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DIT Student Union Dublin Institute of Technology

1997

The DIT Examiner: the Newspaper of the Dublin Institute of Technology Students' Union October, 1997

DIT Students's Union

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the DITExaminer So apart from being the largest DITSU, DIT Kevin Street, Kevin St., Dublin 8. Pb:402 4636 students' union in the country Fax: 478 3154 What has Dffsu ever done for me?

Well we organise and provide:

+ FRESHERS/ARTS/WELFARE/RAG WEEKS + COMPREHENSIVE SUBSIDISED ENTS. + FREE WELFARE ADVICE + FREE FINANCIAL ADVICE + HELP WITH COURSE PROBLEMS VOTE + HELP WITH GRANT PROBLEMS + HELP AND RESOURCES FOR CLUBS AND SOCIETIES + FREE STUDENT NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES + REPRESENTATION WITHIN THE COLLEGE, WITHIN OIT GOVERNING BODY AND NATIONALLY + CAMPAIGNS ON ISSUES LIKE STUDENT HARDSHIP, ACCOMMODATION AND SAFETY, LIBRARY FACILITIES, CATERING + RAISES THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY THROUGH RAG WEEK + 2ND HAND BOOK SERVICE + PUBLISHES FREE YEARLY HANDBOOK AND WELFARE MANUAL + DETAILED ACCOMMODATION LIST AT START OF EVERY YEAR + INTEREST FREE WELFARE LOANS + USIT CARDS + CHEAP PHOTOCOPYING + SU SHOP WITH WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES + SECRETARIAL SERVICE, PAST EXAM PAPERS AND FAX SERVICE + POOL TABLES AND VIDEO GAMES + PAYPHONE IN SU OFFICE + CONDOM MACHINES IN TOILETS + FRESHERS, HALLOWEEN, CHRISTMAS, RAG, EASTER, LAST CHANCE BALLS + FASHION SHOW

:": . -... • •• II!I.~ •• • + BEER PROMOTIONS 'COudSeUlilg1and. Support for + CHEAP PASSPORT PHOTOS ·:·Unp.latlne~· + FRESHERS WELCOME PACKS 'Pregnancy + POSTAL ADDRESS FACILITY + AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT US TO DO! .' Diisu RUN BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS SO GET INVOLVED! IT'S YOUR SnJDENTS' UNION. • Ifyou 11'1 unmarried and think you art pregnant • Ifyou bllllvl ~r gbif.llnd 11 pregnlld and you 11'1 wonted Clarifications • Ifyou .... going to be a grandpartnt IOOftlf'than expected Should you encounter anything you feel is in need ofcIari6ca­ tion in this, or any other issue ofthe DIT &aminer, please con­ tact the editor and any such matteD sbaIl then be darified in the subsequent edition

NOD-DeaolDiDadoDal Free + Conlideada. EDITOR Cearbhall 6 Sloch6ID BAOARTIIOm For the price of a local c81. anywhere in IreIa1d you can contact the Ve,etable tropllOV b,. Ton,. Bennett PACTLINE 1150 17 33 33 PrInted by Datascope. Monday mFriday • 9am. k) 5p.m. EDDl corth,.. Co. W'eD'orcl

PIc:t 15 ...... DuIIU.' 11 .I 49'767" Pa: I) 496 65 65

3 2. Having very little experience myself Lettuce to the Editor ofthe above-mentioned DIT site, I gen­ erally keep to one staircase; the one down Desiderata ~nJ lettuce sent to the Examiner for the attention ofthe Editor should the hall, ifyou turn right, just inside the be clearly marked. NIghlacfar le hun leitls mharbh. SintJing dead In­ main door. Go placidly amid the noise and haste Asfor the clothes -- haveyou seen some and remember what peace there may be tuce to the Editor is 11 strict no-no. liglihh serIobh thulgIt" seoladh seo of the fourth years' outfits lately? in silence. As far as possible without sur­ llleanas: (Complain in writing ifyou dare, or if render be on good terms with all per­ you can write, fiurth years.) sons. Speak your truth quietly and clear­ The Editor, An tEagllrtlitJir, 3. By the time you read this you prob­ ly; and listen to others, even the dull .DITExaminer, DITExaminer, ably will undoubtedly have figured out and ignorant; they too have their story. DITSU, DITSU, where things are, and have plenty of Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they DITKevin St., ITBAc Sraid Chaoimhln, other things to worry about. are vexations to the spirit. If you com­ Sraid Chuimhln, pare yourself with others, you may Kevin St., become vain or bitter, for always there Dublin 8. BAC8. will be greater or lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as a) you know exactly where you're well as your plans. Keep interested in going Truflais your own career; however humble, it is a b) you have no need for friends real possession in the changing fortunes Mountjoy Stairs c) you're hip en' happening of time. Excercise caution in your busi­ d) you're not worried about any of Achara, ness affairs, for the world is full oftrick­ Dear Mr Editor Person, the above ery. But let this not blind you to what conas gurb e an saghas raimeis chean­ vittue there is. Many persons strive for Hello, how's life? Well, poor me cuz na ad a chlo agatsa i gconai? Nach high ideals and everywhere life is full of aint exactly easy!! I'm only a first year and I thought it'd bhfuil aon eirimiUlachta ag baint leat ar heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not be a good idea to remind all you non­ chur ar bith? Bheinn, de ghnath, nios feign affection. Neither be cynical about No matter how hard we try, we still first years what it feels like to be sciopaidh ag gearran, ach gur cheapas go love, [or in the face ofall aridity and dis­ get hopelessly lost; lose new-found thrown at the deep end. I myself am at mbeifea sasta feabhas a chur ar an enchantment it is as perennial as the 'friends' just as we get to the canteen, Mountjoy Sq, but I think I speak for gcaighdean scdobhnoireachta sa grass. Take kindly the counsel of the feel like even Wurzel Gummidge all us 'freshers' when I say...Oh Mi bhfoilseachan seo, rud nar tharla. years, gracefully surrendering the things would laugh at our dress sense and God!!! As seo amach, bheinn toilteannach of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to constantly worry how to avoid all the Why do we feel like such spanners? puc sa rsron a thabhairr duit gach uair a shield you in sudden misfortune. But do above. Anyway, I thought it only fair to Well maybe irs because everybody else d'fheicfinn tu, agus poll a chur id bhrog not distress yourself with imaginings. speak oUt for all us headless chickens, seems dead-set on their destinations da bhfaighinn an rscans. Rud eile de, ni Many fears are born offatigue and lone­ cuz hey! We're all in this together! apart from us, or maybe its because he amhain nach bhfuil an chaighdean sa liness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, Thanx ever so much y'all for your everything looks suspiciously similar nuachtcin seo sKh ard, ach ni dh~antar be gentle with yourself. You are a child empathy. no matter what floor you're on. freastal ar bith ar lucht indeachtUil na of the &JJliverae. no less than the trees and the stars. ou have a right to be Here in MJS there are two staircases hInstitiuide - ni chuireann tU f6n IOn An ignorant, baffled, insignificant suim i ga1rsai mura bhfuil siad paistiUiI, here, and whether or not it is clear to which, I'm convinced, are there solely first year. seaf6ideach, suarach. Ca bhfuil an fior­ you, no doubt the universe is unfolding for confusion of the ignorant. You go nuacht le leamh? Ni agarsa sa nuachtan as it should. Therefore be at peace with up one to the second floor to e.g. seo ata, agus caithfear athni rreo a lorg God, whatever you conceive him to be, Course B, then later you go up the da bharr. and whatever your labours and aspira­ other one to the second floor presum­ EJitor replies: tions, in the noisy confusion of life, ing you'll find Course B...Oh, No! keep peace with your soul. With all irs You've landed in some place that looks I Ag feitheamh is ag faire. 1. As ofthis moment, you aw the least sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is about as pleasant as Gwyneth on Brad's Cormac Mac Airr, ignorant, baffled or insignificant first or still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive arm or Johnny on Kate's arm - how Taillte Deismhumhan. any other year within the confines ofthe to be happy. confusing can two staircases be? Very. glorious DIT. Why? Because you're the Ring a bell, non-freshers? Well, it only one who bothered their arse to use St Paul's Church, Baltimore, 1692 should do, because running around, this newspaperfir its walpurpose. desperately trying to look like Dublin Inner City Primary A Note From the Student Services Schools Initiative

