won the game for 2 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS Welcome placed on the C&S website project comes to fruition. To our first edition of our for the start of term.) Other projects include the bi-annual Clubs & Meetings have since taken development of our C&S Societies Newsletter and it 'UL DJ Society place with ULSU and John Website which Keith O’Neill has been a very busy time O’Connor UL President of Skynet has done some since the last publication. Unfortunately due to prob- Emeritus, Robert Reidy the Trojan work on and is also lems with UL’s servers last Director of Buildings and currently set to pilot our on- - The beat goes on'. term the print deadline was Estates, Pat O Neill Grounds line membership scheme with missed so this is the first Superintendent, Kevin the assistance of ITD on edition since this time last Bartley from KCM- the information permissions. year. The newsletter is simply Universities external project Thanks to Paul Mc a dedicated publication to management company and Cutcheon, VPAR, Gordon promote all things Clubs and David Mahedy UL’s Director Young Director of ITD and Societies related once each of Sport. To give credit where Brendan Lynch also of ITD. semester. This edition how- credit is due the University Other news in brief, I ever we do have a new responded immediately and would like to thank our section where we would like the Buildings & Estates dept’ former C&S members Judith to reach back and develop purchased a “decompaction Lynch (formerly of the our network with our former unit” to improve the pitch Drama Society) and Ruth Clubs & Society members to surfaces in the immediate Bagnell (formerly of the see where they are now. This weeks after our initial Aeronautical Society) for Network feature is about a meeting. Since then another their personal contributions former group of UL Irish meeting has taken place with to Clubs & Societies in the Peace Society activitists and an expert external pitch last term. Very much how they found themselves consultant from “STRI- appreciated by all concerned on Washington’s Capitol Hill consultancy and research for in the current climate. Also for Obama’s inauguration sports surfaces” great to see Darragh and indeed motivated Fiachra (www.stri.co.uk), Mr. Thornton (Elvis as the legend O’Luain to run for Europe in Richard Hayden. A goes ) and Alwyn Kinnane the most recent European preliminary report has been former Outdoor Pursuits elections here in Ireland (just submitted by Mr. Hayden Members who called in last ignore his o.t.t references to and the committee will be term- while making plans for Need friends? Need Fun? DJs, midi-controlled DJ-ing yours truly). As I have been due to meet again shortly to their Wedding. Another C&S Then join the UL DJ Soc and digital DJ-ing. It's not here since 1998 I have discuss recommendations related marriage-best of luck now! You won't regret it. necessary to own any of maintained contacts with a and to develop the plan to to both of them. The UL DJ Society a.k.a. your own equipment as lot of our former members bring UL’s playing fields up to For those of you new to 'Phono' was set up in 2005 everything is provided by and some have very a standard worthy of the the University… welcome, in the absence of an outlet the society. The only interesting stories to tell quality of its talented student hopefully we will see you all for DJs in and around UL, requirement is your where it seems some of the athletes and its Sporting at the Clubs & Societies thus giving those who only presence. Along with this, dreamed of becoming a DJ, the society also runs music inspiration behind the stories Campus tag line. Updates Recruitment Drive on 9th the necessary skills to do so. production courses which were at least to some extent will no doubt be provided in September in the Arena from And who wouldn't want to focus on the use of Reason, derived from their the ULSU’s “An Focal” as 6pm-9pm, and for those of be a DJ? After all, the UL Logic, Serato Scratch Live involvement in our Clubs & and when this progresses and you returning…welcome DJ soc has moulded many a and Ableton Live. Its Societies during their time will also be the subject of back. As always I am looking fine DJ, who have played members also take part in here in UL so hopefully I can discussion at the Clubs & forward to another locally in Limerick at Intervarsity DJ develop on that theme in the Societies Council in the new interesting year but the bar is venues such as The Trinity competitions as well as next issue. term. set very high given the huge Rooms, Baker's Place, The playing at Phono Sessions in Other news that affects We are finally at the stage level of success last year Wicked Chicken and Limerick. Clubs and Societies would be two years after the much of which I hope Dolan's, not to mention that during the summer off completion of the provides an interesting read sending DJ's further afield So whether you want to the back of the Clubs & construction phase of the throughout. to events such as Planetlove play house, techno, hip hop, Society Council protestations Boathouse and its subsequent Cheers, and even as far away as drum n'bass, indie, ska, Thailand! funk soul, downtempo, and concerns expressed back “handing over” from the [email protected] electro, breakbeat, chart or in November 08 over the contractor to the University Clubs & Societies The DJ soc runs workshops whatever you're into, join deterioration of standards of to have the Building Development Officer and deck sessions us now and learn the UL’s grass pitches that the Officially Opened. This will University of Limerick throughout the year for necessary skills to do so. So, issue has since progressed. take place on the 30th of Students Union beginners to advanced DJs, if you just want to learn the Many may recall that home September by the Minister www.clubsandsocs.ul.ie in the use of turntables, CD basics, brush up on your matches and training sessions for Sport, Martin Cullen; also skills or possibly even make were being cancelled and in attendance will be UL’s a career out of DJ-ing or clubs were forced to play and former Rowing club member even if you are an electronic train off campus at a cost to and Beijing Olympic Rower, group, don't hesitate to join the Clubs both financially or Cathal Moynihan. A day of up and meet like-minded through the concession of entertainment is promised people and have fun this home venue. Off the back of and current plans include the year. For further info a series of in-house meetings various clubs showcasing contact Liam Twohig. Ph: 086-1288695 with the affected clubs and a their activities on the day to web address: level of fact finding from the wider campus, a two pole www.uldjsoc.com around the country the circus tent featuring the also check: phonosessions former ULSU President Pa Blizzards and Delorentos on facebook O’Brien initiated meetings later that evening. Hopefully Contact: Liam Twohig: with the University and a all our efforts throughout the 086-1288695 “Playing Fields Report” was summer will be realised and finally submitted on behalf of an enjoyable day for all those the Clubs affected in May 09. involved over the years of this (I will endeavour to have that unique student inspired ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 3

UL Photo Society See the Lights by Michael Johnson surface. When the particles at others ("active aurora"), light pollution from street Tipperary, Sligo, Donegal and collide with the gases in the they evolve and change lights, cars and other man- Offaly. The trips are a great ionosphere they start to glow, constantly. Each curtain made sources are to be avoided! way for people to get to see Members of U.L's Photo producing the spectacle known consists of many parallel rays, Cold weather conditions also some more of this great country Society braved the frozen as the aurora. The colours in each lined up with the local help maximise your viewing and learn a bit landscape of the Scan- the aurora depend on what gas direction of the magnetic field chances: - hence dress warmly about photography, whether it dinavian wilderness this the particles interact with: - lines. and bring lots of clothes as well is how to compose a landscape January in search of a oxygen causes a green hue in The Aurora Borealis is only as camera equipment :) During shot or how to capture the fast photographic holy grail: - the aurora; nitrogen causes a visible in the northern the winter months, locations action in a hurling game. We the Aurora Borealis. purple hue, etc. hemisphere, with the likelihood such as northern Sweden also cover it all. Trips are open to all Only to be found in the Polar Those displays occurring of seeing it increasing the closer experience 18+ hours of Photo Soc members and it is Regions, the aurora is natural within the Arctic Circle are one gets to the magnetic north darkness... again maximising only 5 euro to join. In addition, light displays in the sky, usually termed Aurora Borealis, or pole. Locations such as Alaska, the chances of spotting the the U.L Photo Society meets observed during the night-time. Northern (Polar) Lights; those Norway and Sweden have long Nordic lights, as the locals refer weekly here in the University. In brief, they are caused by occurring in the southern been associated with viewing to them. Spending 5 nights in 2 the streams of charged plasma hemisphere are the Aurora the aurora. For this reason, different dark site locations You can contact the Photo from the sun (the "solar wind") Australis. The Northern Lights Kiruna in Northern Sweden around Kiruna, the Photo Soc Society at [email protected] colliding with the edge of the are constantly in motion was chosen as the destination members managed to see the or at the website earth's magnetic field. As these because of the changing for the UL Photo Soc outing to aurora on no less than 3 http://www.photo.ul.ie if you particles collide with the earth, interaction between the solar chase down these elusive lights. separate occasions... and even are interested in seeing some of some of them are trapped by it wind and the earth's magnetic While nobody can take some photos of same :) ireland, learning how to take and they follow the lines of field. They normally appear as guarantee seeing the lights, you The Photo Society trips last good photographs or improve magnetic force down into the either a diffuse glow or as can maximise your chances semester, covering a wide area on your existing photographic ionosphere, the section of the "curtains" that approximately of viewing them by choosing a of photographic interests. experiences. earth's atmosphere that extends extend in the east-west location within the Arctic Venues on the trip list include from about 60 to 600 direction. At times of little solar Circle. You should also ensure Cork, Blarney Castle, kilometres above the earth's activity, they form "quiet arcs"; a dark site for your location: - Ballycotton, Waterford, UL Rowing Club

