Edition 23 - January 2018

Aontas na Mac Leinn University of Limerick Ollscoile Luimnigh Student Union

Edition 23 Semester 2 AY 2017/2018 Whatever the Weather, We Adventure Together! BY RACHEL MALONE, PRO Another fun semester was climbing skills. We finished our door. Climbers of all shared by the members of the day in the gorgeous Old levels are welcome to come the Outdoor Pursuits Club! Monastery hostel where along and test their skills. We We had a mixture of trips we enjoyed a hearty and regularly change the climbing throughout the semester delicious meal followed by routes to challenge our which covered all our core some casual socialising and a members and we encourage activities: hiking, climbing, few sing-alongs. The next day everyone to try them all. We orienteering, caving and we relaxed some more for a had our extremely popular mountaineering. We started while, cleaned up and headed OPC Open Days event here off our semester by climbing back to Limerick. The now which spanned over four in the Burren and we couldn’t yearly trip to Letterfrack was days. We had a different have asked for better once again a success! weather! The sun shone However, the big trip of the activity planned for each night down of us as we scaled up semester must to be the which included: a movie night, climbing routes and got to Scotland trip. A group of a games night, a social night know our newer members. It members ventured out to and a climbing workshop. was certainly a brilliant way Scotland to enjoy ten days of In addition to this, we had to start off the new year! climbing and mountaineering. regular training workshops This was part of our weekly It was a beginner friendly run by our own members Sunday trips where we drive trip that allowed members to teach newer members to different parts of Ireland of all levels to develop their the basics of rope work and to hike, climb or orienteer mountaineering skills. The mountaineering. It proved to around the countryside. The harsh winter climate didn’t be a massive help in preparing trips that followed were deter our troops from people for trips away and was equally as enjoyable and enjoying themselves as also a fun experience! allowed members to see the they took on routes which The club has loads planned Irish landscapes at its best! included Scotland’s largest for this upcoming semester As well as our weekly trip, the mountain, Ben Nevis. They so if you are interested in club travelled to Letterfrack in battled snow and ice as they contacting us, you can e-mail Co. Galway to enjoy an OPC- worked together to complete us at uloutdoorpursuits@ OPC Does Tartan style weekend away. We the variety of routes. BY CONOR WALTER travelled up Friday evening Not all of our activities gmail.com or message us on a bus which gave everyone involved travelling around on our Facebook page “UL January 2018 Saw the OPC’s (Conor McCarthy) who a chance to mix and mingle. though. The climbing wall Outdoor Pursuits Club”. If you most successful Scottish guided us on his 8th Scottish The bulk of the group spent located on campus was as want to chat to us in person, Winter Climbing trip in recent Trip with the club. A moment the second day hiking around busy as ever! We were open drop in to our climbing wall years. The land of Buckfast that stands out for me, was at the beautiful landscape of three days a week and we which is open every Monday, and Haggis treated us to the end of a long climbing day Galway while some members continuously saw a steady Tuesday and Thursday from 7 powdery snow, frozen turf mid-trip. It was a beautifully spent the day improving their flow of people come through – 10 PM. and tasty sunsets. Admittedly, crisp morning as we made our I was initially reluctant to go approach. Jangling of gear to Scotland on my Christmas on our Harnesses split the Break. The Highlands are frosty air like a herd of Swiss a harsh environment, Cows. Approaching the finish with some of the highest of our ascent, we clambered rainfall in Europe, freezing over the snow slopes of the temperatures, and wind that amazing Stob Bán. Still in the would knock a cuppa from shade, I looked forward to see Mrs. Doyle’s hand. It became two flying Ice Axes land at my apparent to me early on, that feet. Mac up ahead, shouted Scottish Winter is special sighs of joy and dropped all he however. The mystique that was carrying. When I reached surrounds the highlands left him, I could see why. Culann bagpipes playing in my head joined us from below and all every time I saw the hills. of us stood there, 3 specs on Some who visit can never the hill, basking in what was a leave, despite the changeable sunset to end all sunsets! weather. Shout out to Mac 2 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 3 Welcome back everyone... Youthful Vikings Battle For Another BY NIALL HOULIHAN, ASSISTANT PRO And a special welcome to all The plan is for three full size- this process moves along but Shamrock Bowl In this Issue: Semester One was busy for players it is great to see the The Wolverines are a British our International Students, playing pitches, equivalent suffice to say the delivery date round of the playoffs where invite anyone interested in the UL Vikings American future of the Vikings is bright Premiership team and gave us CLUBS It has been an eventful couple in size to a GAA pitch. GAA to walk in the door of the new we beat Cork Admirals once joining the team, whether Football as we prepared for and talented. a very strong game last year. of months since you all went being the largest sports field facility is summer 2020. again. you would like to play, help Outdoor Pursuits 1 the Intervarsities in Dublin. In Semester two we will be With a small inexperienced into Christmas exam mode. So dimension. One of these will The new Outdoor Pursuits PAUL LEE We will also be facing our SBC with sessions or in the role American Football 3 The first 7 weeks were spent preparing with our Senior squad and some exceptional South rivals and Shamrock just a quick update on some be a natural grass surface with climbing wall is at an advanced Head of Student Engagement of media or sponsorship to teaching a large group of squad to compete for this performances, we came Bowl Champions, Dublin Archery 3 exciting developments. the other two being articifial stage, and discussions University of Limerick contact the club on Facebook rookies how to play Irelands year’s Shamrock bowl. Every within a field goal of beating Rebels twice this year. Both Capoeira 3 The development on the grass. They will be fully floodlit continue on the upgrading Students Union or email. fastest growing sport. In Wednesday we will be training the Wolverines and this year the Vikings and the Rebels Athletics 4 projects from the Student and fenced off as well. It will of the sprint track. Although [email protected] February 4th will see us hold November, we travelled to on the Kilmurry Astro turf we will be looking to win when finished top of the SBC with 7 Referendum in 2016 have also have a “hurling wall” and the sprint track does not 086-0435307 our annual Super Bowl Party, Basketball 5 Trinity sports grounds with a pitches starting from January we return in February. – 1 records and after two tight clicked into gear and moved the plans include a jogging form part of the referendum Limericks biggest super Boxing 5 have once again been blazing squad that included almost 25th at 8pm sharp and on After Lancashire, we will then and heated games last year from meeting rooms to the area around the perimeter projects, a UL Sport project bowl party by Limericks only Equestrian 6 a trail across Europe and 30 players who hadn’t put on Sunday afternoons starting start your campaign to win we are looking forward to planning and construction as well and a spectator area will obviously benefit student American Football team. pads before September. January 28th. The UL Vikings the Shamrock Bowl when we more battles with the Dublin GAA 6 phase. Many of you will have too. Therefore, by the start athletes and the athletics club the world with their training The UL Vikings started the is Limericks only American play against SBC South Rivals side. Super bowl LII will be live In Kayak 7 noticed the “Maguire’s” of the next academic year amongst a host of others, on and development exploits game against UCD well and Football and you don’t need Cork Admirals away. Last This year will also see us Flannery’s bar Limerick, see training pitch development AY 2018/2019 the synthetic Ireland Sporting Campus. The to countries such as Africa, Krav Maga 7 were leading for most of the to be a student to play as our year we faced our Munster play the Belfast Knights, Facebook for more details. began just before the exams. aspect will be available for refurbishment of the second Belgium, England, Germany, Ladies Rugby 8 game before a late score for squad has a large age range rivals in the regular season Belfast Trojans, South Dublin We look forward to seeing you That is the area of grass fields at use. The natural grass will not floor of the Arena has not yet Scotland, Spain and Japan. UCD defeated the Vikings. Last year we started the when we beat them by the Panthers and the newly playing with or supporting us Rowing 8 the back of the playing pitches be ready until the summer of commenced, which will benefit Not bad eh? That pretty While we didn’t win it was season with a preseason narrowest of margins with a promoted champions Louth in 2018 and hopefully turning Parkour 9 and adjoining the Plassey park 2019. clubs, as it is a less complicated much maxing your University great to see so many players game against the Lancashire late touchdown. After a 7 – 1 Mavericks. This year looks you into the Irish Tom Brady’s Shotokan Karate 10 road. For those who may not Also the other big news is that project that those mentioned experience. padding up for the first time Wolverines and this year we season we claimed home field set to be a busy year for the or Odell Beckham Jr’s. be aware this is a brand new we (ULSU & UL) have applied heretofore. Discussions on the Skydive 10 Watch out for the second and with a squad of over thirty will be doing the same again. advantage in the Wild Card UL Vikings and as always, we Ultimate Frisbee 10 sporting facility specifically for for planning permission for the Handball developments are semester recruitment drive the development of student proposed multi-million euro under review until the other there are a majority of Swim 11 sports and the general fitness New Student Centre in the projects and funding becomes our Clubs & Societies still Windsports 11 and fun of the whole student month of December as well. more apparent once tender Taekwondo 12 body. It will of course benefit This will be located at the back processes are completed. accepting new members. You Hitting the mark with UL Archery BY LUKE VICKERY, CAPTAIN are all welcome to attend Trampoline other groups out of term time of the Stables Club complex, Finally, so what did you do After a successful and fun saw Margot Bortolus winning and the wider community in the site currently occupied on the evening of Tuesday and Gymnastics 12 in January after you stuffed semester of training the UL the Beginner category and once UL Sport start to manage by the visitor car park looking yourself full of turkey and 30 January in Week 2, in the Archery Club we look forward Magdalena Ziehesburger a the facility when it open in down towards the Library. calorie loaded treatsJ? Clubs University Concert Hall Foyer to the next. An increase in close second. Adding to that SOCIETIES June 2018. We will keep you posted as & Societies in the University from 5pm-7.30pm. membership numbers meant we had a record number of Anime and Manga 13 we had high attendance and entries in our end of term Christian Union 13 a great social atmosphere bake off competition with Comedy 14 throughout the term. In nearly thirty entries and Computer 14 addition to that the events we everyone left stuffed to the Cumann Gaelach 15 ran were great successes. Our gills for our last after-training Dance UL 15 quiz night in the Sports Bar social in Scholars. was a terrific night of general On the competitive scene we Fan Forum 15 knowledge, banter and of also saw success with both our Feminist 16 course the traditional Father beginner and intermediate Game Development 16 Ted round which ended up shooters. Natascha Guggi Games 17 with a few people singing “My brought home a win and a 2nd Filmmaking 17 Lovely Horse” to everyone’s place certificate competing History 17 entertainment. in the female Beginner For the first time we held a category at UCD and Dundalk category both Magdalena archers from sixteen colleges in the Delta Sports Dome International 18 movie and pizza night in the Intervarsity. Luke Vickery won Ziehesburger and Kian Brough it promises to be a major on the 11th of Febuary and Islamic 19 Students Union and screened 3rd in the intermediate male placed in the top five archers event. It has been two years we look forward to all the Law 19 Robin Hood men in tights recurve category at the UCD at both IV’s they attended. since UL hosted an IV and Maguires Project Planning Permission activities both competitive Ogra Fianna Fail 20 while chowing down on pizza. intervarsity and Luke Blake This semester UL Archery Club both the number and quality and social that are planned for Out in UL 21 This was held after our annual placed 4th in DKIT in the same is hosting it’s own Intervarsity. of competitor has increased Pro-am competition which category. In the open guest With roughly two hundred since then. The IV will be held this semester. ULFM 22 Tea appreciation 23 Welcome back….again Hi guys!! Welcome back and January 1st, we have had trips seminars. As if that wasn’t Young Fine Gael 23 happy New Year to all! Well to Lanzarote, Munich, Scotland, enough we also have the Photographic 24 done on a great semester Netherlands, South Africa, all annual BICS ball, which is a Play the dance fight game last year, I have been so before week one! So all you great opportunity for all the BY BRIAN HOGAN, CHAIRPERSON