Office The DIT has recently become involved with a relatively new education­ al body, the Dublin Inner City Primary Schools Initiative, which grew from two other, previously existing groups - the Dublin Inner City Partnership and the Primary School Initiative. The DICP was set up in 1991 to combat long-term unemployment. Whenever you pay any DIT office by Initially the partnership did not concern itself with primary education but grew to see that many of the problems of deprivation begin to create dis­ cash or cheque for Registration Fees, advantage from the earliest contact with state bodies. It was because of this that the Primary School Initiative was formed in 1996. Following lengthy discussions with the Department of Education, a Tuition Fees or Examination Fees, you teacher was finally chosen to co-ordinate the efforts of the project. At the moment, eight primary schools are involved; St. Gabriel's will be given an official receipt. You National School, Cowper St, 07; Francis St. CBS, 08; Scoil Chaitrfona CBS, Baggot St, 02; St. Laurence O'Toole's CBS, Seville Place, 01; St should retain this receipt carefully, as Patrick's BNS, Ringsend, 04; City Quay National School, 02; Central Model Jnr National School, Marlboro St., 01; Central Model Snr School, Marlboro St., 01. it may be required later as evidence of The DIT involvement comes in the form of the provision of at least four computers to each school, the training of teachers and student technical payment. support, and also the establishment of a Resource Centre. With other sponsors and patrons such as The Irish Times, Ark Children's Centre, Royal College of Surgeons and the Pigeon House Science Centre it should turn out to be quite a successful venture. If interested contact The Editor, DIT Examiner, Students' Union, DIT Kevin St. @ 402 4636 for more information. 4 I Consumer rights -- where do I stand? Childcare Campaign Pack ovah you?" signs have no bearing whatsoever. They The Buyers' GuiJe have no effect on your statutory (legal) launched by USI introduced by Christopher Wa/lten Bring the impure goods back to the shop rights at all. If you do not get a satisfactory immediately, along with the RECEIPT, or response from the shop, you should voice Chris: "You just bought some stuff in a you risk losing your right to a refund. Ifyou this in written form to the manager or store, but it don't do what its s'posed to ­ are physically unable to get to the shop, owner in question. Should this again prove The national student body Union of Students' its, like, broke, right? So whatta you gonna phone or write to the manager explaining unsuccessful you may take further steps. in Ireland recently unveiled their Childcare do.)" the situation. He is then obliged to collect You could get in touch with your/a solici­ Campaign Pack, designed to help student par­ the faulty goods or to refund you the money tor, or you could take the matter up ents seek proper care for their offspring while By buying something, you have entered for posting them to him. Depending on the through the Small Claims Procedure. It attending coUege at the same time. It is intend­ ed to be non-Gdusive, and to this end is also into a contract with the RETAlLER, ie the length of time the product has been in your only costs £5, but deals with claims for up directed at non-parents and staff, the argument person in the shop to whom you gave your possession since you bought it, you are enti­ to £600, and you don't need a solicitor. For being - and rightly 10 - that tbe i..ue i. cash. It is NOT the MANUFACfURER'S tled to a refund, a replacement or at least to more information on this go to the Small wider than a parental one. problem - the RETAlLER must vouch for have the fault repaired. This goes for any­ Claims Registrar in your local district court. This much-needed attack on complacent third­ all he sells, or refuse to stock it. In doing so thing bought during a Sale too. (Products Icvd institutions in their provision of chiJdcare he is automatically guaranteeing the prod­ or items sold as seconds, shop-soiled or Chris: "Eventually, okay, the goofy kid f.acilities, it is boped. wiU draw attention to and improve matten relating to chilclcare in con­ uct's quality. The RETAILER may later in the store who tried to kick you back onta damaged goods are a different matter. In stituent educational establishments nationwide. take it up with the MANUFACfURER if this case you should check the product the highway, he gona cough up - he ain't Though the national prea felt they bad juicier necessary, but that does not concern you. before leaving the shop.) too happy about that, but you tellim I sent DeWlI to COWl' 011 the day, the event _ bailed you. You do that, an' we aint got any more as a succ:ess by USI Women'. Rights Offic.er, Chris: "Wbana you gonna do about that Chris: "Then outta no-where, ouna the problems you an' me.· Nuala Toman. The launch _ attended by lousy product? Its stinkin' up your whole blue, this creepy store's gona 'No Refund' such notaries as Margaret Oromey, Administrator of TREOIR, Non Gibbons of place, its like maybe five, six times worse policy? Now what the hell is that?" Next week: riding the public omnibus &mudos, Fine Gael TO and Spokesman on than its s'posed ta be? You gonna let that with AI Pacino, ooh-ahh! auJdren, Dan NCYiIle, and Derek McDoweU . slimeball back theah in the store walk all If your complaint is genuine, then such TD, Labour Spokesman on Children and Health. The lack of rapollM from the printed press -. perhaps. balanced by wrio.. ndio intEr­ view. conducted by M. Toman, and .he expres.ed her .ati.faction at the attention received to date. She is con6dent that the com­ ing weeks and months will see the campaign pther momentum, and hoped that it would pmer .trong .uppon from the USI-affiliate collega and universities throughout the coun­ ay. The Oy-Ieaf 01 the Campaign Pack espIains that the work was a production of the USI Women'. Campaign, with assistance from vari­ 0.- othen. though sources dose to USI would sugar that M. Toman carried more than her fair share of the project to completion herself, without much of tbe nece..ary ...istance. Though It may raise question. as to loyalties (ostensibly a USI Women's Campaign) in the future, this did not take away &om the 6nished product and fUll credit is due to Ms Toman for her efforts.

5 Fear ofa Black City by Brendan Walsh

n acism is a disease. It contaminates 39 applications for refugee status in tions. Ireland's location at the periphery some areas. In one case a Zairean man ftau it touches, victim and perpetra­ 1992 bear no comparison to the 1,500 of Europe will mean that refugees will was stabbed in the head by thugs tor. Due to our history we have not applications which were received in the have difficulty reaching here. screaming racist abuse. Besides the had to face up to it until very recently. first six months of this year alone. Even Incitement to Hatred Act, Ireland has But now, as refugees enter the State in this is a minuscule per centage of the The degrading and callous treatment no legislation to deal with racist attacks. increasing numbers, we are standing at estimated 20-30 million refugees world­ of refugees by the State, most recently The stabbing, if it were reported, would a cross-roads. One group would have wide. evidenced by forcing 2,000 refugees to be treated as an assault and not an us take the right path into intolerance queue for hours in driving rain outside inherently racist attack. and exclusion. The other path leads to As the anti-refugee bias began to the Department ofJustice on Stephen's a multicultural, open society where all grow in June, Nora Owen, then Green to renew their identity cards. was It is not all bad news however. Some dismissed by one official who helpfully people are making the effort to reach asserted that the Department had no out to the fledgling communities. control over the elements. Events such as the recent Soccer Against Racism in Ireland and the Rage Against Part of the blame for this has to be Racism Carnival have helped to offset attributed to the lack of resources which the negative aspects ofthe refugee situa­ have been brought to bear on the prob­ tion here. Groups such as Educat.e lem. Officials in the Irish Refugee Together have set up multicultural prI­ Council are drowning in their increased mary schools all over the country in work-load and the Department of recognition of the fact that Ireland is Justice are not faring much better. not an entirely homogenous community any more. The track record of the previous gov­ ernment was pitiful, though they seem The latest development has seen the to have handed on the baton ofindiffer­ Departments of Justice, Equality and ence to the current incumbents. Law Reform and Education teaming up Government strategy so far seems to to launch an education pack which aims involve implementing draconian short­ to educate schools and youth organisa­ term 'solutians' and much rhetoric. tions about the harmful effects of racism. Stirring ill-will: pre-war Nazi propaganda appearing in Dublin races are treated equally. Minister for Justice, brought in new leg­ islation which applies to refugees arriv­ Our politicians have let us down. ing from the UK and Northern Ireland. from their failure to enact the necessary legislation to adequately deal with the What is itnportant about this legisla­ influx of refugees to the naked racism tion is that. contrary to the UN displayed by a small number of right Convention on Refugees and the wing politicians during the last general Refugee Act. people arriving from the election campaign, it has become obvi­ UK can be turned back at the border in ous that protecting the rights of asylum the case of the former or after they have seekers is a bit of a political hand arrived in Ireland in the case of the lat­ ~r-enade. ter.