UL Rowing Club were out in before to UCD. They were not coached all level of rower’s place to make sure that the Our efforts however are not force for the National Rowing going to let the race go right up to Olympic standard. opening of one of the best all based on existing athlete Championships in Innischarra without a fight and a dog fight In the Olympics just gone he rowing facilities in the country development. We also hope to last July and put up a good it turned out to be. had 5 athletes on the and first indoor rowing tank develop a welcoming and fight however it was not ours Unfortunately it was not for American squad. As the first in Ireland is a memorable encouraging environment for to take in the end. Both the first place instead the women's paid coach in the club it is occasion for both the rowing new athletes to join, learn how women’s inter 8 and men’s 8 fought off tough hoped that he can impart his community and the University. to row and compete. We want senior quad proved to be the competition from trinity and knowledge and expertise onto ULRC counts themselves very to offer all students the most capable boats coming NUIG to take a well earned the dedicated coaching team lucky to have the best facilities opportunity to represent their second in their finals. second place loosing out to which work on a voluntary and resource in the country university and reach their The quads race particularly UCD yet again. basis to allow ULRC athletes available to them. With these athletic potential. proved to be the most gripping And so we face back into yet to reach their full potential. facilities and resources we We take all levels of rowers race to watch with Carlow another season of gruelling The addition of a top class hope to bring the club to the from complete beginner’s right taking them on the line. A training armed with the coach merges well with the next level and begin to win at up to senior level. We invite valiant effort was made by devastating feeling of defeat year we officially open our top intermediate and senior levels. new members to join and be both crews, unfortunately but looking towards a new class facility. There have been Already the amount of part of one of UL’s most Carlow got the last stroke in season ULRC has every reason many people who have intermediates and seniors progressive clubs. For leaving UL a devastating .14 to expect an exciting and worked tirelessly throughout within the club has doubled Information contact of a second behind. But hope hopefully victorious year. The the years to bring ULRC to since this time last year. This is [email protected] or check out our was spared for the women's addition of James Mangan to where it is today and the largely down to the fact that website www.ulrowing.com. inter 8 for they had something the coaching team will do well opening of the boathouse is they recognise our efforts to to prove for both the athletes and the the perfect way to repay them develop a strong coaching and Rachel Meehan having come second the year existing coaches. James has for their efforts. Plans are in athlete development program. 4 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS JUST AS PLANNED SO BADMINTON: OUR FAR BUT THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING ROLE IS TO “SERVE”

can. As well as our own University of Limerick screenings, we also organised THE COMMUNITY Anime and Manga Society outings to other public was started in January screenings such as in Storm 2009. Despite the society Cinema in March. Our being less than a year old, screenings are open for all to we have managed to attend and they, along with accomplish everything we our other events, are a great had planed to lay the way to meet new people, grounding of a new society major fans or otherwise. We in a relatively short space also have launched our of time. website and discussion forum We gained a fairly large for people to chat about membership for a newly society news and activities as started society, including well as just general stuff to get approximately 20 or 30 to know new people. Among regular active members. We of other things, this year we plan course hope to gain some new to start our library service, faces in the new semester and where we will be loaning out encourage all to come along. DVDs and manga books to We have also received a large anyone who wishes to check a amount of greatly appreciated series out without paying for support from licence holders their own copy, and we also of various anime, giving us shall be attending Eirtakon permission to screen their anime convention in material as well as providing November. Even for those us with some great free who are not major fans, feel promotional material. Over free to come along to our the course of the semester, we activities if you are simply The UL Badminton club is varsity team was of a website (link posted below) held a number of regularly curious about the genre or one of the most successful particularly high standard or you can ask one of the occurring events, as well as just want a fun time. Because and heavily subscribed clubs this year; a standard which experienced members of the outings and fundraisers, as that is what we at UL Anime in the college, with over 200 saw them reach the final in club to assist you. well as various Japanese- and Manga Society aim for, members. For the 2008/2009 Maynooth only to be So no matter what your level, themed events. At the start of for all our members to just the year we held a table quiz have fun. Whether you are a college year the club had a narrowly beaten by UCC. from the complete beginner fundraiser which was a die hard fan of the genre, a total of seven different teams, Membership is open not just looking for a bit of fun to an success and we will probably casual fan, or have never seen four mixed teams and two to students, but also to experienced player looking do something similar again any anime beyond kids shows men’s doubles teams that University staff and to win the Intervarsities, we this year. We also organised a on TV, all are welcome and competed in the Limerick postgrads along with ex- are glad to have you. weekend trip to Dublin for a we hope to see you when we City and County League. ternal people to the college. Japanese film festival, which restart in September. One team was also entered The cost to join for the Contact Details: was a trip enjoyed by all. the highly competitive Junior calendar year is just 6 euro, Richard Mc Evoy (Captain) Every week we host Gearoid Harrahill- PR Officer Cup and Intervarsities. The free racquets and shuttles are [email protected] screenings of anime series and [email protected] or grade 4 team were victorious provided during training (086) 3133300 movies, both older classic you can email the society's in the County competition times. If you're not familiar Website material as well as brand new address at and were unlucky not to win with the rules of the game http://www.skynet.ie/~shuttle releases, catering to as many [email protected] varied genres and tastes as we out the Munster’s. Our you can get a copy on the /

Another year over for the chess “Cultural Village of Europe” advanced players on Thursdays CHESS club and we're sad to lose some Wijk van Zee, located 30km in Student Room 3 from 6 til 8. old members but happy that outside of Amsterdam in the We will also be holding a we'll be getting some new ones! Netherlands, for the Chorus tournament for new members! Last year our members Chess Competition this The first trip of the year will be competed in many events January! Here we'll be at the end of September to goto throughout Ireland ranging watching the top 20 players in Dublin, to face Trinity College. from novice tournaments in the world competing for the This will be a friendly match, Galway and Cork, to the prestigious title. At the event where new members from both advanced tournaments in there will be simplified clubs will play each other and Dublin and Kilkenny! This year explanations on a game by we'll be hosting them when will be no different and the club game basis, explaining the they come down to play us later will be more active than ever! reasoning behind the world’s on in the year! So sign up early This year, we're going to the best players. to guarantee a place! same competitions as last year If all goes well on that trip Web Address: around Ireland varying from we'll be trying to go on another http://www.skynet.ie/~chess/c_ Limerick, Ennis, Cork, Galway foreign trip in the second club.htm and Dublin, but we'll also be semester! During this semester Contact Number: going to Belfast and hopefully we'll be holding training for 086-1686295 on two foreign trips this year. beginners, intermediates and A general overview of what’s happening this semester, we'll be going to Dublin in September. In October we'll be going to Galway. In November we'll be going to Kilkenny. In December we'll be going to Cork and in January, we'll be going to the self-proclaimed ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 5 Interested in technology? Go BALLISTIC and Bounce Join the Computer Society! with UL Basketball Club

Welcome to the University of teams who compete in the good fun to be at, we are Limerick Basketball Club, if fresher competitions on always looking for help at you love basketball whether it November 28th & 29th and these, so you could get be playing, officiating, doing we are hosting that here in involved with these.. club administration, or UL. We are the only college If you are not interested in playing socially then we are who has two men’s and playing then we still have a the club for you !!! women’s fresher teams and place for you as the club is so The UL basketball club again in this competition we big we are always looking for has one of the best records at have a fantastic record …. people to help run the Club intercollegiate competitions If you don’t want to play and if you are a referee why with the ladies team winning competitively and just play not earn some extra cash for the Intervarsities more than socially we have a two hr slot yourself officiating some of any other college. Last year every week where we play the college games ….. the girls lost to UCC , pick up games and they are Make sure and look out however you could be part of mixed so a good way to get to for us in Orientation week the team who want to regain know every body in the Club. and if you have any queries the Trophy. We beat them in However our social drop us a line , for all the League final which was interaction doesn’t end here training queries etc check out one of the best games all year. annually we go on a foreign the web... The Men’s team have never trip where it is open to all Website: won the intervarsities members of the club we play http://www.ulbasketball.sky however they are getting some games and get to know net.ie closer every year and again each other a bit better ….. Chairperson: Eoin O why not be part of it when Places that we have visited in Sullivan: they do .. . This year they the last few years… Budapest, [email protected] Within the last year we’ve done games to the winners of the also reached the final of the Wales, Italy, Holland and this President: Noreen O the following: Invited speakers table quiz. League and lost out to UUJ. year we are hoping to head to Connell: from Google, Dell, Microsoft's Members get access to loads In the Club we have the Germany – Why not come [email protected] Men’s & women’s senior along??? Let’s Go BALLISTIC and XNA division, Havok (a of techy stuff, most of which intervarsities team. Then for We also host a number of Bounce with UL Basketball software company that aids doesn’t need to be listed here, you only we have fresher Tournaments, which are Club computer game development but include webspace, email, for many major titles), AIB's databases, etc… Enterprise Systems & But the society isn't all tech, Technology division, Daft.ie, plenty of focus is on socialising Randall Munroe (an ex-NASA between members. Not only do contractor and creator of the we meet every Wednesday night famous xkcd web comic), but in the pub, but we're also part to name a few. Fifteen of our of intersocs, an initiative members went on a trip to between many of the computer Brussels to a conference. We societies across the colleges of ran our own technology Ireland. Events from this conference, which won best included a paintball society event in the University intervarsity, and numerous for the year. We also went meet-ups in Dublin. paintballing with some of the If you’re interested in any other colleges in the country. sort of computery stuff, doing a Our technology conference, computing related degree, want ‘Skycon’ which was awarded to try something new, or just best society event in the want to find out what we’re all university ran over a full day in about then feel free to tag the Computer Science building along. and hosted twelve different For more information visit speakers from Ireland, the UK us at http://www.skynet.ie/ , and the USA, was attended by email us at [email protected], over a hundred people. There spot one of our posters around was a dinner and table quiz campus, or come see us at the held afterwards which clubs and societies signup day. Microsoft sponsored Xbox Pics © Kevin Johnson UL PhotoSoc D6 ULSU CaLUBS & SnOCS NEWcS e UL