overwhelmed since I started guys were eating and drinking amazing societies we have in working here how dedicated all while sitting by the fire, a lot UL and all the work they do. Come and join us in the meeting in Dortmund, where we sampled traditional less intimidating. In order to twice a week for the small you guys on the committees and of clubs and societies were off As always, Paul, Michelle and I capoeira club where we Germany where they got the Brazilian food like Feijoada get ourselves ready for such membership fee of €10. Just in the clubs and societies are on these developmental trips! are here to help in any way and combine dance, fight, opportunity to meet other and enjoyed live Brazilian an event we must continue remember to bring a bottle of and I can only thank everyone On top of that, we have many our doors are always open. I am acrobatics and music. practitioners from around music such as Samba and our training which we hold water as our sessions tend to AISLING RYAN so much for making me feel more foreign trips coming keeping this short and sweet The Brazilian cultural art the world and learn new skills Forró. weekly in the PESS building on be quite a workout. Clubs and Societies so welcome! We are all very up, as well as the recruitment and will sign off by saying thank form is rapidly increasing from the various teachers and In the second semester there Tuesdays and Thursdays from Don’t be shy, come along and Administrator excited here for the coming drive in week 2, the Clubs and you once again, and bring on in popularity worldwide. masters who gave workshops will be more opportunities for 7 – 8.30 pm. We particularly get involved. University of Limerick semester with so much going Socs Awards and hustings, Semester 2!! In the last semester our at the meeting. But it wasn’t such meeting around Ireland look forward to meeting our Students Union on already. We have had eight more treasurers’ workshops members used their skills only hard training; there were even if not quite as large but new student recruits who will [email protected] foreign trips going on since (woooooo!) and other external Aisling at an international capoeira also some great social nights therefore perhaps a little have the opportunity train 4 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 5

Great Start To The Season For UL Athletes #AlwaysTogether BY ORLA WHITE (PRO) BY CONOR O’MAHONY UL A.C. PRO Well the year started with where they are comfortable. stay warm J & We arrived at easily defending. Next was unbeaten run to the final. The The Christmas period is one of Maynooth University for the followed this up by finishing semester’ in terms of new UL gear, which should be a massive turnout for trails, It’s a big adjustment for a lot our destination and early to the Woman and they also Men started super and put the few times each year that National equilivant of these third in the National Novice intervarsity athletics action, available for collection early with what appeared to be of students and it’s nice to bed .. MMmmmm played super and it was two up a good lead however DCU offers college athletes around championships and again UL Cross Country Championships. competitions are approaching this semester. There will be a every “Fresher” on campus. be surrounded by likeminded UL teams heading to the finals kept hanging in. It was Basket Ireland the rare opportunity athletes did not disappoint. These fabulous runs earned thick and fast. First up are the second opportunity to order We had a number of trials and people doing what you First game Saturday morning – It seemed like the early for basket throughout and to relax a little. It is a chance The women were pride of place her an international vest as Intervarsity Indoor Track and gear if you missed the chance separated the competitive love. The culmination of and the Men were up first morning sessions had worked. UL were unlucky with a few to take stock of the year gone this time however, with the she represented Ireland in the Field Championships which in December. from the recreational the sessions would mean a against TCD, It was a tight It is a massive achievement crucial shots. They did make by and re-evaluate for the UL ‘A’ team of Kathy O’Keefe, recent Celtic Cross Country take place on Friday February Athletes are advised to basketballer. Then we broke trip to what known as the game going UL’s way 34-30. for any college to reach the big scores down the stretch forthcoming year. Lauren Dermody, Michelle Finn International in Antrim. 9th 2018 in the AIT Indoor continue to attend college the news to them that Fresher Intervarsities, this Next was the woman and the final but to have two teams but unfortunately, it was For University of Limerick and Amy Donoghue retaining Another strong performance Arena. Again, these highly training sessions in the lead up Fresher training take place year been held in Dundalk pressure was on with the men from the one college in the not to be enough with DCU athletes in particular, their national title comfortably was by Rio Olympian competitive championships to these championships. Places on Tuesday mornings from IT. The draw was done in the winning their first game. The final is special. This time the coming away Winners 33-45. semester one of 2018 makes over UCD. The men’s ‘A’ team Michelle Finn who finished have previously proved a on the team are limited and 07:30 – 08:45!!!!! Yes you are previous weeks and we found woman played UCC winning woman were up first and they for pleasant reflection as of Jamie McCarthy, Darragh third in the National Senior fruitful hunting ground for UL reading it correctly IN THE out whom we would face. In 35 – 28. A great start both played UCD, who also had an We are still extremely proud always hotly contested across it certainly proved fruitful Kelly, Eoghan Beary, Conor Championships. Michelle then athletes, with UL finishing as MORNING ….. However this the Men’s group was TCD, & with a win racked up. This unbeaten run to this point. UL of the effort of the Men. The all events so it is important for our cohort. As always, O’Mahony and Tom Hennessy gained automatic selection the second best University in was not going to deter the DIT. In the Woman’s CIT and continued later in the day with started strong and maintained UL Wolves were superb all it is the quieter of the two rounded out a good day for a hugely coveted place the 2017 games. that coaches are aware of their 2017 Freshers, every week we UCC. Previous history in this the men beating TCD and the their composure throughout. weekend both on and off semesters competition wise, finishing ninth in a hugely on the Irish team which This competition will then be selection options. had full attendance at sessions competition is irrelevant as Woman defeated CIT. It was A superb performance by the floor and a credit to the with the annual Road Relay competitive field. competed in Slovakia. Other followed in quick succession Going forward, the UL Athletics which was fantastic. Earlier every year each college has on to the Semi-finals and both all the players involved , all club. The future is bright.. Championships proving to be While the intervarsity action notable performances during by the Intervarsity Cross Club committee would like in the Year Aaron Whelan a new team of Freshers. This would play IT Carlow, who played their part in getting This semester we have the the highlight of the Intervarsity concluded for 2017 with these a quiet period for our power County Championships which to wish all our members had asked to coach the Men adventure started on the both had gotten wins.. Out the team to this point. UL intervarsities to look forward scene. UL has a proud history championships, there was no based athletes included a take place on Saturday March and all UL students a happy and Orla White had asked Friday evening when we all on Saturday night just to be came away winners 30-26. which we are hosting so if you in these championships, both rest for the hardy UL athletes new Championship Best 3rd 2018 in Santry. Then it and prosperous 2018. Just to coach the women. Great headed for DKIT – The first sociable and a good night was To top this off there is a want to be involved in the at provincial and national level as many of the the sprinters, Performance by thrower is the turn of the highlight of remember ‘tough runs don’t credit is due to both for their game was on Saturday so we had. Sunday morning arrived Most Valuable Player (MVP) biggest College tournament and 2017 proved to be no jumpers and throwers were Seamus McMahon in the the intervarsity calendar, the last, tough runners do!’ commitment & drive with the decided to travel the night and thankfully everyone award at all the finals and it in the country on April 6th – different. In early November, a now entering a key period in Munster U23 indoors in Intervarsity Outdoor Track and teams. We as a club feel that before, as you can imagine was at breakfast (Some later was UL’s Abbie Jeffery that 8th email us and let us know.. new look men’s team stormed their pre-season training for the Shot Putt event. In the Field Championships. This year Upcoming Fixtures: the fresher teams are vital as the craic was mighty on the than others) , but there collected this .. Next up was ulcollegebasketballclub@ to victory in the Munster Road the year ahead Additionally, meantime, some of the the competition will take place Intervarsity Indoor Track and this may be the only outlet bus, except the heating wasn’t nonetheless. First up was the the Men they faced DCU and gmail.com. #ULWolves Relay Championships, with our cross county athletes then sprinters ‘enjoyed’ a punishing on April 13th and 14th 2018, Field Championships: Friday that an incoming student has working so we huddle up to Men and they played superbly like the woman’s final had an #Alwaystogether the women’s team ensuring began a busy winter racing but rewarding training camp in Belfast. This is a celebration February 9th 2018 @ AIT it was a memorable day cross country for their club in Tenerife. This should see of college athletics in Ireland, finishing in third place. While teams. Particular mention them in their usual flying with many top senior seasoned Indoor Arena these performances were must go to our women’s form once the indoors roll athletes competing alongside Intervarsity Cross County remarkable, the high number captain Lauren Dermody who around. Members of the men’s more novice athletes, all Championships: Saturday of UL athletes who competed really led by example when distance team also spent a proudly wearing their college March 3rd 2018 @ Santry on the day was exciting to see! finishing in second place in the productive few days in the colours. On that topic, UL Intervarsity Outdoor Track and On the 17th of November, U23 National Cross Country equally sunny Banna Beach. should be looking the pick Field Championships: April the action moved to Championships. Lauren then As we now enter the ‘business of the bunch this year in our 13th and 14th 2018 @ Belfast

National Road Relay Champions: (L to R) Kathy O’Keefe, Lauren The UL men’s team of: (L to R) Conor O’Mahony, Darragh Kelly, Eoghan Beary, Jamie McCarthy Dermody, Amy O’Donoghue and Michelle Finn. and Tom Hennessy with PJ O’Rourke (center) UL Boxing Club is Ready for Round Two BY CHLOE O KEEFE, PRO

The University of Limerick ULBC. From sorting out new everyone else, and got gold is a great opportunity for Wednesdays from 9pm to Boxing Club is in its 5th equipment to affiliating, in the Celtic Box Cup from both novices and experienced 11pm on the running track successive year. And what a we’ve talked about it all. Our our club events officer, Eoin boxers of the club. of the arena, and caters 5 years it has been! Since day committee members have Meaney following three tough The training in the run-up to for people of all levels one the club has grown and been superb and really and fights from the Athlone boxer. the championships is intense of experience. We have grown. Each year the club truly want whats good for the This semester is normally and great, but the craic complete novices and people grows a bit more. This gradual future of the club. our most important as this and atmosphere from our of Elite standard coming to rise in success is great, and In the semester, we were is the semester that we will members never leaves no the club, and it’s great for all we’re so happy to be in the delighted to have our boxers enter the IATBA Intervarsity matter how tough! We’ll also levels to mingle and interact. position that we’re in at this represent their clubs and us, Championships that are held be bringing in our Tuesday Whether you want to train New Munster U23 Shot particular moment. here at UL in the Celtic Box in the last weeks of March night runs every week, which competitively, never boxed Putt Record Holder Seamus Last semester was great- Cup and Esker Box Cups- two every year in the National is another great feature, and before and want to compete Members of UL Distance Men’s team during a recent training UL AC women’s captain Lau- McMahon competing in last ULAC’s Michelle Finn at the we gained a new club and very highly prestigious boxing Stadium, Dublin. This is the the best possible way to get or just simply there for the camp in Co.Kerry ren Dermody after a great run year’s intervarsity outdoors European Cross Country made massive plans for the events throughout the year. biggest competition in the the fitness up! craic and to get the fitness up for Ireland. for UL. Championships. improvement and future of We were delighted to trump college boxing calendar, and ULBC trains Mondays and the doors are open for you! 6 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 7