The way that our laws on refugees This breaches the key principle of have evolved, or failed to, tell us a lot refoulement, meaning that a refugee will about our attitudes to them. Our Aliens not be expelled to any state where their legislation, now hopelessly obsolete, was life or freedom would be threatened. As drawn up before the outbreak of the Europe moves toward greater unity it Second World War and it is widely seems incongruous that people arriving Ken McCue, Cu tura 0 Jcer wit t. e Du in Inner City Partners ip. known that it's purpose was to keep in the state from Great Britain will be points out some examples ofracist billing in areas ofthe inner city. Nazi spies out ofthe country. treated differently from those arriving from the Continent. This has been compounded by the It was not until 1985 that Ireland media's often one-sided reports. began to address the trickle of refugees Refugees are an easy target. They are Refugees are mercilessly scapegoated, which were coming to this country to different. easy to pick out from a crowd. particularly in poorer areas. In areas Anybody wishingfor more infor­ such as Smithfield in the North Inner escape persecution in their own. They have few rights pending the pro­ mation on the European Jear Decisions on granting asylum to cessing of their requests for asylum and City, there is a real feeling of (mis­ refugees from this year on were based on they do not enjoy the right to vote. placed) resentment against refugees. Against RJtcism can contact the a single letter written by a Department Anecdotal evidence suggests that immi­ With the IRC offices on Arran Quay Department ofJustice, Equality ofJustice official. gration officials are consistently target­ and the presence of many refugees in and Law Reform, Dun Aimhirgin, ing people who are ethnically different the area. they have become very visible 43·49 Mespil Road, Dublin 4. The letter proposed that refugees as they arrive in the State. This has been on the streets. Telephone 660 5233. would be allowed to reside in the State causing hardship for citizens ofthe State until a decision is reached on whether who may not look 'Irish'. Racist graffiti and. most recently. they will be granted asylum or not. This posters have gone up in the area. process can take up to three years, and Now that the Dublin Convention has Although people working with refugees Bn:llt!,m Wa/sb is fl ji°l'l'/'lIIt'l' refugees are not allowed to work in the been ratified. it seems likely that the claim that actual racist attacks are huge­ jOtima/ist Cll1Tl>llt~y writing/or State pending the outcome of their number of refugees coming to this ly under-reported, some disturbing application. country will decrease. The Convention accounts have been bubbling to the sur­ t!J(' Big I.mtl's. Ile IMS Public harmonises asylum procedures through­ face. Relatiolls O/Jlcerjor the ramt Between the years of 1956 and 1992 out the EU and will mean that a Soccer Agaillst Racism in lrel,mtl. the Irish government, mainly at the refugees application for asylum will be People in the Anti Nazi League request of the United Nations. gave examined by the state to which they first describe incidents such as the firebomb­ refuge to less than 1.500 refugees. The come. preventing them from applying ing of a Muslim mosque and organised

for asylum in other European jurisdic- attempts to force refugee families out of I 6 /

- Glen of the Downs -­ Design the new Paving Paradise to put Template and Layout for up a Motorway the DITExaminer

icklow County Council are most beautiful landscapes. W planning to build a shiny mod­ Bulldozers are set to arrive in em motorway through a wooded part late November or early December How wollll1ld you like to be on the of Glen of the Downs, just beyond to flatten the place, but some of the Kilmacanogue, not far from Bray. local residents have other ideas. receivinl end ofa check for a They intend to cleave off over Along with friends and support 100 feet of hillside to facilitate this from many others, some of them nice~ cool ton~ or consolation construction, ultimately to make have established a camp from this section of Wicklow easily and where they can protest peacefully, prize of SO bills~ quickly accessible for commuters­ sitting out the time in huts and to-be. It is claimed that developers nests in the trees surrounding the and the County Council want to area. build hundreds of houses in the If you feel this is a worthy pur­ ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEND IN YOUR Greystones and Delgany area, and suit, or if wildlife and green coun­ the road, they believe, is a neces­ tryside matters a damn anymore, CAREFULLY DRAWN UP PROPOSAL FOR A sary evil. why not contact them, visit them, NEW DESIGN LAyOUT FOR YOUR The down side of progress such or show support in any way you & as this of course, is the damage it see fit. They can never get too STUDENTS' UNION NEWSPAPER. does to the environment it ploughs much. up. All kinds of wildlife, both plant SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN ON APpLEMAc­ and animal, will be disturbed either Ph: OODa @ 287 1892 directly or indirectly, as will our COMPATIBLE DISC. THE NEWSPAPER IS ability to enjoy one of the country's CURRENTLY LAID OUT ON QUARK ExPRESS 1ST PRIZE: £100 RUNNER UP: £50

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS FRI 28 NOVEMBER 1997. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER 97ISSUE.

7 DITSU Council curbs New(s)Stands for DIT diversification of Examiner The DITExaminer can now be seen lying around luxuriously on shiny big newspaper stands courtesy of D'Olier St daily, The Irish Times. members In a lightning raid on all constituent DIT sites throughout the city earli­ er this month, ChaOS spun around in a plush van with Irish Times courier, Declan, to deliver the cutting edge basket stands to Students' Union which, in light ofthe tran­ offices, Common Rooms and foyers, as students and staff alike stood The first DITSUcouncil sient nature ofstudent aghast at the arrival of the New Display Order. passed offfairly uneventfully politicians, may never see When the dust had settled, and the braver of the on-Iookers strode for­ this month, the first session conclusion. It centres ward to examine the newfangled contraptions it was revealed that they are ofthe year concerning itself around the question as to actually quite impressive. If you are interested in the hot-off-the-press mainly with training of whether students need an look be sure to check out local sites for the flash new stands. Class Representatives and Equality Officer or whether Incidentally, if you're reading this, it is highly probable that you will have seen one of these stands already and, indeed, probably won't bother it is more important at the Clubs c!r Societies informa­ to read this informative piece. tion. moment to look for a (prob­ The most contentious issue ably female) W0mens Rights to raise its head was one of Officer. wider, though less immedi­ Ms Wi-ekes took her argu­ ately relevant, importance, ment to DITSU Council in namely, that ofUnion of order to win backing, and Students in Ireland Dublin was again defeated when a Area Womens Rights Officer. vote was calledfor, on the Siobhdn 'Weekes, Site pretext that, as current President in DITAungier Aungier St. President, she St, sole contenderfor the has enough work to do as it USIposition, was defeated is. in her attempts to gain Though Siobhdn Wi-ekes has approvalfor thejob, though had her attempts scuppered it is suggested that it is by DITSU Council, it is because ofthe crux ofthis clear that this issue will con­ paricular case that she was tinue at USI level, to cause turned down. hassle and tribulations for The election brought to the others in the future. fore again an argument

Environmental Scientists take two out of three l-r:Joh" McDorw/J, MlIIUIger, TSB Hmry St., MAry Bwltky, Joh" 0-, H,J,ert McH"gh, II"JDITPresiJmt, Dr. Brn"III" GolJsmith lit the II"",rtIi"g cermlOPIJ.

wo Environmental Health stu­ The annual event is held to immerse DIT Kevin St. Electrical Engineering T dents and an Electrical I Electronic srudents in a 2-week long forum involv­ srudent, John Owens ofTullamore, Co. Engineering student were the recipients ing special lectures from established and Offaly, took third place, and the tidy recendy ofprizes In the young scientist recognised scientists, visits to research sum of £100 in a brand spanking new DIT / TSB Young event run by the DIT in conjunction establishments and connecting with TSB Bank account to boot. with Trustee Savings Bank. other young 'para-scientists' with com­ mon interests. The Irish iI1terest and Could it be that the future for Techno-Sciertce Mayo srudent. Hubert McHugh, cur­ arrachment to the Forum is the charge Environmental Science -- a relatively rently studying Environmental Science ofthe Royal Dublin Society. new discipline -- is about to blossom? If Scholar ofthe at DIT Cathal Brugha St., took first this is the case, Cathal Brugha St and place in the prestigious competition, a Mary Buckley, a native ofWestmeath, the DIT are in the right place at the Year position that gained him a trip to the and also studying Environmental right time. London International Youth Science Science at Cathal Brugha St coIlected Forum. an event arrended by over 500 £300 for her endeavours. courtesy of students from 60 countries. TSB.