previous semester and and decided to put it to the test continue to defend their title the PRO of the club can prove Dance UL was set up in continued throughout until and so Dance UL entered the with what can only be imagined to new members that no dance November 2008 by a group May. annual Intervarsity competition as an even more creative experience is required as she of aspiring students from In November 2008 after taking place in DCU in March performance. joined the club having never one of the newest courses in receiving a fantastic turn out at 2009. After their great success in danced a day in her life. There the University, BA Voice and the club’s AGM, the committee After a gruelling but DCU the club’s popularity on- is always a place for new Dance. Once the committee decided to broaden the worthwhile 5months and 150 campus was steadily becoming dancers, no matter what level of seven was set up an popularity and awareness of hours of tough rehearsals the widespread with member of experience and a new genre astounding number of over the club. To do this they held a Dance UL squad made their numbers becoming more than of dance is always a welcome 200 members began the showcase in the Performing way to Dublin’s DCU and anticipated by the committee. consideration if the numbers of growth of what is now the Arts Centre (PAC) in the entered into the overall This surge of popularity and interest are sufficient and don’t club Dance UL. Classes began in semester one University’s Foundation category. This category allowed our success as a new club lead worry you don’t have to do all 2-3 nights a week holding five Building. This showcase, which several genres of dance to be to the nomination winning of classes, just the one’s you feel different classes in total taught consisted of some of the choreographed together into a the “Best New Club 2009” interested in. by some of the most founding members joining their seven minute routine creatively award within the Clubs and Over the coming year The club experienced dancers of each experience and choreography choreographed by Jennifer Societies of UL. has lots of new idea’s to build style in Limerick. The 5 styles together, turned out to be a Brown and Laura Aston. The The general aim of the club is the awareness and success of of dance taught in the first great success and ran for three end result of all the hard work to enjoy what we do which is the club further including semester included; Jazz and showings due to popular turned out to be the winning simply, dance. Many people switch days with other clubs, Tap, Ballet, Hip-hop, Salsa and demand. performance. The combination thinking of joining this club will fundraisers, show cases and Break dancing. Over the beginning weeks of of Hip-hop, break, salsa, jazz, look at some of the members in much more! Following this up, Semester Semester two, Chairperson tap and ballet made the 6 our club with previous dance two these classes showed just as Jennifer Brown could see the month old club Intervarsity experience and feel intimidated much popularity as the talent within the club already champions 2009. They will however this is not the case. As “Jesus Christ-The Same Yesterday, today and

what that means to students in will be focused on Mark’s The Christian Union on the 21st century, on campus. It account of the gospel. Mark forever” campus is a non- is commonly known that Jesus 1:15 “The Time as come” he denominational group of of Nazareth was born on said “The Kingdom of God is Christian believers who Christmas Day and died at near. Repent and Believe the come from a huge range of Easter, but do you know that Good News” We are hoping backgrounds and churches. Despite this we have one the Bible tells us of a Jesus who that through this study and common goal which is to share not only died, but did it for you other events held throughout the good news of Jesus and and me. Jesus death on the the semester we will see cross means that we can enter “Students reached, souls won, into a personal relationship lives transformed, and God with God. As a Christian glorified”. Union, our relationship with The Christian Union is truly a God is the most important dynamic group. In the past we thing in our lives. have held many events, and If you are interested in hope that this semester will be learning more about the no different. One of the Christian Union or would like highlights of our Autumn to join, come along to our main Calendar is “Joint Colleges” a meeting which is held in The weekend in Wicklow which Contemplative Centre (just brings Christian Unions opposite the Students Union) together from across the each Monday night at 8 pm. country. This weekend is held During this meeting we by IFES Ireland and promises a normally have a time of great time of teaching, worship and Bible Teaching fellowship and fun. We will followed by a hang out time. also have some socials For anyone who may want to throughout the semester. learn more about God or what If you would like to find out we do as a C.U. you are more about the Christian welcome to drop into Teach Union, don’t hesitate to Failte just after our Monday contact our president James Meeting at around 9:30 for a Thompson at cup of tea and a chat. [email protected]. This semester our Bible study ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 7 UL Debating Union Attend Euros 2009

debate lasts about an hour. Championships will be hosted The University of Limerick Following this the teams are in Amsterdam in 2010 so to be had a strong representation allocated points by the judges in with a chance of a trip to the at this year’s European in accordance with the Netherlands and an Universities Debating positions they took in the opportunity to make links with Championship where they debate. universities across Europe come met with the majority of their Another early start was needed along to the Clubs and Societies European debating on Monday as there were four Drive at the beginning of the colleagues in Newcastle, rounds to get through before first semester and join the UL England. the end of the day. The social Debating Union. You can also UL’s Debating Union sent eight policy theme continued with get in touch with UL Debating members to the European motions regarding gay rights, Union via e-mail Championships; three teams parental rights and military [email protected] or phone and two judges. A large section intervention. Following the end 0872240168. of the contingent comprised of of the preliminary rounds, the UL Deb U enjoy a well earned From Left: Finn McDuffie, Mairead De Faoite, Stephen Egan and first year members, with five teams that reached the quarter- break. Darragh Roche first years experiencing their finals in both the English as a first taste of European Native Language and English Debating. Overall UL Deb U as a Second Language were performed to a high standard announced. The quarter-finals and undoubtedly laid good followed by the semi-finals foundations for the upcoming took place on Tuesday. The year. motions for these debates The first day of the centred on government election tournament was dedicated to policy and religion as a weapon registration and meeting other of war respectively. debaters from across Europe. The highlight of the trip was no The actual debating started doubt the Grand Final which early on Sunday morning. took place in the Sage Opera Three rounds were held on the House in Gateshead. It was a first day which dealt with issues black-tie event with many local such as social policy, dignitaries present to witness exploitation of illegal the high class final that ensued. immigrants and teaching ethics The final was hotly contested in schools. between three Oxford teams For those of you unfamiliar and a team from Tel Aviv with debating format, a debate University. The motion for the is comprised of four teams of final regarded removing all two members, with each restrictions on immigration. member giving a seven minute The first opposition team from speech on the motion. The Oxford were victorious motion is normally a policy following two airtight speeches that the government would against the motion. theoretically implement. Each The European Debating Do you have a sneaking fetish for leather elbow patches and tweed jackets?