Let’s Ride BY JENNIFER BURKE- CHAIRPERSON Rollin’ on the River BY KAREN O’SULLIVAN (PRO) Fundraiser: The Equestrian University of Limerick Kayak the chance to get away from and better trips wedged into club held two fundraisers last Club, or ULKC, was founded the tiresome college life, and our jam-packed schedule. semester to raise money to nearly 43 years ago by a group challenge yourself whilst having Last semester our paddlers help cover the cost of different of friends who loved to kayak. some of the most amazing travelled all over the country events ran throughout the Since then the club has gone experiences possible. From to get experience paddling, semester. We held a fun from strength to strength, endless river trips, excellent spend time with friends and table quiz in the Sports Bar and is now one of UL’s largest safety training, social events make the most of their time and also a “guess the weight clubs. Every year around 250 and international trips; you will outside of college work. During of the sweet jar” event in the students with little or no never be short of things to do the Christmas break the first of courtyard on campus. Both kayaking experience sign up with ULKC. our international trips of the events were a great success to ULKC, making it the best Our pool sessions will begin year took place. This trip took and kick-started the beginning club for freshers and Erasmus Tuesday of week 2 @9:45pm in our paddlers to Fort William, of a fun filled semester 1. students to join. Whether you the UL Sports Arena. Every week Scotland, allowing us to are a present student or joining we will be running a river trip experience the best white-water Tetrathlon: Held every year by the university for the first time, for you to get out on the river. kayaking Scotland has to offer. a different college is the first ULKC are more than excited You will get a chance to get The trips over this semester of the two notorious Ponyland to welcome new members! outdoors, meet kayakers of all will gear you up for our much events: Varsities Tetrathlon. From our weekly river trips, ages and learn unreal kayaking anticipated trip to the Alps. This year it was hosted active committee and friendly and safety skills. In ULKC you Straight after summer exams, by NUIG in Loughrea, Co. members, you are sure to make will be given the opportunity to you will get the opportunity to Galway. This event consists of friends for life through this club. try a variety of disciplines, from spend 3 weeks in the beautiful running, shooting, swimming Kayaking has become a hugely white-water kayaking, to surf Slovenian, Italian and French and showjumping. It is held popular sport throughout the kayaking, to freestyle kayaking. Alps. This will be without a over 2 days with a fancy- world and in UL too. Whether We have it all! doubt one of the most amazing dress party and a ball on the you have paddled before college In ULKC you will get a chance to opportunities you will ever get. final night. It is a magnificent Riding Lessons: Last semester picturesque Slieve Aughty opportunity to make new Ponyland event, Intervarsities or have never seen a kayak get to know all our members not Kayaking has taken some of our event where equestrian we organised weekly riding Equestrian Center. Here they friends! Keep a look out on which is a showjumping and before in your life, you will be just on the water but on our club members around the world both students from almost every lessons to Boskill Equestrian went on a wonderful trek our Facebook page for details dressage festival. It takes more than welcome here. You nights out and on our many, during and after college, and you college in Ireland meet up, Centre. Lessons took place around the breath-taking of upcoming events planned place over 3 days. will be guaranteed to be taught many trips. Our first trip of the could get this chance too. ULKC compete and socialise! It is on Wednesday and Thursday trails. They trekked through for this semester. The club We would also like to extend how to kayak quicker than you semester will be to compete has had members go kayaking a great opportunity to make evenings. Despite the poor the woodlands and country ensures a fantastic social a huge thank you to everyone can imagine by some of the best in the annual Intervarsities, in Uganda, Montenegro, new lifelong friends. This weather conditions on most trails alike. After the trek experience for all its members who volunteered their time kayakers in the country, who are this year hosted by UCD. You California, Norway, Canada and evenings everyone really they retired to the restaurant with events and trips being year we had 15 members at and have supported the club currently studying in UL. ULKC will get the opportunity to see many more places. tetrathlon competing and enjoyed this experience, on site for refreshments. arranged throughout the year. is currently the best ranked the best of the best compete If you would like to be a part of last semester. We would may have. You can call into page ‘University of Limerick supporting each other. Well and the opportunity to be Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Whatever your level, a fun kayaking club in the country, different kayaking disciplines our club and add to your college especially like to thank Aisling, done to everyone. Special surrounded by friendly horses their trip! The staff were very and successful year is assured. winning our 8th consecutive first hand and help us win our experience, then come talk to the pool to us any Tuesday, Kayak Club’, our email ulkayak@ Paul, and Michelle in the congratulations to Kirk and of course the dogs! This friendly and efficient. The This semester we are hoping intervarsity’s title and not 9th consecutive intervarsities us at the recruitment drive on Wednesday or Thursday night gmail.com, and our Snapchat Sutherland who placed 6th semester we will be also horse and ponies were super to get our members as Students Union for all their planning on letting go of it any title! As fun as our weekly Wednesday of week 1 and we @21:45-22:45 too. Feel free ‘ULKAYAK’. SEE YOU ON THE place overall and to Liam organising riding lessons for too! This memorable trip was involved as possible. We time and help last semester. time soon. Our club offers you river trips are, we have bigger can answer any questions you to contact us on our Facebook WATER! Kelleher who won 2nd place anyone who is interested. everything you could have will be planning fundraisers, We greatly appreciate it! overall in the boy’s individuals. hoped for! riding lessons, trip/s away You can find us on Facebook: This was a remarkable Trek to Slieve Aughty: On Other: We had several social and social get-togethers! Also UL Equestrian Club , achievement! Nov 26th, 16 of our members events also throughout the this semester, Trinity College Instagram: ul_equestrian and went on an adventure to the semester. They are a great Dublin are hosting the 2nd Snapchat: ulequestrian UL Krav Maga Club BY STAN VASIL, PRO History of Krav Maga: with an interest in Martial Arts us know, that in the training or other Krav Maga clubs, a Ladies trainee to enjoy the trainings, Krav Maga derived from a and Self Defence. The club is in the street, you need to give Only Seminar, Airsoft outdoor learn new ways to defend Hebrew word for contact always growing in its popularity your best to survive, if stuck in a event, and our biggest event themselves and their loved ones Kick things up a notch with GAA this Semester combat and it’s a self-defence and still in week 8 we’ve got big nasty situation. Srdan has been will be a National level, two-day and to give a confidence boost system developed by Imi numbers on both training days, with the UL Krav Maga Club for seminar, where we’ll host our never experienced before. We BY SHANE HASSETT, CHAIRPERSON Lichtenfeld for the Israeli which shows a big interest in the last 9 years. Head instructor Lior Offenbach don’t only work on self-defence army and later adapted within Krav Maga. The club has recently from Israel. This will be an techniques, but also on cardio, UL GAA club is one of the and support us for any home the wide public. Recently, about 90 active members and unforgettable event for all of flexibility and strength, as largest clubs in the university games we may have. all members of IDF (Israeli 30-50 members every training. our members and we’ve got they don’t work one without with around 750 members Off the field the club is Defence Forces) are trained in Club members include UL and confirmed numbers from clubs another. and 15 teams across all codes; vibrant, with teams taking Krav Maga. Encompassing the other universities students, but in Ireland, Northern Ireland The training venue is PESS Gaelic Football, Hurling, part in fundraising and team most effective elements from also wide public from Limerick (Belfast) and possibly members building (Old Sports Building), Ladies Football and Camogie. building activities. The future various martial arts and with city. from UK. on UL Campus. If you wish All teams are currently for UL GAA is exciting, with a strong emphasis on natural Head instructor for UL Krav UL KM is affiliated with Combat to train with us, please pre- in preparation for their the development of Maguire’s body movements, Krav Maga Maga is Srdan Kovacevic, Krav Maga, where our main register on ulwolves.ie website respective championships field ensuring that more teams is suitable for both genders and who’s got a vast experience in instructor is Lior Offenbach, first. and our Ladies Football and will be fielded in the coming all levels of fitness and ability. security as a doorman in various who’s main approach to Krav Camogie teams are hoping year, and that there more be Krav Maga training addresses night clubs in Limerick city, Maga is to keep it as simple Training Times: to retain their trophies from more of an opportunity for the need for one to be able to which helps a lot in presenting and as realistic as possible. This Mondays: 8:00pm – 10:00pm last year. We are proud to recreational games. Follow UL defend from both, standing different human behaviours and is very important, because if Wednesdays: 7:00pm – 9:00pm have some of the most elite GAA on social media to keep and a ground attack, taking into scenarios from his own real-life there’s a need to get out of a Please join us at: athletes in their codes as part up to date with what is going account use of weapons and situations. Srdan is an instructor The UL KM will be organizing bad situation, you’ve got only https://www.facebook.com/ of our teams and we would on. multiple attackers. in his own Response Krav multiple events this semester couple seconds to decide, ul.k.maga encourage you to come out UL Krav Maga Club was Maga Club in Limerick city. His and the next, which include how to deal with attacker, or Or email us at: established by a group of approach to Krav Maga is very a regional Grading for our multiple attackers. [email protected] University of Limerick students professional, as he and all of members and members of Our aim as a club is for each 8 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 9

Crouch….Touch…Set BY ROSIE NEWTON - VICE CHAIRPERSON & TREASURER L’art Du Deplacement BY DAIRE BRICKLEY, HEAD COACH

This year has shown us with we gained an incredibly this year, and Munster in and our hopes are that busy semester ahead with “To get from A to B as quickly there are a number of rules to be used. Run, walk, jump training to first practice Training is twice a week on all that can be achieved talented fresher, Enya Breen, the U18 Interpros. She many other girls like here lots of matches to be played and efficiently as possible.” you can apply to one’s life and and climb. Experience the techniques in a safe and Tuesdays (8:15-10:30 PM in the through hard work and who represented Ireland for quickly earned her place will join us in the coming and hopes to reach home If you were to ask the average training. environment around you rather controlled environment and PESS Sports Hall) and Thursdays determination. To begin the U18 women’s 7’s team starting on the Senior Squad years. Secondly, our most play offs later in the year. Parkour practitioner to explain Be strong to be useful - A than walking the same path then apply them to the real (6:15-8:00 PM behind the experienced member, and It is a fantastic time to be a what they were doing this is bodybuilder who cannot dig a every day. world. Sports Bar beside the Arena). vice-captain Deirbhile Nic a part of women’s rugby and probably the response you’d trench. A black belt who cannot Adapt to your environment We have an annual trip Find us on Facebook at UL Bhaird was our big success we would love to have any get. It’s a nice answer. It’s win a street fight. These are - Wall in your way? Climb over to the breath-taking Wicklow Parkour Club or email us at story, having played for potential interested players concise, easy to explain, and examples of strength without it. Hole in the floor? Leap past mountains to practice the [email protected] if you’ve ULLR since her first year to join us! We are also simple to understand. It’s also usefulness. In Parkour we it. Failing school? Study harder. more natural side of Parkour, any questions. Come see us at she excelled and this year hosting a school girls 7s blitz absolutely false. If you wanted train our bodies to be useful. Adapting to the obstacles in which includes bouldering and the Recruitment Drive on the broke into the women’s in February for young girls to get somewhere quickly, Constant self-improvement, your life is a key mentality to ascending waterfalls. As well as 30th January. The membership 7’s team, gaining an Irish interested in rugby to get you’d take a car. both physical and mental, training Parkour. that we have jams with other fee is €5 for university students, contract and representing more games and to advertise Parkour is not so much are key to maximising your At UL Parkour we cater Parkour clubs from Dublin. €10 for alumni, and €15 for the University and of what UL has to offer for a sport, as it is a method of potential. for all levels of experience, These are great opportunities members of the public (must course her country. This them. The hope is to have physical training. However, it Experience the freedom from complete beginners to to pick up a few new techniques be 18+). Pre-registration can is a fantastic