8 All Kinds ofNothing THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

&J, c.pI4"RIIIestl tIMI tIN PrwUImtiM 'RMe'is tkrJoU/ ~f~_ ~ - p/ntly"' these. Fai/tU their dream canditl4te, her urlin- this year the honourable chances arejust that - a dream. .saviour ofMnJ na hEireann, the A. Mary Banotti She is the person most likely to be keeper of voted tU Top Northern Canditl4te the Park Oftfound in the election. and wandering Uachtaran, the corri­ D Dana (Rosemary Scallon) Mary dorsin Robinson, Europe, Young girl Serious announced this Fine best known that she Gael for bring­ wtU escap­ woman ing the Footnote: ingfrom wouMfind curse ofthe the shackles it difficult Eurovision ofa 7-year M,,,y Robinson to woo even MAry &motti Song Voting imprisonment in Chateau the most Contest Phoenix. Having entered office as radical ofblueshirt supporters. An down upon a relative unknown, she left with MEP ofmanyyears, she wouMlive the unsus­ for the the hope that her hitJe-away in up to her title ifelecud- Mad pecting Irish popu- D""" (IlD_"" SelllUn) Aras an Uachtaran htU preserved Eccentric Presitlmt. Unknown in • her anonimity, Just in case she Dublin, where she is well known, lation. She relies on the blessing of Pre5idential gained undue attention from the the average farmer wouMfind her Godfor her campaign, thus the localpaparaui, she stowed away as appealing as a case ofBSE in phrase uttered by her supporters on a charurflight to Geneva and his herd. - "God help her!". She claims Election was last seen cavorting with mem­ that she willgarner supportfrom bers ofa cult known only as the BAdi Roche allpeople with real Catholic val­ United Nations and its esoteric ues and who respect the Churchi ta}{es leader Kofi Annan. Thisfiisty views. That shouIJget her about With contrary Mary out ofthe Cork 20vous. way, the position ofgovernment woman place on puppet, eh, Presitlmt, lies v«ant. will win by E Derek Nally This will befilled in the not-too­ a lanJJ­ distantfuture by one ofa group of slitle···if Due to a 30 gullible hopefuls with nothing bet­ she runs late cleri­ ur to do than seek the Lark in the for election cal error, a Park. Canditl4tes must satish the in Belarus. man was October following criteria: The inadver­ 1 Have no experience ofIrish poli­ Godmother AlIi Roehe tently tics; ofthe Chernobyl ChiMreni admitted to 1997. 2 Be unknown except to close fam­ Project, voted Small RIldioactive the race. ily members (although even this is Soviet Republic Person ofthe lear, Hailed as debatable) she has plenty ofexperience work­ the saviour ~---=----" 3 Run a campaign which can. be ing with problem chi/Jren (which ofFir na DnJtNJ/y easily ritJiculed by the media is beneficialfor coping with Ddil hEireann, 4 Have no suitable qualifICations deputies). Her electoral base is this former Gartl4 will halle his Make for thejob restricud to herfamily in Leeside. oM colleagues arrest anyone who 5 Have absolutely no chance of However, she may gain extra votes doesn't vote for him. He has a winning. Although bribery is an across the country by agreeing to chance ofbeing elected because, Your option, it tentls to befrowned withdrawfuture Cork hurling being the only canJitI4te not hav­ upon by those ofhigh moral dispo­ teams from the All-Ireland ing to waste time with make-up, sition (such as librarians). [My Champion,hip. he will have more time to give tIJ Choice mothers a librarian, Bob - Ed.] important aspects ofthejob such C Mary McAleese as playinggolfwith visiting digni­ taries. Count There are five declared can­ A member didates for the Presidency. ofQueens For those ofyou who exclaim "Is University that it!?", the answer is, unfortu­ Under close scrutiny, they are academic nately, yes. Mindyou, does anyone an interesting mixture ofodds staff, Mary care? The option ofvotingfor and ends. Mac is Dustin the Turkey orBarruy the seeking tIJ Dinosaur stiD exists. They say that further ifyou don't vouyou don't have a cross-bor­ voice. In that case - long live the tler rela- silent 1IUlSSes!! . by MM;,MeAM- tuJns getting elecud. Selected by FiIlnna 9 able evening offun and however). DJMick 1~~7T::--:~==~;;;;;;;;iiiiiiil Freshers' Week frolicks, including a table Glynn in the can­ Aungier Street quiz, sumo wrestling and teen at lunch-time by Thomas Felle Kwizoke. The evening provided the enter- A tradition that travels culminated in the tainment with the back to the dawn oftime Furnace for a Traffic help ofsome very is the Fresher experience Light Ball, which every- brave students who andAungier took part in the Street's week cer­ iron stomach and tainly went down blind date competi­ in the history books tiolls. Barney

this year. Murphy Co pro- "LT , .L • er ., rl.e s notgonna EATtnat.?!" Look ofFear on It was officially vtded the eventngs the faces of1Nlny atAungier St's iron rum bash launched on entertainment with a mous D'Aungier Zone was Monday, October 6 Hudson Bluepromotion a-wash with free yo-yo's at lunch time, with at 5p. m. The die-hards and Soft and Gentle roll- some free Carlsberg in the college went on deodorant. Ice and Coca Cola, straightfrom Barney~s The Court night club was which didn't last afterfour hours ofcheepo the usual badly-remem- long; it is a well beer to the Garda Club bered drunken- stupoured known fact that for Zak Powers, hypnotist great night that it always students in DIT extrodinaire. is. colleges have devel- 1...__A_u....;;ng;...,ier_S_tP_u_b_G_T,_'Il_w_1Wl_in_n_er._'S_~ The colour ofmoney look... Thursday was a free oped the ability to keep body definitely enjoyed. alikes took to the cues on morning ana was warmly their oesophagus open as There were, however, a Wednesday, lunch time welcomed by all who were they swallow beer. few who couldn't make up when the pool competi- out the night before. The Some have not, however, their minds as to which tion was held in the com- treasure hunt at lunch 11lanaged to master the colour they wanted, mon room. Brian Cox time brought out the art ofclosing it again which lidded to the confu- stormed home the eventu- usual suspects, who also after they havefinished sion ofone young whip- al winner after a very went ice skating in making a pig ofthem- scallion journalist. interesting competition. Dolphin's Barn. Nextyear selves, as all in the SU Tuesday started a little Gleeson's was most defi- we really should issue a found out, forcing us to later than envisaged, with nitely the place to be on government health warn- dodge flying vomit in the Clubs and Socs Day Wednesday night when ing against ice skating. three-legged pub crawl. which was visited by none foe Dolan and Neil Everybody who was any- Well not all ofus students other than the former Diamond made a huge body packed in to have that Minister comeback. All the Gleeson's like sardines in problem, Guinness products which a can on Thursday night however. were on promotion had for the Guinness Party The eventu­ absolutely nothing to do al winners with it. Honestly. Of Below: 'skating away on the thin ice ofa new day... ' (and ifyou managed to course, the, by now, infa­ know that one you're good) swallow an ~=~;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;:======awful lot of beer in five .different pubs in 17 minutesflat. Anyone who wasn't 1!"""T.='h;-I1-'ee-t-;-ho-u-sa-n!"""dr-p~izzas--p-:-le-a'S-e.-..-::'IG:-ev~in~St~1 arrested by the Gardai en Transport to the Legion rottte eventually made it ofMary (not with any to Club USIfor an enjoy- great degree ofsuccess

10 to the ground to them a thing 6r two ensure it could never again be used as an eventfor var­ ious balls. They ailed in their attempt. However, it has been con­ trmed that the Furnace is now on the blacklistfor ~~~~~~!!=~=~~=~eventsin thefuture. Evmtrl4l Iron StomlUh winner inAungier SI, h~ on thefar left. Cram crlUlm'S to wash down that miJlunJOJ.mmm.. No doubt, many