Do you find that your TV In recent years we historian Rev. Fr. Brendan song and mead. This year will in order to succeed we urgently seems to be constantly tuned to have staged a re-enactment of Bradshaw. Dr Bradshaw is the see further lectures by eminent the history channels? Are you the Viking landings at head of the Marist order in historians. In October we will interested in visiting sites of Limerick. A group of Ireland and spent his teaching host a talk by the Canadian national and international enterprising members built a career in Cambridge where he academic Dr. David Ryan need the input of new members. historical importance? Do you fully functioning traditional became the first Catholic entitled “Vietnam in Iraq” have a sneaking fetish for reed raft, which can still be seen lecturer to gain tenure since the exploring parallels between the leather elbow patches and in the basement of the Reformation. The society was two conflicts. The society will If you are interested in joining tweed jackets? If so you may be foundation building. We have also privileged to receive a be getting into the spirit of interested in joining the History also constructed a medieval lecture from Sean Donlon the Halloween with an evening of Society. The society was set up siege weapon that was former Irish ambassador to the spooky storytelling by in 1997 with a view towards successfully tested on the lawns U.S.A. who gave a fascinating legendary seanchai Eddie the society please contact us at rescuing history from the dry of U.L. insight into the world of the Lenihan on the 23rd October. and dusty confines of the One of the high points of recent professional diplomat. We will also be taking part in a classroom and fast became one years was an exhibition The society made hugely walking tour of picturesque of the largest and most vibrant commemorating the poetry and enjoyable trips last year to the Adare village. [email protected] or societies on campus. It is aimed personalities of World War 1 Rock of Cashel and to Dublin We are currently working on not just at those who are and the Easter Rising. The “ where we took part in the 1916 putting together an interesting studying history but also at Poets and Patriots parted” walking tour of the city. programme of events for the people from across the exhibition was critically The society will start year. Other proposed events phone Robert on 087- spectrum of courses available in acclaimed and was a moving proceedings this year with its include a trip to the Aran Limerick. Our membership is examination of the ideological traditional visit to the medieval Islands, a trip to the British composed of engineers, conflicts that dogged that era. banquet at Bunratty Castle on museum in London, a trip to 9675413. scientists, businessmen, medical The society also hosts regular Wednesday September 23rd. the WW1 battle sites of personnel and arts- type lectures on historical topics. We This evening is a great Belgium as well as hosting layabouts united in a shared were very lucky last year to icebreaker and a fantastic way numerous interesting speakers. passion for the past. host a talk by the eminent to meet new people amid wine, All these events are possible but 8 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS UL Irish Peace Society makes Ladies Hockey a Capitol comeback by Fiáchra O’Lúain UL Ladies Hockey Club is comprised of two teams – 1sts and 2nds – who both play in ago. Now fear should belong to The Irish Peace Society was those who abused the power they the Munster senior leagues, behind some of the greatest held for too long. We witnessed competing in matches on an peace projects on campus something that seemed equally almost weekly basis. The before the Iraq War. From symbolic as the release of Nelson firsts team play in division one Clubs and Societies, with the Mandela, the fall of the Berlin Wall where they finished mid-table kind stewardship of Paul Lee and the fall of Communism. last season after some we planned and executed trips At the time it seemed to represent impressive performances but to the Balkans, Lebanon and the victory of common sense and unlucky results. The second’s Egypt, the last major event tolerance over the rampant team also impressed last being a World Model United unquestioned greed for profit and season winning out division Nations event in Sharm El- social exclusion that has defined the four and successfully gaining Sheikh where our members world for at least as long as most of promotion to division three. honed the skills that we us as UL students can remember. They look forward to recently found ourselves Dr. Ed Horgan actually continuing their success at a using in Washington D.C. graduated from U.L. on the same higher level in the coming When I came into chat to Paul day as the Obama inauguration and season. Lee about our invitation to the even though he wished he hadn’t Besides competing in the Obama inauguration he was more missed the celebrations here Whitehouse among other accolades, league both teams take part in than encouraging and showed the Plasseyside he had the reassurance he helped me document my various cups. The Munster true UL spirit that has driven our that his thesis; “United Nations, campaign because he really believed senior cup and Irish trophy are university to the top of so many Beyond Reform?” would be read by that we were a point in history entered into by the firsts team fields just three decades after key players at all levels of U.S. where what has seemed impossible while the seconds will take part becoming a university. For anyone government. We personally for forty years is once again in there own Munster division who is not aware of the fact, Paul delivered it to Senator John Kerry’s possible. cup and Irish junior cup. UL Lee is a campus genie, if you have office, as we did to Ted Kennedy, Having witnessed how the USA hockey however is both a club any project, large or small he can Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just woke up from the living team and a college team, help you make it happen. and Congressman William nightmare we couldn’t let Ganley meaning we have players who Armed with a thousand euros Delahunt. present himself as an “Irish and a digital camera courtesy of the I also met Senator Chris Dodd don’t go to UL and also that we Obama” when he had indeed done SU; UL students and alumni, Hama and briefly discussed with him and have a Varsity team. The so much business with the previous Munyikya, Dr. Ed Horgan, Dr. his staff how we could renew and Varsities are a very exciting part illicit U.S. administration. Someone Elaine Byrne and myself along with revitalise the Irish American of college hockey and take place relationship that has been so had to take the mantel of the “Irish Enviro Soc.’s patron Brother at the end of October every damaged by Bush’s presidency and Obama” and though I wouldn’t Anthony Keane of Glenstal Abbey, year. The varsity squad is Ireland’s implication in CIA torture dare call myself so I knew I had the flew out from Shannon on our way selected in September and train flights. freshness, luck and circumstances to In May I met Minister of State to a changing Superpower. from then on in preparation for The highlights of the trip apart become a positive alternative to Eamon O Cuiv and he said that in We were guests and invitees of the tournament. from that was being invited by staff Ireland’s questionable Dr. No in the his opinion most young people Cape Codders For Barack Obama UL reached the semi-final in onto the podium where Obama popular imagination. Though I voted NO to Lisbon “for the craic”. and Congressman William 2006 when hosting the became president through a agree with Ganley on the Lisbon I would urge UL students to not let Delahunt. Prior to departure Dr. tournament, however have restricted tunnel between the Treaty I used my candidacy in the our many reasons for voting NO to Horgan had his visa request refused Rayburn building and the Capitol 2009 European elections to be dismissed and redouble our failed to do so in the last couple but nothing that a quick phonecall and then finding out that we had disprove the notion that all and any efforts to have our voices heard. It of years. Intervarsity’s 2009 will from the office of Ted Kennedy, been included in one of the twenty of us who disagree with the Lisbon has been too easy for the take place in Belfast where UL Lion of the U.S. Senate couldn’t sort slides that the Financial Times Treaty were blinkered Ganleyites government and the media to will hope to return to the out. website used to portray the and in fact anyone who was around dismiss the sovereign ballot on success of past years, topping Within our first twenty four festivities. the UL campus during the Nice Lisbon as either the fruit of Mr. their qualifying group. For those hours we had meetings with Noam Americans now seem open to debate would know that although Ganley’s connivances or as the who want to play hockey but Chomsky and Massachusetts suggestions on how to administer young, some of us have a long and protest vote of a generation of not take it too seriously UL Governor Deval Patrick. For more their power and as Ireland is one of proven track record of discontent thankless rascals. In the past we enter a team into the CUSAI details of the trip, go to the Irish the USA’s closest kin we indeed have with the current direction of the EU. have seen how the UL campus has league playing a few matches a Times website and search for Elaine a great contribution to make if we Spending about a thousand euros been the springboard for fresh year against teams such as LIT Byrne’s account of the trip. As only had the political imagination to on my campaign I could not have thought. It is no exaggeration to say and Mary I. Hama said we were all like seize the opportunity. perhaps expected to win this time, that in 2001-03 UL had the most characters out of the Canterbury There is a very strong social This was one of the reasons I but what I have since learned is that dynamic approach in the country to side to our club, on and off the Prologue, travelling to celebrate the knew the time was right for me to in any electoral contest each voicing concerns and mounting return of a true king after eight pitch. Off the pitch we have make a formal contribution to candidate has an important role, resistance to issues such as the Iraq been known to have many very years of usurpation. any of the 6,510 people who voted invasion, the Nice Treaty and the electoral politics here in Ireland. “sociable” club nights. We also We watched the inauguration for me did not therefore vote for extention of the Sellafield plant in Like many, I am very dissatisfied have fundraisers like speed from within the Committee Room with the FF and FG political status- anyone else and seeing as I was Cumbria, in some small way the dating and a lodge night once a of the Senate Committee on Foreign quo in Ireland. However I felt that overtly Anti-Lisbon I hoped to presence of UL’s Irish Peace Society Relations, a place of latter 20th Libertas was homing in on people’s substract from Ganley’s argument at the Obama inauguration was a semester. So if you want to play century infamy when we consider disillusion in a very suspicious and that he was the only candidate who vindication of our efforts. We lose hockey seriously but have a the decisions that must have been contrived way. I became an defended the NO vote. Moreover the argument when we say that serious laugh at the same time taken there by the likes of Henry Independent candidate in the eleven the sacrosanct guarantees of nothing ever changes, though the you should definitely come Kissinger and those who decided to county North West European candidacy mean that although the process is sometimes slow, things do down. Even if you only have half send Napalm back to the labs as it constituency. Personally I wanted to “small” candidates may not always change and positive changes always an interest in hockey join wasn’t sticking to Vietnamese skin raise important issues such as Irish win they can have an important need to be defended. I really hope anyway because there are so well enough as it and Agent Orange Neutrality, a Green Economy and bearing on the shape and outcome that such energy and initiative many people to meet. burned a hole in the conscience of consolidation of the Peace Process. I of the debate. We have numerous continues into the future in UL and Training is every Tuesday and the post-WW2 generation. also wanted to stop Declan Ganley examples of how less than one despite the economic setback, the Thursday night from 6:15 to It was a righteous feeling to be becoming an MEP having learned thousand votes can change the friendship and help of individuals 8:00pm on the Astroturf pitch. there with some of the bedrock of how he had built his fortune outcome of an election. Some may such as Paul Lee, Dr. Edward To sign up come along to the Barack Obama’s support who working with market opportunists, even say that there were attempts to Horgan and Brother Anthony clubs and socs night in the refused to celebrate anything until who in my opinion have hindered manipulate nearly half of my votes Keane can help us make sure that arena or you can contact us by the despised George W. Bush was possibilities of mutual esteem and to favour another candidate, our students and alumni continue to email at finally out of the office that he understanding after the fall of however for the time being that become the most dynmaic graduates [email protected] or should have never occupied in the in the country. Communism though their sacking remains a matter for the Garda call Laura Davis on first place. A feeling that we don’t Siochana. Please contact of entire economies and neo-liberal 0863415612 (seconds) or Jen need to watch our backs and fear ideological overkill. For my In the meantime I hope that we [email protected] if O’Loughlin on 0863624965 for our shadows anymore when we campaign I recruited the help of can aim for enlightened and you are interested in reinitiating the choose to speak truth because Grammy Award winning enunciated debate before October’s UL Irish Peace Society on campus. (firsts) finally the power had come to those photographer Mr. Rowland second referendum on the Lisbon who have inherited the fruits of the Scherman who I met in Washington Treaty. It is up to each of to defend Sinéad MacMahon Civil Rights movements of 40 years and who was a member of JFK’s our positions with robust reasoning. ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 9 MUSIC SOC: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