achievement it as an annual tournament beats doing reps in the gym or of movement - Use your body advanced traceurs. We have as well as meet some amazing be done online at ulwolves.ie/ and shows the potential to engage and promote running for miles. In Parkour the way it has been evolved both indoor and outdoor people. clubssocs. ULLR has to offer to aspiring women’s rugby in munster female rugby players. and Ireland. Follow us on Similar to last year we have Facebook: www.facebook. two teams (Senior and com/ULLadiesRugby/ BY CAOIMHE DOWNING, CHAIRPERSON Junior) who both have a ULSKC Kick Starting 2018 In Tokyo On the 4th of January 2018, the UL Shotokan Karate Club took off on its biennial trip to Tokyo, Japan, the home Loud and Mighty? (ULRC looking to make a of Shotokan Karate. Last semester saw members of ULSKC working hard to place splash as regatta season fast approaches) the finishing touches to the well anticipated trip. Whilst BY ORLA DONNELLY, PRO in Japan, the club members The University of Limerick look after our health for both were given the amazing Rowing Club as always are our rowing aspirations and opportunity to train in the actively seeking new recruits, not forgetting our studies. As a Hombu Dojo, headquarters no experience necessary! result and in conjunction with of the Shotokan Karate ULRC has enjoyed previous a competition run by Fyffes. International Federation, success and greatness with We were lucky enough to under the guidance of some novices and newcomers secure the use of Metrifit. This of the best karate instructors winning many national monitoring software, allows in the world. championships throughout athletes to log their day to day Not only did our members the years. This coming season feelings with regard to their get the opportunity to sets to be an interesting and training load. This enables our further explore the world of exciting one as ULRC aims coaches to monitor and assess karate, but also to explore to compete across the pond athletes overall health and the beautiful city of Tokyo at the London Metropolitan predict any potential injuries and experience the Japanese Regatta in June. With the or issues within our training culture. Some of the highlights combination of the many programme before they of the trip included a trip to new members who joined us arise. With new research on the 634m high Sky Tree, the shrines. The 2018 ULSKC trip The ULSKC members will also than welcome to watch a Drive on Tuesday 30th January in September, novices and sports psychology constantly awe-inspiring Meiji Shrine, a to Japan was a major success be working hard to prepare training session or jump right in the foyer of the concert rowers with international being called into question it magical day out to Disneyland and was thoroughly enjoyed for the 2018 Intervarsity’s in. We also accept people hall, so call over and talk to experience the future of ULRC is clear that rowing closely Tokyo and some well needed by all club members. We’re which will be held this from all different styles and some of our lovely members. is looking bright. Novices relates and depends on retail therapy in Shibuya and already looking forward to our semester in UCC. All these background of karate, it’s a Find us on Facebook UL have come on leaps and ones psychological as well Ginza. Another highpoint to next trip in 2020! upcoming events are perfect great opportunity to share Shotokan Karate Club and bounds since joining ULRC as physiological strength. the trip was, of course, the ULSKC are also looking opportunities for all our knowledge and learn from Instagram at ul_karate, and have showed promise Therefore with competitions Japanese cuisine. From sushi forward to a fun filled members to get to know each different disciplines. contact us on our email at early in their rowing careers, such as Intervarsity’s coming to strawberry and cream semester 2, jampacked with other and have some fun! We train every Tuesday 6:15- ulshotokankaratechair@ sandwiches we explored all pizza nights, movie nights and The ULSKC always welcomes 8:15pm and Thursday 8:00- gmail.com. a special shout out to the Cian up in April, Cork Regatta in curricular activities organised try?. What is coxing? Simply ULRC 5k Run series will also be corners of the cuisine. We also trips to Stables and Scholars new members and if anyone 10:00pm in the PESS building Humphries, Mikey Fanning May, London Metro in June by the club every year such someone who is small, light making a return in February, A ventured outside the capital, after training. We will also be is at all interested and thinks across from the UL Sports and Michael Wilson who won and Irish Championships in as, our climb to Carrantuohill, and mighty who enjoys 5k run around UL’s beautiful travelling to Mt. Fuiji and some holding our annual pancake they might want to give Arena. We can also be found a clean sweep in the Novice July, but most importantly our club BBQ’s, movie nights, shouting and motivating campus allowing people who traditional Japanese temples Tuesday party this semester. karate a try, they are more at the Semester 2 Recruitment 1k Provincial Indoor Rowing very own Club Cup Regatta team building trips to Galway others while steering a boat wish to get & keep fit and Championships held here it is essential that rowers etc. You might think that towards success. If you or those who wish to shed those at UL Irelands top sporting overall wellbeing is catered rowing is not for you or know of anyone who would winter pounds to get outdoors campus back in November. for to have them at their peak maybe you feel you wouldn’t like to Cox for ULRC (no and have FUN. Our run series With race and regatta season performance for race day. like rowing as a competitive experience required) be sure is open to everyone so spread fast approaching amidst the For both our competitive sport, but rest assured there to drop us a message at irow. the word!! €3 for students impending semester, it is and more recreational is something for everyone in [email protected] or check us out and staff members and €5 for imperative that as athletes we rowers there are many extra- ULRC. Why not give coxing a on Facebook @ulrowing. members of the public. 10 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 11

UL Students Take to the Skies BY CHESALYN MELGAR-SHARMAN, PRO University Of Limerick Swim Club Dream Big This As Spring Semester to Aix, where we had €450! Then, at the end commences and the another day at Le Parachute of the semester we are BY CAOIMHE HENNIGAN, PRO. weather gets warmer, you Club d’Aix-en-Provence. planning our big two-week Coming Semester may find yourself looking Everyone got a chance to trip to France first after The University of Limerick Swim over the past semester, being busy semester ahead! end of the semester, which we can cater for various levels for a new hobby, or maybe learn about how to pack finals. Both of these trips Club has gone from nothing one of our most successful we feel will be a good close to of ability within the pool. With Next semester we have our main you made a New Year’s goal their own parachute, and will surely offer a welcome but strength to strength over semesters to date. The team a successful year, and one last the state of the art facilities now competition to look forward to try new things, be more practice their skills under the break from the stress of the the past few years since being attended an invitational gala chance to compete for those available to us with the Sports to, the Irish Inter-Varsities, a adventurous or face your supervision of some of our semester and are a great established in 2012. At the hosted by NUIG, being the third still eager to improve on their Centre extension, the club has prestigious event which will beginning, from only having year, the club has attended. times! now, for the first time, the fears in 2018. Whatever more experiences members. way to unwind. We will certainly be the highlight of the one or two training sessions With over 25 swimmers chance to train in both 50, and your goals, there is no better Some of us (myself included) continue to offer weekly semester! With placing a strong Swimming is one of the most a week, the club now has an competing on the day it was 25 metre settings! Providing a time to think about joining even had the chance to parachute packing classes 2nd place overall last year, we versatile sports there is, after incredible four sessions a week, the largest team we had ever variety of training experiences Skydive UL! Last semester, really put our skills to the every Monday at 6-8pm will be hoping to go all the way all, you can set the pace! with the hope of increasing this sent! The club performed to our swimmers. And not the club kicked off to a great test, and jumped out with where members can learn this year and proving the might Trainings take place throughout number in the following year. exceptionally with many only that, with the extra start, and we were able to parachutes we had packed how to pack a parachute of the wolfpack amongst the the week which can be seen Training caters for swimmers swimmers achieving far past training sessions taking place, organize several weekends ourselves! Everyone had the and be able to practice this other colleges! This year we on the ULSU website at www. Heading to the plane for the first jump of the day at CERPS of all abilities, such as those it provides our members with for new members to go on opportunity to jump several for themselves. We will also Gap-Tallard in France with our instructor Kevin. who only want to train to keep greater opportunity to make their first tandem skydive – times and some members continue to have weekly fit but also caters for those loads of new friends! despite unpredictable Irish even got in as many as 7 drop-ins on Wednesdays competitive swimmers, past or The University of Limerick Swim weather. Tandem jumps jumps! This trip took place at 6-7pm for anyone who present. Each year the club has Club is looking forward to what are a fantastic way to dip in late October, right in the wants to learn more about grown stronger and stronger, we believe will be our most your toes in without a large middle of the semester and I the club, pay fees, etc. and this year is no different! As successful semester ever! So, commitment, and by joining can say from experience that We will also be hosting the current committee, we are don’t miss out! New members the club, students are able nothing takes your mind off an info session and gear inviting new members to join! are always welcome! Just meet to enjoy this experience at of the stress of college quite demonstrations with not It doesn’t matter if you’re an one of the committee members incoming first year, a returning a heavily discounted rate. like throwing yourself out of only skydiving equipment, at the recruitment drive in week student, or an Erasmus student, Some people have even used a perfectly good airplane. but also wingsuits and base 2, or on the poolside at any of everyone is welcome! Thanks this as a way to face a fear of We plan to keep up the jumping gear! So come along the training times! heights! momentum in semester two, to the Skydive UL booth to the world class facilities that In Autumn Semester, we and will be offering more at the second semester the UL Sports Arena has to offer Any queries about the club or were also able to organize a opportunities for students to recruitment drive, or to a including a 50metre pool and about training can be forwarded five-day trip to the South of go on tandem jumps within drop-in so we can make your the new 25 metre pool, and through the club email: ulsc. thanks to the top class coaching their own expectations. New [email protected] France, where 13 students Ireland. Then during Easter dreams of flying come true! believe we have the strongest ulsu.ie, just find the UL Swim available, it means that a club gear has been ordered to team ever, and with the club Club! Alternatively, send an Follow our multiple social media were able to experience the Break, we are planning You can also email or visit us professional and enjoyable help promote the club, and our always growing in both strength email to the contact below. sites t always stay updated in thrill of jumping on their own another trip to the South on Facebook to keep up-to- training experience can be Pub Quiz (held each semester) and in numbers will be eagerly Thanks to the brilliant coaches the latest in the club! Facebook into two different drop zones of France on March 23-28. date with upcoming events. afforded by all, and in turn was a great success, with many awaiting competing in this available who are always there page: ULSC(University of under the supervision of an This trip is well-suited for Good vibes and blue skies. making the student life that bit students going home with lots event. Along with competing to make the best out of a Limerick Swim Club). experienced trainer who has beginners, as it will include more enjoyable! of prizes on the night, while in Varsities this year, we hope training session, and to offer done over 22,000 jumps! We flights, training, the first Email: [email protected] funds being raised for the club, Snapchat: ulswimclub The club has been very busy to attend a masters gala at the any advice that you may need, jumped at CERPS Gap-Tallard few jumps, accommodation Facebook: facebook.com/ Brian Mc Grath coming in for a landing on day two at CERPS will help towards planning the for two days before heading and transportation for only skydiveul Gap-Tallard in France. Discover Ultimate Frisbee: Semester in Review One club, three sports! Prepare to be blown away! BY CHRISTINE COSTELLO, PRO BY NATHAN WHITING, KITESURFING CAPTAIN Last semester was an eventful Ultimate Championship Finals but Ultimate is a self-refereed by the IFDA (Irish Flying Disc and the more we have, the We in the Windsports are is taking off fast! We ran be beaten on value for money, We also run exciting foreign cool new hobby, awesome one for the UL Ultimate Frisbee against the best Ultimate teams sport and renowned