Anima promotion, an, have made up stories of Fergal 0 'Brim shows a chuckling Ross 0 'Daly how to break anJpot dJe mtire table in onego. no doubt, our beloved dogs eating the rent a out track­ leader, Siobhan W'eekes, money and orphaned sis- ing. A very who was twenty one terJ needing operations to successful again on Thursday, keep away the heavies piece ofmar­ enjoyed herselfas well as from evicting them. But ketingwas everyone else who was it was worth..it. instigated by there. the SUfor The Furnace was jam­ this staged mers, "the place was event, that of buzzin', man" was how Freshers' Week Pool IT For one.young student Bolton Street those unable described the experience. tfr'view the There were rumours that Snooker star Fergal snookeri-e some right wingfaction O'Brien procedings graced DIT from the Bolton St comfort of

with his pres­ the Common I Two pints oflager anda padut ofclothes please. Room, where L.....- _ ence during Freshers' the tables are, a live satel­ Karters to Photographers, week to pot lite link-up relayed the the GAA to the Army, lyrical and games outside to the even the most oblique uton a bleacher-steps, where gangs made a show on the s======:greatshow hoards ofpool and snook­ day. Main prize to the against the er enthusiasts satglued to Sailing Club for unfurl­ L..----...;;..------.;;;..------'hardiestof the screen. ing their main sail to a student challengers. Aspart ofa very full height ofthree floors. Fergal was invited week in the largest and to play a couple of most studentfriendly of tournament games the northside DITsites, rafiii;~1ic~~~~Z1 by the Students' the Clubs & Societies Union to officially were out in force, open the AIB l'ear draped over every bal­ Pool League. cony and railing over- Playing in the style DUulP._ ofthe Chess Km" SI ~eJ wip Ja Grandmasters, rUUi_"'"'SMretI_""_ _ "rtg.1tyJnt.tk FIwhen' .-,J,;J,l1li. MIll. •. Prouepnfo,.", dJnrnewlinz!e TilMmeHiglmo'/ordJehighly Fergal took on four ,.Q.w- ./RMIt tkIi"'i'""t mlUUS in &11." SI. ~ IIhMIII. opponents simulta- r"", T.,..,. neously, and, eh, showed wouldattempt to burn it 11 DIT SPORTS DAY - AlSAA

DIT Freshers' Sports Day present by Tony Choi and rain finally fell. events due to its popularity, ALSAA Sarah McGovern}. Upon entering the ALSAA complex, visitors were aston­ My word! What a turn out! ished to see a monolithic No-one foresaw the hoards medieval castle, threatening that accumulated out by the almost to block out the sun.

"Oh my God..! ['tie sliced his face off! He's gonna kill me!!" The soccer blitz held the and certain players of the attention of most, as it was soccer games were drenched

The Cross Country RAce gets under way. airport this month to cele­ Great was their joy when it brate the vast array ofsport­ was explained to them that ing talents spread through­ 'Its okay! Its only made of out the Dit student boay. rubber, andfilled with air! And what a body had our Millions ofthem then pro­ MC for the day, Ross ceeded to jump all over the O'Daly, who hollered from wretched thing for the the balcony til his throatfell greater part of the day, at off. All walks ofthe learning intervals causing it to list rife were there, including dangerously to port, until students from every single Ross hailed them from the IJIT site. First prize goes to ramparts, calling to the rev­ Cathal Brugha St - man­ ellers to quit it. aged admirably in President Further on from the rubber Bob Coghlan's absence by battlements was the rugby Deputy, Nicola Doyle -for sevens which, despite being their record turnout,· g-reater interupted at consistent A rugby team. They plily rugby. even than the mighty Bolton three minute gaps by land­ St, (for which Ross O'Daly ing aircraft (in the airport, played out on the pitch as the evening wore on and resides as El Presidente this not on the pitch), went very inside the running track. the heavens opened, though year), or the noble Sraid smoothly all day, and had Chaoimhin (governed at finished before the dreaded

Andwhen the music stops you hatle to standperfectly still.... The itz continue we I they were happy to put t, is Aerobics get the arml watling and the line tiIlncing. beyonJ any of the other Jown to experience, anJ 12 they'd had a food day anyway by that time. All the DITs hockey men and women flayed mixedJames on the lower hockey pitches, where rea pros mingle with real amateurs to make for exciting contests. Pitch and Putt was going on over on the far side ofthe soccer pitches until the demand sort ofpetered out towards four in the after­ noon, and the Men (7 'WOmens cross-country race was run between 2pm and 3. This saw a hardy bunch oflads and lasses take offthrofl$h the grass, completely oblivious to the muck and mulch oJ the north-county terrain. They all came back, too, which was kind of unusual, but whatta you gonna do? YOu can't please everyone. Archery Demonstrations were given, with some free instruc­ tion thrown in for good measure, though at one point, William Tell entered the fray to make a point on protocol.

..

The majestic structure that is the ALSAA sports complex outside town. People from the eighteenth century don't normally get a gooa look in on modern, twentieth century playing rules and regulations, and this was no exception. He soon got lost anyway. Inside, the sports being played were decidedly more indoor in nature, and had onlookers enthralled for hours on end.

I ''All ofus againstyou, okay?" I Brugha St, who was stetchered offthe soccer pitch with a suspected broken collar bone. Get well soon, mystery soccer player. With all DITSports Officers delighted with the turn-Otlt -

The mIljestk strUCture that was -- THE BOUNCYCASTLE!! Basketball, volleyball and badminton were the majority sports here, though the minorities were representea too. Fencing and Karate. exhibitionists wooed auaiences up and down ihe hall with their displays ofacrobatica andphy.sical prowess. They wore _flashy gear as well, which always helps. though they couldpossibly have been given more assistance ]est-jousting was takingplit.ce down at the AIB stana end of than they received -- it seems a foregone conclusion that the ball, as was spoof-boxing - you know, opponents wear the Overall Sports Day in early '98 will be a higher profile, big gloves and knock the shit out ofeach other in a padJed tighter controlledandshinier event than ever.

~ LA 13 GLEESON CUP FIXTURES for 1997 / 1998

Round 1 Wednesday 29 October 97 Round 5 Wednesday 10 December 97 Aungier St versus Cathal Brugha St Cathal Brugha St v Mountjoy Sq Bolton St v Mountjoy Sq Bolton St v Kevin St Free: Kevin St Free: Aungier St

Round 2 Wednesday 5 November 97 Round 6 Knockout Stage (Semi Finals) Wednesday 21 Kevin St v Aungier St January 1998 Cathal Brugha St v Bolton St Free: Mountjoy Sq Round 7 Final: Wednesday 4 Feb