What with the country being make a high octane return yourselves known! We’re in a bit of a dire state and there this autumn - Two dates hosting Open Mic nights once some of us in the Music to mark in for your calendar a month; it could be the first Society being completely and already will be 1st October for step on your way to selling out utterly jobless this summer, we our Fresher Night, to Slane! If, on the other hand, to got a bit pro-active, and as a introduce you poor innocent quote our beloved train result Music Soc is hitting the newbie’s to rock and/or roll, service, “…you’re not there ground running at the start of Limerick-style, and then we yet, but you’re getting there!” UL International Society: term! (Which isn’t anything as also have the second-ever well, we’ve got the Music sore as it sounds?) Some great Music Soc Hallowe’en Room, a well kitted out space bands playing around campus Shindig, which, if it’s even half for aspiring musicians to A Rollercoaster Year during Orientation Week and as good as last year’s, will be practice and jam in. PLUS, rocking a Music Soc utterly mind-blowing (both we’ve got a website and online extravaganza in our favourite literally and metaphorically). forum for music lovers of all haunt, Baker’s, on the 10th of Free entry and of course, good varieties in UL to praise, plan, September to celebrate the music will all be the order of buy and sell music! Check it return to Limerick. the day, as usual with Music out at “Baker’s”, you say? What’s Soc! http://www.skynet.ie/~ulmusi that? Well, if you make the But of course, music isn’t c/ right choice and join Music all about painting the town If you wanna find out Soc, you’ll soon be finding red; we want to make some more, come see our stand at out! Baker Place on Tait music ourselves, and I’m sure the Clubs & Socs Evening in Square in the middle of ye do too! First off, if you’re the Arena. And join us Limerick is fast becoming the in a band and want to bust because we will totally take city’s best music venue, with onto the music scene, or just over the world. Well, we no small thanks to some want to hammer out a few mightn’t, but we’ll definitely legendary Music Soc nights songs on your battered guitar, have the best craic you’ll have there last year. We’re gonna do come forward and make in UL… The International Society is one year we ran a number of hugely of the newer societies around successful events including campus only being formed International Speed Dating, the early into last academic year. World Food Fair, an However, in its short existence International Week, film nights, the International Society has table quiz nights, a few Ceilí emerged as one of unrivalled nights, a Halloween fancy dress possibilities and unmeasured party and a huge variety of potential. Last year saw the themed parties in both UL and International Soc take both the Limerick City. As well as this Best New Society and Best we organised trips to Cork, Society award in UL. Not only Galway, Kerry, to several this, but it also went to scoop hurling matches and a weekend the national award as Best away on the Aran Islands. As Society in Ireland. well as this one of our biggest The mission statement of the successes has been our mentor International Society is drawn dinners where a different group from the Erasmus Student of Irish and international Network (ESN). The ESN, an students cook for each other. EU funded body, operates Several dinners go on around under the mantra of Students campus and afterwards we all Helping Students. One of the meet up for the Trad Session in central goals of our society Scholars or Karaoke in the therefore is the integration of Stables. OUT in UL exchange students into Irish life This coming year promises Hey guys, welcome to University meeting with our members to We encourage everyone to join and more importantly into the to be an even bigger success as of Limerick. find out what our members like our society as OutinUL is a great University of Limerick campus we build on our foundations from the society. This year we way of meeting new friends. One life. We do this by organising from the last two semesters. We WHAT IS OUT IN UL? are going to be having weekly of our main goals is for everyone loads of events and activities for have been working closely with We are the OutinUL society. meet ups for coffee; where if to have fun and feel safe and our members and visiting the International Education OutinUL is the LGBT (lesbian, you’re tired after a lecture you secure in a friendly, open and students throughout the year. Office and together we have gay, bi-sexual, transgender) can just come and relax and talk warm ambiance. However, this society is not come up with a very active society here in UL. We are an to the other members and just for international exchange schedule for the coming active and friendly society who friends in a completely informal HOW TO CONTACT US? students, it is also a great way semester, including some seek to provide a safe and environment. You can visit our sites at for UL students to meet some exciting new events and friendly environment to support http://www.bebo.com/outinul new people and learn about a weekend trips planned. It looks the LGBT community. Anyone is WHY JOIN OUT IN UL? and we’re also on Facebook as variety of different cultures like another exciting year for welcome to join our society and OutinUL follows a strict rule of Outinul Soc. If you have any from around the world. Last the International Society! it’s not just closed off to the confidentiality, so our members questions about the society or LGBT members of the college, so who are not ‘out’ can come any of our activities please email all are welcome This means that along, take part and not have to us at [email protected]! all of our events and activities feel worried about being ‘outted’. cater for everyone in the student OutinUL attend many LGBT Hope to see you all at body. Prides around Ireland, rallies and recruitment and we wish you all protests. We also have a very good year! WHAT DO WE OFFER? fundraisers for organisations in We offer huge events such as Limerick such as Red Ribbon. OutinUL Queerbash, Santa’s Big Gay We are here as a way to help Snow Balls, monthly trips, Pink students come to terms with Training and a variety of different their sexuality as well as offer workshops. We offer a safe complete confidentiality. We also space where students can come offer one to one meetings should to unwind, chat, have a coffee. the person feel more Every month we have a formal comfortable in a smaller group. 10 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS UL Sailors Clinch First Ever Southern’s & Go ahead and Jump! Intervasities