for its good Association). Ask any of our bigger the celebration! passionate about all forms of several Zero to Hero courses so if you want to learn to trips, this January we went adventures and new friends, Club. In October, UL Ninjas in Europe. Over summer, we sportsmanship, awarding both players and they’ll tell you, this Still not convinced? Feel free wind and sea related activities, last year and are looking Kitesurf, look no further and to Cape Verde off the West all at an affordable price for took to the Rebel County for a had female players travel to the skilled and spirited players. is an event you do not want to get in touch with us through but our main three disciplines forward to running even get in contact with us! coast of Africa for a combined budget conscious students! weekend of games, costumes Holland to represent Ireland in Fitness to miss. This year, Limerick our social media pages below, are Windsurfing, Kitesurfing more this year getting people Windsurfing/Kitesurfing trip, You won’t regret it :D Sailing also possesses a rich and garlic cheese chips from the European Championship Above all, Ultimate Frisbee is a took home the award for its or even pop down to one of our and Sailing. up to the level of controlling and last November we sent history in the University, Contact us… Lennox’s at Cork Open. We while some of our male players fun and exciting way to get fit popular tournament, The training sessions and watch. both kite and board on the members to a Windsurfing Windsurfing has a long and we hope to encourage Facebook: https://www. dressed to impress for the IFDA went gone Down Under to play for 2018! With outdoor pitches Siege of Limerick, which will We’d be delighted to talk to water. We run our lessons competition “Aussie Kiss” in ball in November and wreaked the World Championship (U24) be taking place this March. For running history in UL Clubs & more and more people into facebook.com/ulwindsports/ spanning over 110 metres in you about any aspects of the out of Castlegregory as well the UK! havoc in Cork and Galway for in January. one weekend, Limerick will host Societies and we are proud to this exciting sport. We offer Email: ulwccommittee@gmail. length, you’ll be running off club, or answer any questions so the kitesurfers will always inter-varsity tournaments later teams from all over Europe in offer fun-filled weekend trips midweek trips to the UL So what to take from this com Community those tins of Roses in no time. you might have. Join us in have the great company of that month. Here are just some what players claim to be the to the beautiful locality of activity centre in Killaloe with article? It’s simple! Join our While we can’t guarantee you It’s not as daunting as it sounds. 2018 for an abundance of new the windsurfers. We went of the highlights and reasons We like to ease our beginners best tournament in Ireland. tournaments and opportunities Castlegregory in County Kerry a focus on beginners to the club if you’re looking for a a holiday abroad, what we can to Battle for the Lake water why you should join us next into the role with training This year will mark the ten year with UL Ninjas. It’s never too where all levels of windsurfers sport, and we also organize promise is a chance to meet sports festival in Achill semester. sessions devoted to fitness and anniversary of the tournament late to join. are catered for, from beginners weekend trips and trips to a wonderful group of people Island, Mayo in September Travel cardio exercises to help you to advanced. Working with the Intervarsities and other when you join. Being the niche last semester and had an In the past few months alone, sport that it is, the Irish frisbee adapt to the speed of the game. the well established school competitions. We’re looking awesome time watching our Ninjas have travelled far and community is tightly knit. As Social Events and Tournaments run by former professional to expand our competitive professional kitesurfers fly wide to represent their college, a member of UL Ninjas, you We did mention the social windsurfer Jamie Knox we racing so if you are looking through the air and also got club and country. Playing for will be adopted into a second aspect, right? Along with provide a great weekend with for ways to get involved don’t to hear some good music! UL Ninjas opens up a world of family and welcomed into the the mandatory pre and post something for everyone and hesitate to get in touch. We opportunities, giving you the Kitesurfing is a new and rapidly Irish frisbee community with tournament celebrations, every kind of weather, even if also recognize the importance experience you need to play developing sport with one of open arms. Each tournament there’s also an annual, formal there’s no wind! of encouraging beginners into for teams like PELT and even the friendliest communities is as much about the socialising ball for the entire Irish Ultimate the sport so don’t be afraid to the Irish teams. In September, Kitesurfing is our newest and we offer a cheap and fun as it is about the competition. community that doubles as try something new!! some of our players competed Most people don’t know this, an awards ceremony, run addition to the club and it way to get into it! We won’t in Venice for the European 12 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 13 Taekwondo – Not just for kicks! #Weebstagram BY REBECCA ANDERSON (TREASURER) AND JOANNA BAUMGART (SECRETARY) BY LIAM SWEENEY, SCREENINGS OFFICER AND KATE MOORE, PRESIDENT Did you enjoy our terrible pun? Welp! We kicked things…, we break the boards like real The Anime & Manga society society member praised the by stick and others, quite the If you have any questions Facebook page (https://www. We have plenty more where punched things…, and maybe martial artists). So far this year once again introduced their night for bringing him closer opposite, devouring entire about events, trips or just facebook.com/ulanimesoc/), that came from down in PESS fell over our own feet a few our members have competed new members to a whole new to other members: boxes at once. Regardless of want to get a feel for the Instagram (ulwolvesanime) on a Monday and Thursday times… But that was mostly in the Redking Rumble, the ITA world of culinary delights in “It was great fun! I thoroughly the results, everyone had a people running this wonderful or email us at (ulanimesoc@ evening! It was a great semester while on skates… national championships and the the forms of ramen, sushi and enjoyed the trip although I great time. society you can reach us at our gmail.com). one. We kicked things, we No, really now, it has been IUTF Irish open resulting in a delicious mochi. The society may have been way too sassy We started a society Instagram punched things, we punned a jam-packed semester! We number of regional and national have been patrons of Kyoto to [A fellow member] (sorry this semester where we post terribly and we won a dozen or trained twice a week (you’ll hear titles returning to the PESS and Taikichi, two of Limerick’s mate!) I loved the food! It was the pictures from all of our so medals at regional, provincial more about that down below) dojang. The highlight of the best Asian restaurants for fab. I feel like I got to know a events from Tuesday hangouts and national competitions. to get ourselves to our own semester to come will without years and hopefully years few of you better which was to Convention trips. This page That’s rather skipping to the personal bests and probably a doubt be the Intervarsities to come. And I speak for the great!” has seen far more foot-traffic punch line though… laughed a little too much and where the newer members will Okay so we didn’t quite float only starting out, don’t be shy - whole committee when I say -Society member than we were expecting and Alright alright very punny… a little too loud while we did it. finally get to strut their stuff in like butterflies but our patterns beginners are always welcome there is nothing funnier than In November we visited JCon we’re very proud of it. What is taekwondo anyway? Our members worked hard and Galway in what will be many on skates were a sight to and catered for! And for those the look on new members’ in Croke Park, Dublin. JCon Earlier last semester, we Taekwondo is a Korean martial many saw their labours come of their first competitions. We behold). We cross-trained with of you already familiar with the faces when they try to use are Ireland’s newest anime, also visited Kyoto restaurant art, which, translated literally, to fruition in the December can’t wait! our friends in UL Capoeira (now sport, while UL Taekwondo is chopsticks for the first time. manga, cosplay, and Japanese which was another great means “Art of Hand & Foot grading. There’s definitely more But did ye do anything fun? there’s moves) and saw some of an ITF affiliated club, despair The look is a combination of culture convention. The event success. Both eateries were Fighting” (see? Not just for colour in the room now with We’re a social club too! the sights in the scholars ;) not because we welcome confusion, frustration and was wildly popular with our very popular with the society kicks!). We’re pretty sure it many people proudly sporting Competitions mean travelling This semester we hope to cross members of all organisations frightening determination. members, featuring a cosplay and we hope for a continued offers a perfect combination their new belts. together, eating together, train with friends from other and federations -we’re all During our visit to Taikichi last competition, a KPop Panel, relationship with them. Anime of traditional and modern The start of November saw celebrating together and the university clubs in Maynooth, friends here! semester, one member was so and the very popular pocky- and Manga have a lot of plans elements. Here you’ll find Mr Alan Walsh (V degree) visit odd overnighter in some far- and continue our mission of TL;DR? determined to use traditional eating contest! Kate Moore, for next semester, including a patterns - traditional floor us for a fantastic self-defence flung corner or the country. taekwondo-ing in odd places Whether your goal is a black utensils that despite being president of Anime and collaborative cosplay activity movements choreographing seminar which saw members But we socialise closer to home (trampolines anyone?). belt, enhancing your fitness offensive and defensive and non-members alike join too. Training usually ends with informed he could request Manga society has informed with our counterpart in CIT Oh and there will be puns… levels or just making some western cutlery, he refused me that “The girls’ bathroom and look forward to doing techniques- , self-defence, together in the PESS building for a half hour of banter by the Many many puns. friends, UL Taekwondo is the sparring and enough cardio, a night of applied training. We lockers. We eat pizza (and and remained steadfast in was a cosplay contest on its them with our members, both Okay. I like puns… So I’m club for you! eating his food with the own” with “More wigs than old and new. Just a year ago, strength and conditioning hope to have Mr Walsh back Hillbillys!), we go to the movies, coming. What do I need? Taekwondon’t miss out! chopsticks, dropping his food people”. The most popular the Anime and Manga was training to make sure you’re in again in the coming year. and we have the odd beverage Just bring yourself in (Okay we’re done we promise) three or four times between part of the convention in serious trouble but, with a tip top shape all year round (or, As always, the club saw huge in the Scholars. comfortable clothes and a bottle Email: ultaekwondoteam@ each bite. Asked afterwards seemed to be the Pocky-Eating new dedicated committee, the you know, at least get rid of that successes on the competition Last semester saw a trip to the of water down to the PESS gmail.com Facebook: https:// about the experience Hilton Contest. Each competitor had society has a new lease of life sixth slice of Christmas cake…). circuit in patterns, sparring, movies to see Kingsman 2 (our building on a Monday (18.00) or www.facebook.com/ said “I wanted to do it right. their own technique. Some and is ready to take the Irish And what did you say you did special technique and moves are definitely better) Thursday (18.50) night and we’ll UL.TaeKwonDo/ last semester? destruction (that’s the bit where and roller discoing (float like a… take care of the rest. If you’re I’m no quitter.”