Round 3 Wednesday 12 November 97 Terenure College RFC Aungier St v Bolton St Mountjoy Sq v Kevin St Note Free: Cathal Brugha St All th~ abov~fixtur~s ar~ to b~ p/aJ~d on WtdnesPtzJ of th~ Wt~k stat~dabov~, in T"enur~ Co//eg~ RFC. Th~ Hom~ Round 4 Wednesday 19 November 97 Team is th~ Colkg~ which is print~d firstfir ~achfixtur~. Mountjoy Sq v Aungier St Kevin St v Cathal Brugha St Martin Searson The Guinness-Ireland Burting Free: Bolton St Championship. The Bank·ofIreland Football Championship. Wimbledon. The FIFA U-20 Soccer World Cup. Golf. Formula 1. Rugby. What a summer for the armChair Get on upporter. Sport in abundance ott the (box' and typically Irish weather to make sure you stayed in-doors. AUtumn has arrived and with it the return to col­ lege. Freshers' Week comes along with Up that the customary Oubs and Societies Day. You are harassed and cajoled to join this, join that. play one sport or anoth­ er. Soon enough you have wri~er's hill ya cramp after enrolling in so many dubs that you will be playing a different sport every day from now until you graduate! However, you find yourself with a problem. You are too small to play bas­ boyya ketball. Too slow for football. No skill So you're yO'.lng. alive with energy for Jmrling. Let's &ce it - you're best Through a mountaineering club you gained by cautious experience. It can and have visiolls of living life to its (twice vf playing at Croke Park is to will be given the opportunity to explore also change your entire perspective on fullest - then joining the mountaineer­ take up music and join the Artane Boys' and experience parts of Ireland you life. But this is something not to be ing club could be the best step you'll might never have thought existed ­ Band! taken lightly and no-one is ever asked to ever take. piaces inaccessible but for the enthusias­ Sweat rolls down your forehead. You do anything they don't want to. So what does mountaineering have tic few. Joining the mountaineering club is wonder what to do. Lecturers are telling to offer me? Previous college funded trips have the best way to allow these skills to you to join a team, play a sport; get out Well, mountaineering covers a wide been to the Burren (Co Clare), develop in a safe, natural and friendly and meet people and make new mends; and diverse group of inter-related activi­ Glendalough. Lugnaquilla (Co. environment from other experienced get fresh air and travel to new places. ties including outdoor rock-climbing, Wicklow), The Mournes and Muckross members. And, of course, with slight Winning isn't everything, its the taking indoor wall-climbing, bouldering, Head (Donegal) to name but a few. exaggeration and creative thinking your part that counts. Well, taking part can buildering, ice-climbing, bridge-travers­ And why stop with Ireland. Previous experiences can be used in an interview be done in different ways. Not every­ ing and sledging to name but a few. Club Members have also gone further to highlight your pedal skills to a body has sporting ability, so why don't Basically, if it can be physically thought afield to such places as the Grand prospective employee... you get up out of your armchair and ofit can be done! Canyon, Yosemite (California), White Mountaineering itself is only part ofa support a college team. Whether it be Some of the many reasons to join Mountains, the Alps, Fountainbleau and wide and diverse climbing scene. There's the English Premiership or the local include; Iceland. always something going on and some­ bowls club. all sports people appreciate Fun Friendship thing to really get into. From national support. It lends encouragement and Above all else climbing is fun. The Mountaineering is for a large part a Bouldering competitions to chilling out spurs people on to greater goals. kind of'gidd{ fun you got as a kid from collaborative sport. It involves trusting on a precarious ledge. But unlike many No matter what the sport, travel and messing about in trees or the kick from and relying on others and them relying other things in life, and with a little per­ socialising are all part of the package. leering over a cliff top despite being told on you. By sharing in adventure with sistence, you will get a lot more OUt ofit Your support for DIT and college teams to come back. And why should such others long lasting relationships and than what you put into it. Joining clOy will be worth an extra point or goal to a instinctive pleasures be denied to us memories form that will remain with DIT Mountaineering Club will bring to team. At th~ same time you become simply because we're a little older. you for the rest ofyour life. life the basics and hopefully instil a part of the occasion. meet new friends The Great Outdoors Learn new skills sense ofjoy for the outdoors to its mem­ and discover some of the qualities that If you've never been there you'll never Mountaineering, it must be remem­ bers that will remain with them and make college life so great. truly appreciate what you're missing. bered, is an adventure sport. It involves allow them to pursue whatever their Keep an eye on the sportS notice­ There's a certain purity about the out­ practical rope skills; knot tying, rope chosen dreams are... board or talk to the Sports Officer doors. The wild and open places where handling, belaying, and rappelling, but So what're you waiting for?! about up-coming games. oIT has you can enjoy the power and beauty of also a whole variety of skills that are Join Today! 25,000 students. That's a lot ofnoise on nature - a sanctuary away from the essential to mountaineering. These skills the sidelines. so let's hear you!! stresses and strains of life. they can be will develop naturally as you become a Eoin O'Sullivan, places to rekindle your soul and revi­ more experienced member through the Kevin St Mountaineering Yours in sport, talise you spirit. years. the ability to put one's own life Club, Bob Coghlan. Climbing is an exciting means to ultimately n one's own hands is a very Tues. I Thurs. Gym 6:30 explore and enjoy the natural world. power-enriching skill that can only be 14 / build-up to the All-Ireland Championships the past year like in terms ofpressure? ust MIlD. "It just kind of grew and grew. I think at the start of the year there was Standirmg very little pressure, but then the regime was stepped up, fitness was stepped up Padraig Kelly, and we started to get results. There was still no pressure, but we said to ourselves 'Something could be happening here!' Offaly Senior There was pressure amongst the tearn to perform but we were getting results and Football Team doing well, and come the semi-final against Louth and from then on there Goalkeeper, tells was a lot of responsibility. For us it was totally new, it had been fifteen years since we'd reached the semi-final, we the DITExaminer didn't know the right way to handle pressure. Everything from a little kid what its like at the coming up to you and saying 'Hello' to going to a bar or a restaurant and some­ top level. one notices you and wants to have a word with you. And you can't be cocky or people will say you're big-headed. Padraig Kelly is in his third year ofa niche as a goalkeeper? Friday for the 21 s, then you'd be playing Everybody wants a piece of you, and four year degree in Marketing & "Oh, definitely, yeah. Because I was on Saturday with the 21 s and Sunday you have to look after them too." Administration in Mountjoy Square. going nowhere -I was only going to with the Seniors. You mightn't get a What was the toughest game on Between lectures he manages to keep his be a dub player outfield." game with the Seniors but you'd still your nerves? spot as keeper for the county tearn. You were called up for the senior have to go. So that's five days in the "I don't normally get nervous for team when you were eighteen? week are gone." matches, to be honest. Its hard to say,- I "Yeah. I played for the Minors when I Apart, then, from being physically suppose the Mayo game, because, just When did you first get involved with was seventeen, played for the '21 s when hammered how did you fit everything personally, early on I didn't get my game theGAA? I was 18, 19 and 20 -I played for else in? going, and a few kick-outs went bad and "This is my fourth year. I was called three years. And in my second year for "Well the studies suffered. Social life it just meant extra-concentration to get into the senior panel when I was eigh­ the twenty-ones I was called into the was very limited. With COMAD it going again." teen. I was playing before that; under­ senior panel." (Mountjoy Square), Wednesday night in Are you back in training soon? twelves, under-fourteens, Minor, under­ So you were playing for the under­ the Big Tree was always the big night, "We're back training a week now. We twenty ones, and then gradually I pro­ twenty ones and the Senior panel at the and I'd have training on Tuesday and had four or five weeks of a holiday, and gressed from the Offaly Minor tearn to same time? Thursday, so I'd go out on Wednesday a lot of us just went berserk. So we're the under-twenty one team. Did a bit in "Yeah, that's right, yeah, for two night. I wouldn't be drinking, but I'd go back training now, it wouldn't be as school, but not much. I was recognised years." out and come half-eleven just go home. hard as last year, but our fitness level last from an early age because I had a big Busy man, yeah? And that would be it for the week year and this year are two different kick, that's kind ofmy trade mark now. "Ah, yeah, kept going." maybe. If you had a game on the things. It just needs fine-tuning now. Were you always a keeper? Who are your local heroes? Sunday, ifyou had a few beers after that We'll kind ofcoast until Christmas and "No, no. I only started keeping when "Well. I suppose Matt Connor is an you'd have them, but other than that, then from Christmas on there'll be a I was about seventeen. I was put into obvious hero, Martin Furlong. For just one night." weights programme introduced, every­ goals, and it just progressed from there." myself I'd say Martin Furlong; he's And would that have been rigorously one getting stronger, gening fitter. It'll Was your family traditionally achieved everything that could be enforced by the county? be very intense." involved in Offaly GAA? achieved." "Oh yeah, big time." So what's the deal for the future? "Yeah, they would have been. They Has the work-load slackened off What about playing for the DIT? "I want to get my degree as soon as I always encouraged me to do anything I now that you only have one team to "I'd say I enjoyed that even more than can, and while football is going well, liked, you know, soccer, GAA, rugby ­ worry about? a lot ofcounty games because you could and that can benefit you in some ways. it didn't matter. My brother played in "I'm only playing for the Seniors go out for the [DIT] games and you Because when you're in the limelight goals as well. He's in UCD at the now, and its a big pressure off me were a lot more relaxed. Ultimately and you're going for a job, it helps a lot. moment, he's a soccer 'keeper there. He alright. Last year was a big effort for the you'd end up playing better, there was I just have to keep it going." started doing goals, and he started doing Senior alone, but I remember the year no pressure on you." well. and I just, sort of, followed him before, I was training Tuesday and Having experienced two years of You're happy to hav found your Thursday, then you'd have training on top-Ievd pressure, what was the Offaly -,------Official DITSU Leisure Merchandise Now Available