and Seville in Spain sorship from Ulster Barcelona o UL! If you've ever with spon Welcome t wn club for skills camps. mething Bank we got our o In an astoundingly progressive competition. Unfortunately UL- wanted to try so This year we're planning a parachutes, this is a huge step year the UL sailing teams have 2 was knocked out in a best-of- completely different Skydive ’s trip to France, an lub and it gives our beginner ou. Skydive UL has for the c ain, and a made their presence known three quarter final by DIT-2. UL is for y m in the experienced trip to Sp dents in members more freedo once and for all on the Irish UL-1 however proved to be brought many UL stu trip to a windtunnel where you sport as gear rental is reduced. University Team Racing completely on top form, to the sport of skydiving and ience flying indoors, ur training happens can exper Circuit. 2009 may have become hammering DIT-1 in a 2-0 how to fly. Most of o all skills. taught them ut in the or work on your freef the first year of many for which quarter final defeat, then so that within the college or o This club was started We’re looking forward to the UL sailors can hold their overcoming CIT with another jump centre just 30 minutes anyone could start skydiving. great year, with new go to the jump centre another heads high and pat themselves 2-0 defeat in the semis before ourses that can lead away. We heir first We have c and at members doing t on the back. On the 21st and going on to wipe the board of ut of a on Wednesdays you from jumping o skydive and also to have a few 22nd February the UL sailing the power houses of college weekends to skydive. We also plane for the first time to ts out. team secured their first ever team racing, Trinity College, in members abroad for good nigh an experienced bring our ul.org or Intervarsity event in over fifteen a best-of-five 3-0 defeat. becoming nd new Contact: info@skydive embers some good weather a years of competing in There are many factors that led skydiver. Most of our m check us out online at learning experiences. This Baltimore, Cork. The weekend to this sudden burst of form did their first skydive in this diveul.org. We’re on we brought 11 www.sky ve since gotten their August nd don’t of the competition provided within the UL Sailing Club, not club and ha h all but facebook as well, a entitles members to France, wit perfect conditions and CIT ran least of which is the dedication skydive license, which forget bebo! one member coming back with the event extremely com- of all its members over the them to jump in almost any a skydive license. We also made petently. Knocking UCD out in years. This year especially it jump centre around the world. a trip to Empuriabrava, near the quarters the UL-1 team came down to three fairly Last year we fundraised and went on to beat another long substantial reasons. The first standing sailing college and put being the absolute dedication UCC out of the running before and work ethic put in by all overcoming CIT in an exciting existing club sailors, easily finale. proven by the fact that the UL- UL SOFTBALL CLUB IN QUEST OF This major event in the history 1 team has been a 2nd place of UL sailing proved to only be finalist in the last two a stepping stone on the way to Intervarsity Championships. glory for the team as the The second being a brand new 5TH IV TITLE IN A ROW Intervarsity Championships fleet of six Firefly sailboats that held greater things. Over 4 days was generously supplemented of sailing in tough conditions in by the UL Clubs and Socs Galway from the 26th to the Office and a whole load of 29th March both the UL-1 and fundraising, and thirdly the UL-2 teams proved themselves influx of a large number of again and again. UL-2 won the experienced and inexperienced Silver Fleet and both teams new sailors to the club, which qualifying to be part of the top the club hopes to continue in eight teams that would compete the 2009/2010 season. in the Gold Fleet finals that were postponed to the Web Address: following weekend in Dun [email protected] Laoghaire. That event was Contact Number: Pa Hegarty barely run under blustery shifty (085 7612810) conditions and stiff

The UL Softball Club need to have is a desire to have Wednesday and Friday from 2- is charging into the year having fun and maybe learn a new 4. All gear is provided, except secured its fourth Intervarsity sport along the way? UL your own shoes, of course! If title in a row, the last two Softball enters into the you can’t make it for the whole seasons, of which, were Intervarsity league and travels time, that’s ok, just come down without losing a single game. to other Universities to play in when you can and leave when The club consists of both Irish weekend tournaments. The needed! Questions? Email us at and international students of all club has two competitive teams [email protected], or ranges of capabilities. All are and the rest are recreational contact us at either welcome to join the club, teams, so if you’ve never played 0857394670 or 0858464873. regardless of experience. before, don’t worry about it! You can find us online at Joining a UL club or society has Everyone is out there to have a www.skynet.ie/~softball proven to be a great way to good time. Training sessions are Come join us for some great make lifelong friends, so why on the Astroturf next to craic! not join a club where all you Kilmurry Village every ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 11

Fin tastic Diving in Egypt’s Red Sea

9am allowed us to catch up on Park, the second ever site great attitude and camaraderie Early morning on August 9th missed rest of the previous day declared as such. of all made this development seventeen of ULSAC’s mem- and as the sun danced in the There were many special trip extremely enjoyable both in bers met in Dublin airport sky the Red Sea beckoned us in. moments on the trip but for and out of the water. full of excitement for the Our dive guides for the week, most a 10ft Whale Shark Our accommodating crew and week ahead. This week had Sameh and Karim gave us a leisurely swimming by was one experienced and safety- been planned and paid for thorough briefing before our that will surely be remembered. conscious dive guides also since Christmas and the first dive. Then we donned our A rare sighting of a Tiger Shark ensured our trip to the Red Sea coAunfttedrowan wshaosrftinafllilgyhotvetro . wetsuits (some sufficed with also had pulses racing! was a successful one. Gatwick and a couple of hours shorts and t-shirts!), did the Of course such occurrences are A special mention needs to go lounging with a coffee and a necessary buddy checks and not always guaranteed and our to Liam and Danny, ULSAC sambo we were boarding the commenced our week’s diving unsuccessful search for instructors, who had the added plane to the diving Mecca of in Ras Katy, located at the Hammerhead sharks left us pressure of looking out for all Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Diving meeting point of the Gulf of slightly disappointed. A reason our divers’ safety. The lads is what brought prosperity to Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. to come back I say! played a blinder and we’re all this once deserted town and As an Irish based sub aqua club A step back in time to the so grateful to them. ULSAC were happy to add to cold water is something you watery capsule of the A heartfelt thanks to Eanna too its income. become accustomed to but it Thistlegorm wreck was another for organising the trip. It’s not Five hours had us leaving a cool didn’t take us long to adjust to special experience and three an easy thing to do and he put London day for a toasty 35°C the Red Sea’s offer of 29°C great dives here still left us in a lot of time to ensure it all of Northern Africa – and this water. gagging for more. Sank by went swimmingly! Well done! was the day’s low! Colour abounded on the coral German bombers during World Our week’s diving in the Red All-inclusive liveaboards are reefs with clownfish, parrotfish, War II she lies at approximately Sea was without a doubt a without a doubt the way to dive blue spotted sting rays and 30 metres with much of her fantastic trip. A great way to and our home for the week, the peacock grouper regularly cargo still intact. Shell casings, round off a very active summer M/Y SnapDragon was tip-top. sighted. motorcycles and even a very and talks of the next one are A friendly crew and tasty buffet The week allowed us a recognisable army tank were already starting. meal greeted our weary bodies maximum of 21 dives and these among the treasures to see. Website: and early nights all around were a mixture of reefs and Of course a boat in the middle http://subaqua.csn.ul.ie/ were on order. wrecks including Ras of the open ocean can be a very Contact: A relatively late wake-up call of Mohamed National Marine small place for a week but the [email protected] Ultimate Frisbee Does Amsterdam The main thing about clubs and catch being you can’t run with 90 minutes each. This was ultimate. So if you like playing societies is the social resource the frisbee or let it touch the followed by another night of sports, travelling and a few social that it can be. Ask anyone ground. But you can jump, Run “socialising” participating in the beverages of an evening then involved in any club and most of and dive to make sure you get pub quiz and some great music. Ultimate Frisbee is the Club for them will say the best friends that catch. This was the trend for the next you. Training is 6 -8 PM they have in college are their This Past June UL’s Ultimate few days. The tournament had Tuesdays and Thursdays in the friends from clubs and soc’s. So Frisbee Club (the Ninjas) went to bands, bouncy castles its own Bowl (pitch inside the running when choosing your club make Amsterdam for a weekend of bar and a meal that was cooked track behind the arena. Beginners sure to decide on what to pick partying and ultimate. We arrived for us on the Saturday night. To only session Wednesday 6-7:30 by the actual activity they do, on Thursday night and set up our better picture this imagine PM in the PESS building sports the people in the club and the tents in the tent city with the 60 oxygen but with frisbees. hall. trips they go on. other teams from all around After a few more days sight Contact Europe. We went to the main seeing and checking out the [email protected] or Ultimate is a physical game marquee where a band was nightlife of Amsterdam we came go to our website involving lost of running as your playing and had a few beverages. back on home to Ireland. This is www.ul-ultimate.110mb.com for team of 7 tries to work a Frisbee The next day we got up and only one of many similar trips we more details. up a rugby sized pitch. The one played 3 hard games of ultimate take in the name of playing 12 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS SoFA, So Good!