. Another took their time, eating stick convention scene by storm! It’s Spring Time!!....Get it?! Christianity. ‘Surprisingly’ still relevant today! BY JANICE O’GORMAN, ULTGC PRO BY NATHAN WHITING – PRESIDENT Welcome back everybody! As competitions throughout the trainings this year with You may have seen us in to talk more! or a representative from a Last semester we studied the page for details of our events semester 2 kicks off why not year. Our members compete in superb Coaches like Kieran the courtyard on any given You will also be able to find local church or organization, book of Hebrews from the for the semester, and get in come join us in UL Trampoline levels from Novice (complete Crouch (four-time Provincial Thursday, rain or sun (though us at our weekly meeting on in which we approach all New Testament, this semester contact with us by messaging and Gymnastics Club! ULTGC beginners) to Pro-Elite in Champion and Silver Medallist we’re less likely to stick around Tuesday @8pm in Teach Fáilte. sorts of topics from a biblical we will be taking a more our Facebook page https:// is enjoying its biggest and best competitions all over Ireland in 2013 Canadian National when it rains!) handing out Our routine is to have tea and perspective. We are non- topical approach with a broad www.facebook.com/ year yet! After hosting two and Scotland. Championship) and Greg Roe hot beverages to the delight biscuits for the first half hour, denominational so we try our range of subjects, from new UlChristianUnion/ or emailing of Ireland’s trampoline and We’re also very passionate (acrobatic specialist and coach and often surprise of students beginning our talk/discussion best to get speakers from all beginnings to mental health! us ulchristianunion@gmail. tumbling competitions earlier about giving back and hold to Cirque du Soleil) coming and staff alike, with choruses led by one of the committee walks of life and branches of Keep an eye on our Facebook com this year we are excited for the regular fund raisers threw out down for some intensive welcomed a brand new air-track Our club isn’t just about of “is it really free?” “Do my Christianity to our meetings. International competitions to the year. Our most fundraiser training sessions. I would highly and brought a whole new life to bouncing either, we also eyes deceive me?” and most begin! Every year ULTGC sends popular being the Nearly recommend checking out their our old trampolines with new compete in tumbling and welcome, “thank you”. competitors to the widely Naked Bounce which takes YouTube channels for an idea competition standard bedding! cheerleading. Yes, cheerleading. We do this for two reasons, recognised Scottish and Irish place semester 2 every year. for some of the crazy things that So why not come down and give We even won the cheerleading first to demonstrate Trampoline Student Opens, for Our bravest members strip are possible on a trampoline. em a whirl!? We are already section at ISTO for the last two a weekend jam packed with fun. their kit off and bounce to raise After successfully hosting both generosity, an often equipped with 4 Olympic years. Even Wolfie made an undervalued characteristic, This year’s competitions are funds during Charity Week. So Munster Open and Intervarsity’s standard trampolines and a appearance! This year we we’re taking place in Edinburgh and come catch us in Week 6 in the last semester UL are excited to and second to let people Double Mini-Trampoline (DMT) heading to Galway to defend know that we in the Christian Galway respectively. Interested Courtyard and donate! Our get back in the swing of things . So want to learn to cartwheel? our title in the City of Culture. Union are approachable and yet? Here’s a bit about us: Christmas fundraiser “Tramps with the Scottish Open in week Back-flip? Aerial Round-off? #BringItOn friendly, part of a society Trampoline is a fun social On Ice” helped raise funds for 2. Don’t worry if competitions Sure, come on down! Our If this sounds like the club for where people can come to form of exercise that allows a the fantastic organisation that aren’t your thing we’re a super qualified coaches will teach you be sure to see us at the voice questions, doubts, and healthy break from study and is Pieta House. Positive mental social club and competitions are you the basics and build up recruitment drive, or call to to find people who believe the stress of everyday life. Our health is very important to all about having a bit of fun and skills on a one-to-one basis. All one of our trainings to have a training is open to everyone, our club and we are proud enjoying yourself with a bit of our coaches are fun, friendly, taster. Training runs Tuesdays faith and spirituality will never whether you’re a complete to promote and support the friendly rivalry. These weekends and recognised by Gymnastics and Thursdays from 7pm – 10 lose relevance in the world. It beginner or an elite gymnast charities that look after our away are a wonderful way to Ireland. You too could even pm in the P.E.S.S. allows people to approach and you are welcome to come join friends, family and more. Life engage with other students become a coach. Every year we See you there! talk to people who identify as our club. This is truly a sport has its ups and downs… but from around the UK and Europe send some of our enthusiastic Contact details: Facebook: UL Christians in a relaxed way. you’ll fall head over heels for! we’ll teach you how to enjoy and make some tramptastic members to become GI Coaches Trampoline and Gymnastic Club So if you see us this semester Trampolining is an Olympic them. new friends. and Judges. This is a fantastic Instagram: ultrampoline don’t be a stranger come by recognised sport and here Coaching Clinics have been a ULTGC are and ever expanding opportunity to take advantage Email: ultrampolining@gmail. and grab a cuppa to go, and at UL we compete in many great addition to our regular club, this year alone we of and to stay involved. com stay a little longer if you want 14 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 15 2018: World War 3 and Comedy Cumann Gaelach Upgraded Membership BY QUINN FORSKITT- PRESIDENT The end of the world is nigh, society event at BICS and best Ollscoil Luimnigh Experience For Dance UL and our society is only 6 years Intervarsity. Here’s why! old. Tension has increased Our stand-up workshops BY NIAMH O’ DOHERTY - LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH BY ANA CAMILLO, DANCE UL PRO between the US and the will be held every Monday DPRK, and also between UL at 7pm. These workshops Dia Daoibh Is muidne Cumann We went to An tOireachtas Happy new year to our current and if they want to join Hip become a member through ComSoc and UL ComSoc. With involve playing games that Gaelach Ollscoil Luimnigh. Killarney, in November to see and future members! Hop, they will sign up for all the UL Wolves website the various competitions and the 8 classes as well). This new beforehand. But don’t worry: two rival factions meeting in help to create performance We are the Irish Speaking music groups performing. The first semester was a very system will ensure the right if you need help registering weekly workshops to perform material and once you have society at UL. Stand-up and Improv, the written a few jokes, you (Pólca 4 mar shampla) busy and rewarding one, with flow of classes, and, most there will be committee It is not necessary to be a classes, workshops, auditions important, that members stay members at the classes to possibility of nuclaughter can perform them for the This semester we hope to fluent speaker of Irish to be and events. We had very motivated to keep learning assist. Alternatively, you can apocolaugh is inevitable. other members in order to go to the Gaeltacht and a member of the Cumann, as successful weekly techniques and dancing. These classes visit us at the Recruitment With plenty of events, gigs receive some feedback and Ard-Fheis Conradh na people with only a few words classes in Irish Dance (both and quizzes throughout the constructive criticisms. Once Gaeilge, celebreate Bliain of Irish are also welcome. The beginners and advanced), year, there is something for you feel you’re ready, you will na Gaeilge (125 anniversary Cumann aims to provide an Ballet, Contemporary, everybody in our award- then have the opportunity to of the founding of Conradh opportunity and a meeting and Pilates. Our exciting winning society. Our society perform this material at one of na Gaeilge) and of course place for those who have workshops included Flamenco prides itself on being a great our very popular stand-up gigs. Seachtain na Gaeilge! place to meet friends, discuss These are always held in The an interest in speaking, (Gypsy Dance), Sean-nós, our favourite comedians, Scholars, which is located next improving their knowledge of, We hope to see some new and Heels. In addition, and of course, have a to Spar in the Students’ Union or learning the Irish language. faces at Tae agus Plé and many auditions were held Píosa Píotsa this semester. that resulted in Irish Dance, laugh. Although the idea of courtyard. This can be a great So far, this year we have Contemporary and Jazz teams. performing comedy or sharing experience and just good craic. held Tae agus Plé and Píosa Chun dul i dteangmháil Whose Line is it Anyway? and year we held The Big Fat Quiz of great way to further practice These teams will represent UL your ideas can be a bit daunting You may even get the chance Píotsa in Seomra na Gaeilge linn seol ríomhpost chuig at the Intervasity that will take for some, I can assure you to support a famous comedian! Mock the Week, plus a number the Semester, in which some of your comedy skills! With all (LCO-O16) in association with [email protected] place this semester at UCC. that the comedy society has Last semester we had Fred of other games that have our members performed while these options, there’s plenty of Aonad na Gaeilge every week. nó leanaigí muid ar : Finally, we had the inspiring always been a place of support Cooke, of the old tellybox been created or suggested by the audience members took ways to get involved! Comedy Seomra na Gaeilge (LCO-O16) A Dance Under the Stars, Ana Bugay (left) and Jennifer Rogers (right) during Irish Dance and guidance, where you can headline during SoUL Week, members. These workshops part in a table quiz, competing Society is well worth the €3 it is a communal space where Facebook: Cumann Gaelach are so much fun, and offer a to win some great prizes. This where we went stargazing and Inters audition. Photo by Elene Maisuradze (Dance UL Social improve your confidence and our best gig yet, but 2018 is costs to join, so look out for our you can use the facilties Ollscoil Luimnigh your public speaking skills. still young! These events are great escape from stressful will take place again this year. dancing (in collaboration with Media Manager). stand at the recruitment drive available (kettle, microwave, There is never any pressure to always free entry and so they studies. We also hold a number We also offer feedback on Instagram: cumann_gaelach_ Astro Soc). and don’t be afraid to contact meeting and study space) all perform, so feel free to come are enjoyed by members and of improv shows throughout ideas and scripts that are ol will certainly assist our dear Drive on Tuesday 30th us on Facebook by adding us through Irish. along to our workshops and non-members alike. the year, which take place in shared. Once a script has Snapchat: CumannGaelachUL We have great plans for the members getting de-stressed, January 2018 in the foyer of gigs as an audience member Improv workshops take place different venues. These shows beenWe also have a weekly (UL Comedysociety) and also second semester, including fit, making great new friends, the Concert Hall (Foundation too! Two years ago, we won on Tuesdays at 7pm. These usually take the format of the radio show on ULFM, which on Twitter @UL_Comedy. You some changes to improve our and having fun! Building). You can check us the C&S award for best event workshops involve games that TV shows mentioned above is hosted by a rotating cast can also always email us at membership experience and out, register, and chat with and were nominated for best can be seen in the TV shows and are also always free. Last of society members and is a [email protected] quality of classes. Running Dance UL memberships are committee members for from week 3 until week 11, not only to alumni but also further info. Fanning my culminating in a showcase in to the whole community. So week 12, weekly techniques spread the word and join us Stay tuned for additional classes offered are: Hip Hop, to learn many dance styles news, classes timetable, and passion, one week Irish Dance (beginners and in a friendly atmosphere, as events. Visit our website Computer Society Goes to Munich advanced), Contemporary and well as enjoying many events, https://dancesocul.com/ BY CONNIE COLLINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER at a time. Ballet (beginners). Members thus enhancing health, well- and follow us on Facebook, will now pay for all 8 classes being and sociability! All Instagram (officialdanceul) For our first ever international from 50 fields of science and spend almost an entire day the past 20 years. This will be As this is our first ever BY EOIN HANAN, PRESIDENT of each type of technique UL students, alumni and and Snapchat (DanceUL)! trip, the Computer Society is technology. With a large at the museum to get to see a great visit for technology international trip, we want separately (e.g. join all 8 Irish community members who Feel free to drop us an email: heading to Munich in January emphasis on Computers and as many of the exhibits as enthusiasts and car lovers to make the most out of it Dance classes that will be wish to take part in Dance UL [email protected]. for a weekend full of fun, Technology, the museum is a possible. alike! and get to see all we can in offered during the semester, classes and/or events must learning and sight-seeing. wonderland for the curious! our limited time. The primary The highlight of our trip will The museum has exhibits It wouldn’t be a trip to Munich Next up is the English Gardens. focus of the trip however, is to be exploring the “Deutsches on cryptography, history without seeing what else the With an area of 3.7 km2, the visit the Deutsches Museum Museum”. The Deutsches of computing, universal city has to offer! We will be Englischer Garten is one of and learn loads about all the Museum is the world’s computers, Mathematical checking out the Olympia world’s largest urban public technology exhibits there are All year round we run a to time, trying to offer some about whatever our hearts largest museum of science instruments and analogue Park early on our first day parks. The park has some to offer. This trip will be a wide variety of events. Our more interesting showings. desire. This is where I have had and technology, with about computing, electrical power in Munich. The Olympia fantastic attractions that we fantastic chance for everyone quidditch games allows Whether I am on it or not, some of the most interesting 28,000 exhibited objects and many more. We hope to Park is an Olympic Stadium get to check out. to get the most out of the members to experience their “An Asylum of Bumblebees” conversations of my life and it constructed for the 1972 society, meet new people and favourite fictional wizard past- our ULFM radio show is here that I have made some Summer Olympics, which was After a tiring day, we’re learn about everything the time, even if to onlookers that (#LetsGetReadyToBumble) of my best