Tracksuits Polo Shirts Sweat Shirts Available from your students' union shops 15 A sur­ prising fin- ish with AJLBUMS Eve n Better The Verve, Urban Hymns puffins, possibly with the exception of Than the &al Thing (perhaps feeling he When England's Verve issued A vocalist, Matthews. So maybe they're a Mean Fiddler Thur16 Oct had to play something for the natives) Storm in Heaven back in1993, the little on the over-2l side ofthings but dEUS I The Frames de left both crowd and DJ wanting more. band spewed a slow, uneasy style that one could easily argue that that gives Unfortunately the Redbox people had sounded like the soundtrack to a hazy them a more mature outlook on a genre This was the first time I had seen The had enough. Despite this, I think every­ heroin trip. But like the car accident on that, until now, has been monopolised Frames play live, and short ofhearing one left feeling more than happy having the side of the road that grabs your for too long by younger generations Revenate a number oftimes on the witnessed such an outstanding perfor­ attention, the Verve's flawless post bordering on infants. It shouldn't matter radio, knew not what to expect ofthem. mance (except for one of my friends grunge manner and skilled musicianship to the music anyhow. Theywere in particularly good fettle who is owed £2.40 from the bar). demanded attention while only hinting I came to see whether Catatonia this night, no doubt having a lot to do at even greater possibilities. On the would carry me offinto a narcotic par­ with the fact that they are big dEUS band's follow ups, No Come Down and adise or send me offto sleep. Devoid of fans; lead vocalist Glen Hansard could A much atmosphere on the night, the usu­ not contain his joy that they were finally Northern Sou., the quartet futher Mean FiJJ/er Thur 9 Oct fine-tuned its style and bathed its songs ally dose-fitting Mean Fiddler managed to play in this countty, as he shouted with even more elements of the emo­ Catatonia to look five times its size. I didn't fall 'This band rule!' by way ofintroduction tional spectrum (pain, joy, despair), asleep, but Catatonia failed to impress to his own set. He got over that and rollmg them into an intoxicating musi­ The contrast ofvocalist Cerys greatly. Maybe it was the night, maybe both he and the rest ofFrames de got on Matthews' voice and the indie-sunk gui­ cal ball. Now, after an IS-month they deserve more praise as a studio with it. Very well, I might add, for their tar sound is, perhaps, the most striking breakup, the Verve makes a triumphant band, but they just didn't cut it. Tty as I line-up includes (not dissimilar to aspect ofCatatonia's presentation. Their return with Urban Hymns, a clear can­ might, however, I just couldn't swallow dEUS) a violinist who aim afeared of set was lazy-paced more than up-beat, didate for album of the year. Evety note the fact that Catatonia appeared to be lettin' loose. The Irish lads put on a very but lacked some punch beyond that on this l3-song affair is many times bet­ nothing more than vety professional genuine performance and one which which Matthews' voice could deliver. ter than Beatles-wannabes Oasis, which musicians producing elaborate cabaret. highlighted the power and emotion of The crowd held back for most ofthe incidentally once upon a time opened ChaOS Hansard's voice, though it is possible for the Verve; it's the group's payoff for gig, the invisible people taking up at least the first two rows. Undeterred, years of searching for its essence. The ubiquitous, simply impeccable first sin­ Catatonia displayed a self-confidence gle Bittu Swut Symphony, opens the that disregarded such short-comings. CLUBBED TO A BLOODY PULPI During a set that - thankfully ­ I album with a marching, Stones-like had more t~ do with music than with string section that's propelled by mincing and moshing, Catatonia rolled Richard Ashcroft's urgent vocals. li 1L1lX out their chosen tunes with an extreme Thursdays @ Kitchen Though it's the edgier tracks that work @ Redbox so well, n)~ Drugs Don't WOrk is a clas­ degree ofprofessionality. Dream On and You've Got a Lot to Answer For (their sic. Ashcroft once predicted, "I'm gonna current single) both sounded very good, Fri 31 act: Darten Emerson Ott 30 Richard West (Mr C- End/Shamen) die a1C'"1e in bed." Let's hope this doesn't Marthew B particularly the former, where they do JohnnyMoy happen for a very long time. At 13 Aqua Bassino & Billy Scurry their damnedest to find that lost chord. tracks, and over an hour long, this is a The sixth number they played recalled Sat 8 Nov: David Holmes rich, heady cocktail indeed. Nov 6 Jerry Dammer,; (The Specials) the Meat Puppets' Plateau, though with­ Dave Clarke c.c~. Si 10 JohnnyMoy out the roughness ofthe Seattie band's Billy Scurry song Sat 15 Nov: Justin Robenson Manhews' stage persona, whether real Contributions to Sonic Bionic Orde Meikle or affected, is definitely Catatonia's Johnny Moy Nov 13 Midfield General (Skint) rl'1!arding anything musical w~lcome. strongest asset in a live context. Glen Beady (Influx) On disk or not at all please. Ultimate Base Obviously coming from the Beth rri 21 Nov: Carl Cox Gibbons ofPortis head School ofSong, Luke Slater Nov 20 Athletic:o DJ. GTIGS where lesson one is Drink as much as is Billy Scurry possible and smoke as many fags as you (Dublin/Belfast same nite) Redbox Saturday 27 September can for this will lend majesty to your Sat 22 Nov: DJ Shadow Nov 27 Andrew Weatherall (Two lAne voice, Cerys Matthews slugged away at Propellerheads Swordfnen) FatBoy Slim what appeared, from a distance, to be a Johnny Moy JobnnjMoy Psychonauts bottle ofThunderbird, though I could ]ohnny Moy be mistaken, and enveloped herself in clouds oftobacco smoke. This helped Psychonaurs, on four decks and a create a boozy, loungy atmosphere sampler / s(.'\juencer, really got things directly around the vocalist, but it dis­ going with .\ very funky set, the high­ persed almost immediately upon com­ light of which had to be fellow ing into contact with the rest ofthe Mo'Waxer, DJ Shadow's Organ Donor. band, whose Ben Sherman-and-slacks Next up was Norman Cook - a.k.a. outfits (one and all) appeared immune FatBoy Slim - playing an amazing to the rock'n'roll haze, and just looked seb:tion of Myles for over two exhaus­ as though they were 'just doing their tive hours. including a booty shakin' job'. larin set. He als,) worked in Song for Because the members ofCatatonia l.indy and f:"frybody nads 'I 303 from have all played in bands for years before his album Better Living Through they came together in their present Chemistry (Skim). incarnation, some critics have levelled accusations at them of being wrinkly old 16 conversational cHAos -- that, like the majority ofthe crowd, they were preoccupied by. what was to follow. So convincing was the opening Suds & Soda that I'm now quite prepared to agree with dEUS that the above-mentioned produces do in fact, "mix okay with beer, sometimes...". Third up was the supreme pop artefact, Opening Night, followed without much ado by A Shocking Lack Thereof, which sounds like a music box that instead ofa pirrhouetting ballerina has a ballerina on a set ofdecks inside. It served as yet another exam­ ple ofthe Quirky-FaithNoMore-like quality ofthis interna­ tional (a Scotsman, a German, and three Belgians) band. Little Arithmetics deviated little from the recorded version, though it was played with a rawer edge. After an astonishing seventh number which I failed to recognise came Guilty Pleasures and then, another gem, another VU anthem, Serpen~ine. They played it to at least its full seven minutes plus, and restored my faith in the influence ofmusic. But who cares about my faith? Gimme the Heat, the big hitter ofIn a Bar, Under the Sea, came next and for at least three minutes I forgot where I was. They came as close to creating the enchant­ ing Velvet Underground jangly guitar loop with Gimme the Heat as I think I'll ever hear. Roses rocked the place from the foundations on a slow, chugging swing. At this stage the audi­ ence was as completely lost in the music as could be. They encored with Theme from Turnpike, and, telling everyone they were on the guest list for the Saturday show, dEUS left the stage. ChaOS

Whe14n So Sat 18 Oct Giant Sand I OP81 Lisa Gennano

Does this line-up sound confusing to you? Well, ifyou were at the gig, it wouldn't, and ifyou weren't, you should have been. The band I fluctuating collective from Tucson, Arizona are undoubtedly one ofthe most original and musically fluid outfits I have ever heard. Giant Sand have been around since the early eighties, and Lisa Germano (used to play with John Cau Mdl cam way back when) who has joined them for the current album Slush, brings a 1ft and a clarity to the music somehow managing to improve on perfection. The gig had the atmosphere ofan informal or impromptu session, enhanced by the band's apparent ignorance oftheir own genius. And anoth­ er thing - the King is alive...he was wearing a red shiny jacket on Whelan's stage that night. 10S

CD Competitions

the DITExaminer, in association with PolyGram Ireland, is proud to announce it is giving away five copies ofthe latest album rele(lSe from The Lighthouse Family~ Postcards from Heaven~ andfive copies ofthe soundtrack to A Life Less Ordinary. Simply answer the relevant questions.

For Lighthouse Family competition: What is thefirst single to be releasedfrom this record?

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Answers in writing, stating clearly which competition

you are entering, to The Editor, the DIT Examiner, even ng. I rrl clo Students' Union, DITKevin St. ClOSing Date: Fr; 14 November 97

Sec: CiB' on page 16 forlive review.