SofA, the Society of Architecture at included the walking tour of public the University of Limerick is a space along the seafront, a visit to student-run organisation the Sagrada Familia, designed by established in 2007 to celebrate all Antoni Gaudi, and Mies van der aspects of visual culture and the Rohe’s famous Barcelona Pavilion. arts. We run an evening talks series Later on in the year, we also spent throughout the academic year with an incredible weekend at the late lectures from nationally and Robin Walker’s holiday home on internationally acclaimed the Beara Penninsula, Bóthar Buí. individuals and groups (e.g. Tarla During Walker’s lifetime, this MacGabhann of MacGabhann unique home played host to a great Architects, winners of this year’s many of the best-known Irish RIAI Public Choice Award and writers, poets, artists and Spanish architect Belinda Tato architects, including Seamus whose practice won the highly Heaney, and reputedly inspired respected Architectural Review some of the best parties around (a Award for Emerging Architects tradition we were pleased to be some years ago.) able to continue!) We also organise workshops, Join us! The SofA Lecture Series nights out and trips for our continues this semester on members. On the 11th of January Monday evenings at 6pm (check last, twenty-five SofA-ists headed out our website for dates and to Barcelona on what was our first venues). We welcome staff and annual SofA on tour extravaganza student members from UL, as well abroad! Over our four day stay we as any other interested parties. visited many architectural You can find us at: wonders, sampled some Catalan http://societyofarchitecture.blogsp culture and enjoyed a welcome ot.com/ on the web, and we are break from the Irish weather (with contactable by email at: temperatures of approx 23°C every [email protected] day!). Some of the highlights OPC building at 5.50 on a what we do and always and all are always welcome. Wednesday for a fun night of welcome new members so Cillian Burke potholing. ‘When you have seen the rest In terms of our main join one of the best ULOPC activities off campus every you know you want to’. Its five weekend we have a trip going euro to join our club, we offer on for OPC members. These five activities so it’s only a euro are often wide and varied (just an activity, now that’s the best like our members). They can be euro saver menu I know. Sunday trips to the beautiful The OPC is one of the largest mountains of Kerry and the Clubs on campus and offer five south.( a full day out on the activities to their members, rugged hills for less than €10), Hillwalking, Climbing, Caving, or days up in the Burren Mountaineering and climbing on the fantastic Clare Orientiering. Keep up to date Orienteering. And throughout rock ( punctuated with some with OPC activities by visiting OPC first Aid Volunteers the year beginners and all other Croagh Patrick July 2009. caving possibilities too). We www.ulopc.com. Visit us at our levels are more than welcome also have our legendary stand at the Arena Wednesday From left to right Mike to join one of the biggest and Jordan, Aislinn Deenihan, weekends away two or three week one or call down to our best clubs on campus. days with a bus load of home in the Climbing Wall at Cillian Burke, Paul Lowndes To give you a brief insight and Jessie O’Shaunessy. OPC’ers doing what we do best the PESS building any Monday Welcome to UL, Irelands into our club on campus the enjoying the craic while out and Tuesday or Thursday from 7 to sporting campus as you have no PESS building is our home about in Co Galway and Kerry 10 pm. All levels catered for doubt been told by now. Clubs where our climbing wall is and beyond. and societies are the best way to located. Here is where you can We also have annual meet people from all over the come for three hours every expeditions abroad. Every year country and get to do new fun Monday Tuesday and Thurs- we have a winter activities that will help you day from 7pm and climb as mountaineering training make your friends for life and much as you want and get good expedition to Scotland and the days in UL some of the best information about all things conquer the mighty Ben Nevis of your life too. OPC. after receiving professional Our club is the Outdoor We also store all our Caving training. Last year we also have Pursuits Club or OPC to all our gear in the brand new UL an Easter sport climbing trip to friends, we are not a one trick boathouse which is just a five Spain and our First Caving club but actually offer 5 fun minute walk form the expedition to Yorkshire for a outdoor activities at different foundation building. If you join week. times to suit all members. We us on any of our great mid- We are one of the most offer Hill walking, Climbing, week caving trips to the Burren active clubs on and off campus, Caving, Mountaineering and you will be meeting outside the we have a great time doing ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 13

hard-hitting paint, real Fun, Games adrenaline. Be sure to keep a watchful eye for our latest and plots to paintball trips. University getting you stressed out? Need to kill some destroy the time? Come along to our weekly Consoles Day and play world!!! some of the newest (and oldest) games on the market. Come along to UL’s oldest Having updated our stock we society, the Games Society of can now proudly say we have course! some of the latest titles for the Don’t let it’s long history fool Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii you into thinking all we have as well as loads of equipment in stock are the games of and controllers for you and yesteryear. We at the society your friends to enjoy. strive to bring you the most Perhaps a mouse and entertaining games and events keyboard fit your style more? that are on offer at the If so then you would be glad to moment. hear we host LAN events as We like to stir up college life well as trips in to very popular with some fantastic Frontier-X as well as some of events. Mention the Irelands LAN events. The word ‘Assassin’ around atmosphere is truly unique UL and you are sure to when you get so many sleep hear of the massive deprived players into a room campus wide, week long for 12 hours!!! game we run in 2nd Board Games Night is Semester. Don’t worry, we always a fantastic evening have a lot more planned this shared by all sorts of people. year to get UL having some From serious games like Risk grade ‘A’ fun. You might want to the completely outrageous to keep your eyes peeled like Twister you can tell these around October for some nights are always a barrel of Halloween themed games that laughs. are sure to set the tone for a We also have a few really great year of games. dedicated gamers who run We should also mention that RPG’s over the semester. Monster, that energy drink Check out the forums to see company you might see what campaigns will be run around campus, have actually and you might find that you sponsored some of our events. will have a lot of fun. One such event is paintball. Visit us online at; Real gas powered guns, real http://www.skynet.ie/~ulgsoc Add us on facebook too for updates!!! Putting a little ying in your yang

Karate was first conceived in Okinawa Karate, and within our club there are plenty of training to be done, we cater stress in a healthy way, a chance to keep sometime in the 19th century. The style also many traditions. We have our for all styles of Karate, beginner to fit, to learn a new skill or refine an old Shotokan was founded by Gichin biannual trip to Japan, the Balloon advanced, any skill level. Don’t be shy, one, to help you achieve glory in Funakoshi in the 1920’s. Funakoshi is Championships, Pancake Parties, if you can’t throw a kick to save your competition or content with a weekly credited as the “father of modern Paintballing, go karting, bowling, ice- life, some day you might have to and we work out, to make friends for life and Karate” being one of the first to bring skating, the Clubs and Socs Ball, nights guarantee that by the end of the year have the best craic around. Karate to mainland Japan. out, nights in, Pizza and much more. you’ll at least be able to throw a couple So drop in anytime to one of our Years later, the UL Karate Club was I know it sounds like all we do is have and a few punches to boot. We grade sessions, Tuesday 6.15-8pm and established and that’s when the fun fun and that’s probably true but we do our students twice a year with external Thursday 8.15-10.00pm. started. We study a traditional style of get a bit of training done and there is gradings available for those who want Hope to see you soon. . . . . to move up the ranks quicker than the For more info check us out at average learner. www.ulkarate.com - The level of training is based on what www.bebo.com/karatekicksass, or e- you put in with our coaches, who are all mail us at [email protected] or black belts, they will have no problem [email protected] helping you get motivated. With that said there is plenty of opportunity for the serious karate enthusiast in both competitive fighting and forms with as many as 5 competitions run during the year. These include intervarsities, regionals, Munster’s and all-Irelands and if you’re good enough we can direct you to the Irish squad training as well, you wouldn’t be the first student to compete internationally. We focus on a rounded experience in the club, traditional karate training, competitive training, fitness, self-defence and of course, all the fun we can possibly cook up. So now for the sales pitch, if you want to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, you better get yourself a video of Muhammad Ali. We can’t help you there, what we can offer is a form of self defence, a means to relieve anger or 14 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULKC ALPS 2009 by Emma Day

consequences of that line and smeared in chocolate the next playground of whitewater and paddled an advanced run on This summer saw 18 ULKC ensuring that everything was day, meant that everyone was we were only delighted to avail the Lower Guisane. The next members following the best carried out as efficiently and up and eager to get going. of it. Although slightly on the day on the Briancon Gorge the whitewater on offer all over safely as possible, became Paddling through the crystal high side, levels were good as club put its common sense and theThEeuraodpvenatnurAelpbesg. an with 8 second nature to the group. waters of the Soça river, we paddled the ‘Sunshine Run” safety training to good use yet paddlers completing a first-of- This attitude as well as all enjoying rapid after rapid, on the Durance River, which again, working with other its-kind advanced training the tips and tricks we learned stopping for lunch and then turned out to be great fun with paddling groups who were also course in the phenomenal Sesia were all then passed on, when doing it all over again left a few unexpected changes to on the river that day, during a Valley, high in the mountains of we were joined in Italy by 10 everyone in high spirits. the river resulting from last search for a paddler from a Italy under the guidance of more smiley and enthusiastic Slovenia provided something years record floods, keeping us British group who was thought kayaking experts, Dave Carroll, ULKC heads. We had an for both the intermediate and on our toes. We also knocked to be missing. Thankfully Ali Donald, and Kim absolutely cracking night with advanced paddlers of the club out runs on the Upper and everybody was fine, so we Siekerman. The training Grappa, guitars, and we were but unfortunately a few days Lower Guisane as well as the headed back to the campsite involved paddling some joined by paddlers from all over later it started to rain…and it Briancon Gorge, bumping into just in time for dinner! fantastic whitewater on various the campsite. The next two didn’t stop! The usually numerous groups of other Irish sections of the Sesia and days were spent paddling on turquoise waters of the Soca paddlers along the riverbanks In just under 3 weeks, Mastallone rivers. Each day on the Lower Sesia with the sun turned a murky brown, and as we went. The Upper Guisane ULKC clocked up 4,000 miles, the river brought new belting down on top of us. knowing the dangers of a river proved to be a real gem of a run 4,000 smiles, and some of the challenges to the group: taking Water levels then decided to go in flood, the ULKC were with continuous fast flowing best whitewater Europe has to turns to lead the group down a a little insane so the group confined to solid ground. We water and a couple of really offer! So if you think you section of river, setting up safety decided to head for the Julian did manage to culturalise nice, technical rapids. Our might like to give it a go, and rescue scenarios, and Alps of Slovenia, and after a ourselves a bit in the nearby earlier safety training was put check out our website, and learning to nail the perfect line long, long road trip we arrived, town of Bovec in an incredible to practical use on one join us at our pool sessions on tougher rapids. Things like set up camp, and chowed down War museum though, before particularly long rapid, as the during the semester! See ya constantly thinking ahead on one of countless (but tasty!) we hit the road again – this group worked together to there! www.ulkayak.com about what line is best for the pasta dinners. Waking to the time for France. ensure each others safety. Later group as a whole, the potential smell of fresh pancakes The French Alps are a in the day, a smaller group From Varsity Champs to Spain and back