friends ever. held in Munich. The Olympia heading back to our hotel… museum has to offer. rarely seems the case. Many has become one of my This semester promises to be Park has a rich history and but not before a quick trip We plan to make a killer video called our laser tag face-off favourite parts of the week. busy as ever for Fan Forum, striking architecture. We to the Hofbreau beer house, about our trip so make sure to their event of the semester. We use it to talk all things so why not be part of it? We are taking a trip to the BMW one of Munich’s most famous check us out on Facebook to During Halloween we run a nerdy, from the news of meet every Thursday at six When I first arrived in UL two that I knew where I fit right in. museum which lies close to restaurants and bars. This will see more about the trip and spooky themed treasure hunt the week to discussing our at red raisins, so stop by to Olympia Park. The museum provide some much-needed our upcoming events. Don’t years ago like many I didn’t So what is Fan Forum… to get everyone in the mood. favourite all times movies and be part of the conversation contains engines and turbines, food after our long day, and miss out! quite know what to make of Well the name can be a bit For people more into casual tv shows, to our own crack pot or join our Facebook group aircraft, motorcycles, and who knows, we might even the college. Everyone was confusing, but basically we are events we have consistent theories of what we as fans to keep up with our weekly vehicles in a plethora of stick around for a beer or two! Contact: certainly pleasant and there UL’s Pop culture society. We tablequiz’s to put your nerdy need. events and cinema trips. possible variations. In It will be a good chance to talk https://www.facebook.com/ was certain energy to the are just a bunch of loveable knowledge to the test in a That said, where forum really addition to actual models about everything we saw that ulcomputersoc/ place, but I didn’t quite feel at rogues that are a little bit casual environment. Similarly, excellence is our Thursday https://www.facebook.com/ there are futuristic-looking, day and get to know all those http://skynet.ie/ home. It wasn’t till I arrived at too into Film, TV, comics and we have movie screenings on meetings. It is here that we groups/ulfanforum/ even conceptual studies from in the society a bit better. [email protected] the first Fan Forum meeting those kinda things. the on-campus pubs from time get order pizza and just chat [email protected] 16 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 17 Feminists Reppin’ for Repeal Whatever way you roll the dice, Games Soc is BY ORLAITH MOORE, PRO There was no easing into the campaign. We hope to see the always the best outcome! BY DEAN MALONEY - VICE PRESIDENT & PRO semester for the Feminist same appetite for change in UL Society, with September seeing by campaigning the SU to adopt us bussing it up to Dublin to a pro-choice stance. As we enter 2018, we at the join thousands of like-minded What about Erasmus students Games Society are more excited than ever to provide people in the 6th annual March coming to UL in the spring you with amazing gaming for Repeal protest. The sun semester? We will hold another experiences throughout the shone all day on our efforts ‘international feminist’ evening semester! No matter where to get the Irish government where new international to scrap the draconian 8th your interests lie, everyone students can learn about amendment that restricts is welcome to experience the feminist issues in Ireland access to abortion in this world of gaming. You’ll be able (Repeal the 8th!) and speak country. As great a day it was, to join in for new and exciting to us about what is going on with a wonderful feeling of games of all kinds, or maybe in your home country. We are solidarity at the Pro-Choice you’ll have the chance to proud intersectional feminists Breakfast held by ARC (where appreciate some old classics. and will continue to host more we were serenaded by the Either way, you’re bound to themed evenings and invite Choir for Choice!); here’s make plenty of new friends in guest speakers to the Feminist hoping it was the last year the process! Read on to find we would need to protest. Society to speak about a range out how you can be a part of With momentum gathering of issues. our weekly events. in national politics and a May Like our Twitter (@ULFemSoc) Our Monday Games Nights referendum expected to be and Facebook (@UL Feminist in Main Building EG010 from announced in the coming Society) pages to keep up to 6PM onwards are a great weeks, the UL Feminist’s date with weekly meetings, way to start the week! 2017 Society has an open call for all social events, fundraising was a massive year for us in those who wish to get involved efforts, repeal campaigns and terms of improving our board Need your dose of video games Thursday in Main Building semester here, so come along with a university-wide Repeal our favourite memes! game collection, and we plan Our Monday meetups during the week? That’s what EG010 from 6PM onwards! and experience an all-nighter to add even more to it even also provide the perfect our Console Games Day is for, like no other! throughout the semester! opportunity to meet fellow every Wednesday from 12PM Friday Lock-In’s are our We are also planning our Tired of committing hours TCG players and RPG to 6PM in the Students’ Union, premier monthly events, trademark Assassins event, into games like Monopoly and enthusiasts; you can get Room 3! With our very own dedicated to all aspects of which will be happening looking for something new some games against players PS4’s, Wii U and Xbox Ones, gaming. This is where we midway through the semester, The UL Game Development Society BY JOSEPH GREANEY, PRO and refreshing? We’ve got new or experienced in Magic: it’s truly a great way to take book the Students’ Union along with a Pokemon “Elite you sorted! Our popular board The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh, it easy in between lectures, building for 12 hours, from Four” competition. Be sure The University of Limerick’s players. All skill levels are professional then you will find chance to speak and listen. show off their skills and can games include Dominion, or you can meet one of our whether you’re yearning for 8PM to 8AM, providing to keep an eye on our social Games Development Society encouraged to join as a place for discussion and Previous topics include: “AI in even win prizes for their Cosmic Encounter and Ticket Dungeon Masters and embark some casual rounds of Call of members with the ultimate media accounts to find out was founded in September the society provides an improvement in the society. games”, “games as a medium” creations. This semester, to Ride, and we have plenty of on an unpredictable and Duty Zombies, intense edge- gaming area. Expect intense more as soon as we make an 2017 to form a community environment that allows for Game development is at and “microtransactions in the society will be hosting a other excellent board games chaotic adventure with your of-your-seat combat in Tekken Commander games of Magic: announcement! of people who are interested learning and experimenting the core of the society and games”. Each semester a Global Game Jam site in UL. which you can experience friends! We’ll also be hosting 7, or epic 8-player brawls in the Gathering at 3AM, We hope to see you in making games. The society with games development. If each week the society meets game jam takes place where The event runs from the 26th with your friends! There’s a various events including Super Smash Bros. You can hilarious half-asleep games throughout the semester! welcomes those from all you have never made a game to discuss aspects of game members of the society to the 28th of January and board game for everyone, Rivals of Ixalan Magic drafts also arrange to meet up for of Spyfall and adrenaline- aspects of game development, and have no experience in development. Each week a attempt to make a game participants will have to make and we aim to provide a and Dungeons and Dragons some practice in your favourite fuelled LAN games of all the Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/ including artists, designers, development the society topic is chosen and a round in 24 or 48 hours. Groups a game in 48 hours. All are gateway so you can find one workshops which provide fighting games or take part popular MOBA’s. We’re sure ULGSoc programmers, writers, well help you begin your table discussion takes place are formed on the day and welcome to join the event. that you truly appreciate excellent ways to get into the in some MOBA’s at our LAN you’ll have some of the most Instagram: ul_g_soc modellers, animators and journey. If you are a seasoned where every member has a everyone gets a chance to and obtain a new hobby! tabletop scene! and FGC Weeklies, held every memorable moments of the

And….ACTION! Take a step back in time with BY MICHAEL FINNERTY - PRO With the winter months Runner 2049, Thor Ragnarok BY DANNY Ó SEACHNASAIGH eating into precious filming and Justice League and plan to HistorySoc hours, we used the winter do more as the Oscar season We are the History Society discussions, held quizzes in a medieval banquet at the semester to hone our practical hots up. of the University of Limerick the Scholars, participated in castle of Dunguaire! One of film making skill and laid the Our big plan for 2018 is to (Ollscoil Luimnigh). We were medieval fencing, attended our members will also be groundwork for the shorts host a Battle Of The Societies founded in 1997 by a group a banquet in Bunratty Castle putting together teams to we plan to film in the spring table quiz, in which we plan to of students who all had a in Clare, stayed over night participate in a game of Viking semester. see once and for all who the shared passion for everything in Kilcolgan Castle and Chess (aka Kubb)! A society isn’t a society best society is. We envisioned historical and have since many other activities. So far without a Hoolie every now a massive battle royale in a car then gone on many trips for 2018 we have invited Dr. and then, and our lock-in park but insurance wouldn’t and participated in historical James O’Neill from University themed around Tommy allow us. activities. One need not College Cork to speak on his Wiseau’s magnum opus The We have some committee study history to become a book The Nine Years War, Room was well attended. positions up for grabs in the member, all that is required 1593-1603, we plan to go on We have organised society new year, so if you want to is an interest in the subject. In a trip to the historical city outings to see all the big bolster your CV or gain lifelong 2017 we had many historical of Prague and we will attend winter movies like IT, Blade friends, join our committee! 18 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 19 Semester 1 was bigger than the globe itself for the New Semester, New Goals For UL ISoc BY KHALID KAMIL, P.R.O. International Society! BY CALVIN SHINE - VICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER That’s right - we’ve just ended of the county with a stop off in Members were treated to a nós dance too! The culture place on the Belfast trip Assalamu Alaykum students an ISOC committee workshop to finding better facilities in the Muslim community in we will bring you more semester one on a high, and Kenmare, a quaint little village visit to the Titanic Museum, nights didn’t stop there, with and a series of Facebook and members! with FOSIS, we look forward for prayer, to facilitate Ireland since it allows you to xciting campaigns and events semester two is sure to be a home to a gorgeous fairy ring. the Giant’s’ Causeway, the a European Culture Night competitions towards the to putting on some even more the growing number of connect with students from inshaAllah! cracker judging by its success! Back in Kerry once more, we Peace Wall, the Bushmills held in Dromroe Hall with end of the semester with 3 I hope the first semester amazing events for you all this Muslim students on campus ISOCs all over the country if Finally, I would like to leave Trips, events and friendship, took a spin around the trip of Distillery and plenty of craic food from countries around members winning a variety has been a good one for all semester! alhamdulillah, and to create you would like to participate in you with a beautiful reminder just three of the many Kerry with Pat in bus 1 living was had in the gorgeous city the continent on offer - Italy, of UL Wolves branded merch! of you. Alhamdulilah it has Alhamdulilah it’s been an separate areas for brothers any of their events. Alongside to myself and to you, to help elements that contributed to life on the edge as always as of Belfast itself. It’s impossible France and Spain to name just Congratulations guys and gal! been really motivating for amazing first semester for and sisters to make wudhu, that, the app also includes a us improve ourselves as the our insane semester which we embarked on an energetic to encompass everything this a few. the ISOC committee to see the ISOC, from running pray or relax without any Quran, Prayer Times, query/ new semester begins, has just gone, and as we put journey through Moll’s Gap, trip had to offer in just one This coming semester is such great involvement halaqa’s and social events, to worries. We will keep you recommendations section A real man fears the death of pen to paper to sum up the Lady’s View and the Torc article, but take my word for Our collab with the F7W going to be just as good, with in events throughout the forming a productive working updated with the progress we for FOSIS Ireland and an “ask his heart, not the death of his whirlwind ride that took us Waterfall before finishing it, it was unreal! Props to all and ULFM, Tales and Treats, plenty more trips planned, last semester. Especially relationship with FOSIS make in this matter inshaAllah. a Sheikh” section. body. from Belfast to Cork prepare up at Muckross House and trip leaders and team trips was