17 Sunday, the hunger strikes. He details Overall, anyone with an interest in clashes between the Nationalist popula­ Irish history will find this book tion and the combined enemy ofthe loyalists Reddit? and the British Army. Several accounts are given in most gleeful search for peace and the need for for­ detail ofalleged Army giveness, as well as an unfortunate and police brutality acceptance ofviolence as a way oflife, while in captivity. IRA Before the Dawn are the principle notes around which shootings and bombings much ofhis writings centre. The author are described in a matter by Gerry Adams admits to the selectivity ofthe events in offact way, as ifthey the book and points out the omission of were an acceptable part REVIEWED BY BOB COGHLAN certain events lest they risk undermining oflife and wholly justi­ PRESIDENT, DITSU CATHAL BRUGHA the search for peace. fied as a process ofretal­ ST The reader is led through Adams' iation against the estab­ early childhood from the cramped fam­ lishment and all those Love him or hate him, even the most ily home where he often shared a bed who held ideals different vehement ofhis opponents would with two or three brothers, through to to those ofthe bombers. begrudgingly admit that Gerry Adams is the latter days ofhis youth and the Before the Dawn is one of the most talented politicians to search for female conquests. Inevitably, also a book of many grace the political scene North or South Adams gets drawn into the world of emotions - sorrow ofthe border. From hu~ble beginnings Republicanism whether through family being by far the main in Divismore Park in the Ballymurphy influences (both his father and his feeling. The loss of estate, West Belfast, through to his cur­ grandfather had served time n prison for many close childhood Sinn Fein President G Ada friends and family J erry ms rent role as President ofSinn Fein, Republican offences) or because it Before the Dawn is an interesting, if seemed to be [he only route for Catholic members, and the griefofthe families of enthralling and well worth reading. perhaps slanted, autobiographical view youths in West Belfast where unemploy­ countless victims ofshootings as well as Although the book lacks any obvious ofevents which have shaped the history ment was the norm for the Nationalist the hunger strikes. The reader also gets a propaganda, a certain angle on events is of Ireland over the past 40 years. population. sense ofgreat anger and frustration at apparent but not overwhelming. My In the foreword, certain messages Adams leads us through the events of the treatment ofthe Nationalist com- advice is to put all prejudices aside and come across which are repeateQ the Troubles as he experienced them ­ munity and, perhaps, at the futility of enjoy the book. throughou[ the book. The ongoing the Bogside riots, internment, Bloody the whole situation.

THE IRISH TIMES DITSU Simplex rflR----'[US6WrIJ-llm Competition PRIZE: First 3 correct entries C;rawn will each receive a £20 gift voucher for DITSU Students Union Shop.

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COMPETITION NO. 1

18 /

plot-shape - it gave the feeling that Islandbridge in Dublin is unskilfully disguised as Oldman was not sure what was required of being in Cork - though this doesn't really mat­ the story, that it wandered aimlessly. This, ter - and Git p his nose broken for asking too though it took some time to make itself apparent, many questions. A Life Less Nil By Mouth was not the case. The camera work deliberately The plot a-thickens and much jolly japes ensue as aimed to discomfort and thus add to the unset­ Bunny and Git try to locate and finally capture Director: Gary Oidman tling aspect of the story very effectively. French's former buddy, Frank Grogan, played Ordinary Weathetwise, there was plenty of rain and over­ nice and slimily by Peter Calfrey. Starring: RAy Winstone, Kathy cast skies, and with the concrete backdrop of the This they eventually succeed in doing. Git with Director: Danny BGyle Burke, Charlie Creed-Miles. flats complex in which the family and friends the aid of a fantastic faceless balaclava, because Sta"ing: Ewan McGregor, lived, it made for a very seedy, depressing and Bunny could only get his hands on one proper Cameron DillZ, Holly Hunter, Nil By Mouth is a very sobering look at the hopeless atmosphere. mask. Bit by bit, they discover that there is I1l9rc lifestyle of alcohol and drug abuse among the You should go and see this film, but don't be sur­ to the Grogan in their custody and his connec­ Delroy Lintlo. main character, Raymond's, family, friends and prised to be put olfyour popcorn. tion to their boss than their boss led them to 8110 believe. Trying desperately not to get involved, Bunny attempts to convince Git of the importance of the need-to-know principle, and that they defi­ nitely do NOT need to know anything about Grogan, the risk of reprisal from French being too great. Meanwhile, Grogan makes every attempt to bend the two lads' ears to his own I Went Down cause, namely, surviving the wrath of'" Grand Fromag~, Tom French. More violence, laughs and even a nothing-to-do­ Director: PatiJy Breathnach with-the-plot bit ofshagging caka place. In order Sta"ing: Brendan Gleeson, Peter to find out what happens you're going to have to go and see it. Some ofthe characters fail to devel­ McDona/J, Peter Caffrey. op fully but good performances by Gleeson and

Robert and Celine havinggreat gas at a gas station A lightweight, feel good, and very obvious tale associates amid a bleak council estate in south- unfolds here in this by-the-book romantic come- cast London. Its strength lies in its uncompro- dy that looks - for the opening twenty minutes mising ability to depict people who are rarely, if or so, during which the superb soundtrack ever seen in movies: unemployable addicts and doesn't let up for a second - like a very stylish, iII-educated folk who manage to highlight very big-budget pop video. Virtually guaranteed to be effectively the non-existence of communication the next True Romance, this is a boy-kidnaps- between the sexes and between the generations. girl, girl-hates-boy, boy-and-girl-eventually-fall_ It is the story ofa family trying to come to terms in-love number from the Shallow Grave I with the harshness ofa life fate has heaped upon Trainspotting etc team. them, of a life they have perpetuated and, at Ewan McGregor (Robert) and Cameron Diu times. made worse directly by their own deeds. (Cdine) are the unlikely couple thrown forcibly Kathy Burke _ of 'I AM SMOKIN' A FAG!' together by fate, in the guise of two of God's fame on Harry Enfield & Chums _ received cops; a delightful-as-ever Hunter, playing angel Best Actress award at Cannes this year for her Bunny Kel/y -- our man in the Ford Cortina. ~tch out Vincent Vega. O'Reilly, and her partner Jackson (Undo). role in the film as battered wife and mother, Robert is a recently-fired janitor in a big firm Valeric. Like Winstone, she. too, lives the being Calfrey make it a fantastio watch. It cin only be a whose girlfriend dumps him for an aerobics of her character through and through. She This film is referred to in the press blurb as being good thing if it makes writer Conor McPherson instructor. Celine is the daughter, coincidentally, attempts to live with her husband's inadequacies 'darkly humourous'. For a term that is used with hone his movie-script skills. such wanton abandon vel}' often, it luckily of Robert's boss, Mr. Naville, played by lan whenever she can, and when she can't, chooses to hap­ 7/10 Holm. She happens to be in daddy's office when ignore them. pens to be true in this case. Its a comedy of Robert busts in demanding his job back, doesn't The realism ofthe film, though it appears early- bungling criminals trying to keep their heads get ir. and ends up kidnapping Celine, more on to have no discernible structure, comes above water. because it seems like a good idea ar the time together extremely powerfully through the excel- I Went Down is about Git Hyncs (Mc:Dona1d), rather than because she might be suitable as a lence of the script and thrOl~~h the great perfor- recendy released from prison, with bugger-all in Should you like to write for REEL LIFE on a useful bargaining chip for gcning his job back. mances _ without exception - ofits actors. store for him, and Bunny Kelly (Gleeson), a repIar basU, please contact the Editor, the DIT dumb-as-a-plate-of-beans-God-Ble -Him type, And guess what? Sorry, no prizes for guessing this Gary Oldman's first directorial effort made qUite u-rinw. @l 402 4636 onc, but if there was a summer coming up this a few people leave the cinema on the occasion I whose insignificant, low-life, henchman status IS would probably be its blockbuster. saw it. Some left because of the violence; the source of much of the comic narrative fea­ Judging by past years' experience, we're due a arguably occurrmg very frequently and VICiously tured here. wmter before our next summer, so it may just intense when It did, Raymond (Winstone) played Following an episode where Git beats seven kinds turn out to be a very popular feature among all his part as wife-beater and minor thief I gee7.cr of shite out of two cronies of the local Big the hyped-out Christmas movies. Guaranteed to magnificently. He was a living, breathing embod- Cheese, Tom French (Tony Doyle), our two plea • with A Life Lcu Ordinary you gets what iment ofviolence. It was his performance and the heroes are dispatched forthwith to colleet a for­ you pays for. intense realism ofthe script, penned by Oldman mer associate of French's down in Cork. who 6/10 which caused people to be upset by it. split with some of French's money a while Others left because it initially seemed to lack any before. Once there, they seek their quarry in a 'local' pub; the Black and Amber pub at 19 ~ The Cheapest Beer Regular Promotions ~ in Dublin Late Openins Wed· Sat

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