This year the club got the of these trips. Beach parties accommodation equipment chance to check out the were also held by the club this lessons and of course food for windsurfing scene around year in support of funding trips the whole two and a half to Europe as well as all over and equipment. These events three days (depending on the Ireland. As well as weekly trips take place once or twice a weekend). Any other supplies to locations in Ireland the club semester and are great fun for you may want to bring are up undertook two foreign trips in all. to you. This year we are Europe. The first location A big occasion for the club looking forward to having even visited by the club was in last year was winning the more members then last year. January to Fuerteventura. national intervarsities on Achill With a strong committee this is Located on one of the Canary Island, in April. Next April is sure to be a great year for the Islands, it is a hot spot for our turn to host the club and its new members. Be windsurfing and a great competition so we are looking sure to sign up when choosing location for night life and for a lot of support from your club or society this year. banter. The second was one of members, both old and new, as Check us out on Facebook just the best places in Europe, we want to put on a really good google “ulwc facebook” into Tarifa, and the most southerly show and hold on to the title of the search engine and you point of Spain. This is a best windsurfing college in should find us where there is windsurfing Mecca and the Ireland. news photos, videos and conditions were perfect for all Our base camp is in events. levels from beginners to Castlegregory, Co Kerry and Also our advanced. A small shallow our trips take place on the website: www.ul.ie/~winds lagoon was particularly suitable weekends, the rates are Cheers for beginners. Great fun and reasonable from €30- €50 The ULWC (University of friendships were made on both which covers for transport Limerick Windsurfing Club) ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 15 Living by the Sword

Ever since humans could hammer metal lower body muscles in particular. into tools, the sword has played a central part in human history. Today fencing has One of the most common questions is; is ceased to be a study of self-defence, and has fencing safe? We are training with swords changed with the times to become a fast- after all. Well, fencing is very safe. We paced sport of the present. always wear safety gear and never play around when people without protection are Fencing is as much a sport for women as it nearby. Our body protection is made out of is for men. It is an activity which is more Nylon and Kevlar (the same material used tactical than physical, more reliant on in bullet-proof jackets) while our masks are flexibility and balance rather than brute made out of wire steel. Because we are force resulting in an elegant dance of blades protected so well and because we take great between the fencers. You don`t need to be care to follow the rules of the sport, fencing big or strong to fight – in fact this can work has one of the lowest rates of injury of any against you – but you do need fast reflexes, sport. co-ordination, timing, and a great sense of anticipation. To give you an idea as to how Today we fence for the same reason that fast fencing is, the moving tip of a sword people play basketball or soccer. Fencing is blade is second only in speed to a bullet in fun, its great exercise, and everyone likes to the Olympic Games and the action is so meet new people. Fencing is as much a frantic scoring has to be judged by an mental as it is a physical discipline. Every electronic eye and a high speed camera! movement is at once powerful and economical, decisive and unbelievably swift. Fencing provides a unique mix of physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation. If you are interested in taking up fencing as Improved coordination, concentration, a sport this semester check out our website endurance and cardiovascular fitness – these at ulfencing.com, email us at are just a few of the health benefits [email protected] or come along to provided by regular fencing. It is also a training at 6pm in the main sports hall of solid workout. You can burn up to 450 the PESS building. calories an hour, working stomach and

MBUL Trip to Les Gets, France

In a desperate bid to escape another dull, wet and challenging lines could be hit at almost any speed and all round boring Irish “summer”, the Mountain Bike varying from hard on the anchors to the no brakes Club felt it necessary to bugger off to the French Alps to approach. They wound their way down the hills with see a bit of sunshine. The Alpine village we were based in gradients ranging from gentle slopes with plenty of room was called Les Gets and is more famous as a winter ski to near vertical lines where the slightest wrong move resort than a summer holiday location, but which during could prove costly. The Kona Bike Park was another trail the summer welcomes thousands of eager mountain we discovered behind the Les Gets downhill track. It had bikers at all skill levels. This was MBUL's third summer both intermediate and expert graded trails running trip riding Alpine trails, and our best one yet. concurrently down the slope and was designed by Fabien While in the French Alps we had access to Barel, a downhill world cup winner. multiple tracks which were all serviced by ski-lifts. The cheaper French alcohol was also a bonus. Everybody who went was able to find trails to push their As we quickly learned, nothing quite beats arriving back personal limits and improve their skills. The only from riding trails all day to settle down for the evening casualties of the trip were Gus, one of our senior with cold beer and hot pizza. This was to become the members, who unfortunately got it all horribly wrong day staple diet of all but the most health conscious members one and had to sit out most of the week's activities with of our club for the week. We also sampled the local some badly bruised ribs. After that a few bikes took a wildlife, which from what we can gather was mostly small hammering, but there was nothing we couldn't fix. and furry with the occasional goat. The huge range of trails allowed us to train in For term time we run weekly cycles on a many different disciplines including cross country, where Sunday leaving from the boathouse as well as night we were able to cycle routes that passed through cycles and street sessions during the week. You can find Switzerland as well as France. There was also a track for out more at our website at www.mbul.tk. We tend to go 4X but the main trails offered were downhill. There were to places like Cratloe Woods, Killaloe or the Ballyhouras also slope-style and free-ride courses nearby. as well as staying around UL for street/trials rides. In The downhill tracks were the trails most October we plan to have a pump track built and ready to Pics © William Bennet people spent their time on as we intended to make full ride on campus, please join our forum to learn more use of the Ski-lifts while we were there. The dry, dusty about our club. 16 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS U.L. Soccer-Bigger and Better

players maybe interested in just In what seems is becoming playing for fun, or do not have a regularity for U.L. Soccer the time to be involved in a Club, we can look back on team. Stephen organises such the previous season with events as 7-a-side competitions pride, from fresher com- on the pitches and on the petitions all the way to astroturf, futsal on the indoor senior futsal, U.L. were courts and for students represented with the honour interested in receiving coaching and high standard always qualifications, with the help of associated with the Uni- the PESS department a Kick- veWrsityh. membership at a high start 1 and Kickstart 2 course of 190 in the 2008/09 year, we were run throughout the year, are hoping to break the 200 with 13 students finishing up mark this year, by introducing obtaining the Kickstart 2 more teams for more active qualification. To close out the participants. Currently, the year, a 7-a-side tournament teams available include the was run during Rag Week to womens senior team, womens promote non-alcoholic related freshers team, mens senior A activity, which 130 students team, mens senior B team and took part in, and which was a mens freshers team. also helped by Damien Cahill ROLL OF HONOUR: Combined with these teams we from the Students Union who are hoping for a women's put a lot of time into senior B team and a mens organizing the tournament WSCAI Ladies Premier League Winners senior C team which can only with the soccer club. be possible with new members To finish up, without new WSCAI Ladies Senior Intervarsity Winners showing interest. The roll of members the soccer club would honour for the year 2008/09 is not be able to run or even WSCAI Ladies Indoor Intervarsity Winners an impressive one, but can be compete for any tournament, enhanced with new talent so during Orientation week we WSCAI Ladies Freshers Intervarsity Runners-Up signing up to improve our club. will have a stand set up to While every club, like our register for membership and CUFL Mens Premier League Winners own, is focused on competing also during the clubs and and having success, we also societies night we will have Mens Farquhar Cup Winners have Stephen Griffin who is the another stand set up so if you Mens Harding Cup Runners-Up University's dedicated Football are interested do not hesitate to Facilitator employed by the sign up. Thanks Mens Crowley Plate Winners FAI, to encourage active participation in not only Cian Healy competitive football, but in Secretary recreational football, for U.L. Soccer Club “Clubs & Societies Recruitment Drive Date: 9th Sept Time: 6pm to 9pm Venue: Cian Healy, [email protected], UL Sports Arena” Tel: 085 1613595