a night of poetry, music event ideas pouring from the the weekly halaqas and arabic through the workshops. It has - Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah for a flood of memories and heading into Killarney. Blarney themselves for their amazing and stories. Our very own minds of the events team and classes which will continue been an extremely enjoyable I also encourage you to Congratulations to you all on (RA) emotions that will overwhelm Castle was up next, and after work this semester! president, El Condor (Colum rumour has it that our famed to take place this semester semester; however, I would download the brand-new app the completion of your exams. you more than the swollen kissing the stone we took the Sheehan), was MC on the night international ball will take inshaAllah! ask everyone to forgive us that FOSIS have launched not I hope you have received If there are any issues, Torc Waterfall overwhelmed short journey into Cork city If that wasn’t enough, our and we heard poetry from the place in February! However, I would like to thank for our shortcomings, we only for FOSIS Ireland but for the results that you were feedback or ideas you think we us this November in the Ring for the annual Guinness Jazz events team was hard at Limerick Poet’s Society, Ilyana this semester all had to come everyone that supported hope with your feedback and all Islamic Societies in Ireland. hoping for and that you have should be looking into, please of Kerry! Festival! The craic was mighty work throwing out weekly Kuhling and Christy O’Donnell, to an end to make way for and participated in some support we can improve in Every ISOC’s Facebook page enjoyed your winter break! email us at limerickisoc@ and we all got our fair share of events for us all to enjoy. The as well as music from a variety semester two, and it is with a our highlight events so far second semester inshaAllah. has been linked to in the app, That’s all from us for the time gmail.com or message us on Starting with trips, this basking in the busker’s sweet semester started with a get of players. Our open mic at heavy heart that all of us here including the Meet & Greet, I pray that Allah (swt) accepts so you will always know what being! We look forward to facebook at https://www. semester we had a massive tunes. If all of that wasn’t together in the Millstream for the end of the night was a at the UL International Society Movie Night and Sister’s all your efforts. events are going on. This is a seeing you at the Recruitment facebook.com/limerickisoc/ range of trips that took us enough, a group of brave our welcome par-tea which deadly end to what was a big farewell to amazing group Halaqa. With our committee We are currently in talks with great resource for developing Drive and at our events in Assalamu Alaykum. all over the island of Ireland. members battled through the was laid back and relaxing night filled with music and of people that shared the best having recently completed the University with regards brotherhood and sisterhood the second semester where Our semester started with a wind and rain as we took a trip and friendships blossomed great company! 12 weeks of our lives so far bang as we took 5 bus loads to the coast of Clare on what since! From there on, every with us. I’m sure that someday of students to Dingle on the was a wild and wicked day, but week for 15 weeks we had a Our internationals showed our paths will cross once coast of Kerry where we between the patches of drizzle themed international night in their competitive sides with more, but until then, we wish enjoyed a scenic hike around we basked in the beauty of the the Stables aptly called TGIF our 5 competitions this ye all the luck in the world Law Society Table Quiz the landscape. Next, we set rugged coastline and many (Thank God it’s Friday) where semester, with a group of with yere future endeavours, BY ÚNA WALSH - SECRETARY off for the Aran Islands where pictures were taken. DJ Ber belted out the best members taking part in a slán go fóill. we had an impromptu music tunes. Pot Luck event where they The Annual Law Society Table This has been an annual event teams. We had ten rounds of cinema tickets and vouchers We would also like to thank sesh on the ferry, got soaked Then the fateful weekend all cooked something and Social media: Quiz was held on Tuesday 10th for the last number of years questions, with ten questions from the Odeon Cinema to Rachel Jones and other to the skin and cheered on arrived - the Belfast weekend For SoUL week, we held a had a dinner together in a Facebook: https:// of October 2017 in the Sports and it is always a great social in each round. The categories Dunnes Stores. Finger food Committee Members for some brave members as they trip! Only the most persevering night of Céilí, Craic and Ceol bid to win prizes for hosting www.facebook.com/ Bar at 7pm. It was organised event. ranged from Music to Sport to was also provided by the organising prizes and Donal took to the howling Atlantic and committed members with legendary seanchaí the best dinner party. Other ulinternationalsociety/ by Donal Cribin, the Law History, to Showbiz. Sports Bar which we would for putting a lot of effort into for a swim. Toning it down, secured a place, with people Eddie Lenihan sharing some competitions included a Snapchat: intsocietyul Society’s Fundraising Officer It cost €20 for a team of also like to thank for hosting the night which was a great our next trip saw us head queuing in Red Raisins from of his gathered tales on the photo competition on the Instagram: along with other members of four and we had a range of We received great prices the event! success. around Cashel and Cahir in 9am that morning to secure night. We had some great fun Tipperary trip which saw internationalsociety_ul the Law Society Committee. interesting and creative quiz from local businesses such as Tipperary for a medieval tour one of 52 places on the bus. learning a few steps of a sean Noël Taillardat win a coveted 20 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 21 Ógra - Help Shape An Ireland For All The Wolfpack is Back! BY CONOR MADIGAN, PRO & B. CROWLEY, CHAIRPERSON BY CIARA GORDON, EVENTS ASSISTANT

Hello hello pals, and welcome annual Diseny Quiz with our biggest events coming reveal at AMUL. Queerbash 7pm in S116, which cover a back to semester two! All of Drama! Then of course there up. This semester we have is one of Limerick’s most range of topics, from LGBTQ+ us are so excited to get to see was are famous Rainbow Alternative Miss UL, our highly anticipated events representation in the media, all our members again, both Week, which included nine amateur drag competition, every year, and we guarantee to sexual health. We also old and new! Hopefully you all events, from our Masquerade which is open to drag kings this years is going to be will be our weekly Queer had a brilliant break and are all Ball, to workshops on how to and queens and faux kings spectacular! This year will Hangouts on Thursdays from well rested, because we here be a good ally, to our Big Night and queens. AMUL is open see the return of Sparkles, 1-3 in SU Room 3, where at Out in UL have some very Out, it was a tiring week, but to everyone and anyone, so which is a day of workshops we’ll be chilling and taking a exciting things in the works for so so much fun! One of the if you have any interest in on various topics, so if you break from all the stresses of this coming semester that you most exciting things to happen being a contestant this year, have anything in particular college! won’t want to miss out on! last semester was the news make sure to keep an eye you’d like to see a workshop that UL is now implementing out on our social media for on, let us know! Also we will In the meantime, feel free to Last semester was jam packed 12 new gender-neutral toilets the application forms. You be having Connect Training follow us on all of our social with so many fun events and on campus to provide for the don’t have to have any prior with Michael O’Mahoney media; Out in UL on Facebook, interesting meetings that safety and comfort of trans experience with or in drag from the UL Counselling and @outinul on Twitter, we hoped you all enjoyed as and gender non-conforming whatsoever, we’ll be there department, where we’ll Instagram and Snapchat (our much as we did! We had some students, staff, and campus to help you with everything be learning about active creativity with names knows truly amazing events, such as visitors. Out in UL has worked from shoes to wigs to make listening, and how to talk to no bounds). Feel free to our first ever poetry night in tirelessly with the Students’ up, so if you want that those who are struggling with drop us an email at outinul@ Scholars, Louder Than Words, Union for the last number coveted crown, and the title their mental health. We’ll also gmail.com if there’s ever which was a beautiful night of years on getting these of Alternative Miss UL 2018, have our annual Dublin Pride anything you want to chat to where people performed bathrooms, and we would like make sure to enter! We also trip, where we’ll all be going us about or ideas you have poetry that meant something to extend a huge thanks to have our biggest event of the up to march in Dublin’s pride for the society, and check out to them as a queer person. everyone who was involved in year coming up this semester, parade, so keep an eye on our blog outinul.ie for more We also had a few wonderful making this happen. Queerbash which is in its 15th our social media for updates general info about the society. collaborations with other year! As always it will be a on that! As always, we’ll be See you all soon! societies, such as our Karaoke This semester looks set to be themed event (this years is having our weekly members Night with FemSoc, and our just as exciting, with some of fab, trust me), which we will meetings on Mondays at

The UL Ógra Fianna Fáil Con all Ógra Fianna Fáil cumainn, a of hosting the annual Ógra The Ógra Fianna Fáil National After last December’s political Colbert Cumann is one of significant achievement for an Fianna Fáil Christmas Party. Youth Conference is also fast dramas, it goes without the longer running political Ógra unit outside of the capital approaching. It is being held in We held some fundraising saying we are in yet again a societies on campus and has city! Athlone on the 9th and 10th of games to raise money for Pieta period of political fragility enjoyed a significant boost in March. Members got the chance to House, enjoyed a delicious with the failure of Fine Gael its active membership base participate in debates and Christmas dinner in Kilmurry This is an event solely for Ógra to deliver on the vital areas of this academic year! discussions on topical issues Lodge Hotel and then headed members and usually does Irish society that are Health, The vast majority of members including Brexit, climate to Jerry O’Dea’s bar in the city not exceed 150 attendees Housing and Infrastructure. this year are first year change, education and health. followed by The Library Late meaning it is much more students, showing that the Bar. intimate (much more craic Regardless whether a General society is well set up for the It was also a voting Ard Fheis in too!) than compared the Election lies in 2018 or not, that the new Ard Chomhairle Throughout all last semester’s years ahead! Ard Fheis which has several the European and Local was to be elected. Some events our members met a thousand attendees. Elections of 2019 are also fast Throughout the autumn cumann members partook variety of interesting people semester, we had guest visits in canvassing for candidates and made lifelong friends, all Other events on the Ógra approaching. from James Doyle, Ógra Fianna the while engaging with the calendar for 2018 include the while others helped with the There is also of course some Fáil President and Cllr. James sorting out of voting papers. issues that are affecting Irish Jack Lynch Cup 5 a side Gaelic Collins of Limerick City West. society and young people Football tournament, the De significant referenda to take We also partook in a cross The weekend concluded today. Valera Debating Cup and the place over the coming years. party debate with our friends with the captivating leaders Ógra Summer School. The role that Ógra plays in This Spring semester kicks off (read: arch-enemies) in UL YFG address by Micheál Martin TD, these campaigns is vital to with a trip to Houses of the UL Ógra Fianna Fáil is a vibrant for SoUL Week. followed by some socialising Oireachtas on Wednesday of and active society, perfect ensuring a strong youth vote in nearby bars until the late is secured. Our members Without a doubt, the highlight hours of the night. Week 2, 31 January. For 90% for those who have ideas and of the autumn semester was of our members, this will be opinions on national issues look forward to these future our cumann’s trip to the In November, a smaller cohort the first time they set foot in and who wish to meet and talk campaigning opportunities. 78th Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in of our members also attended Leinster House! to like-minded people. If you are looking to get October. Over the course of the President’s Dinner, or We will get the chance Regardless whether our the weekend, members got Cairde Fáil Dinner, for the first involved with our society, get to see TD’s and Senators members are senior party to meet the senior party’s time. This was a significant in touch with us! Search “UL debate in their respective members or not, we encourage elected representatives as achievement for us as it has Ógra Fianna Fáil” on Facebook chambers and will certainly and provide opportunities to well as other Ógra members been several years since UL and send us a message! bump into a few Fianna Fáil get involved at a grassroots from around the country. Ógra had a presence at this elected representatives in the level too. This can be as simple Membership can be requested key Fianna Fáil event. The UL Con Colbert Cumann corridors of Leinster House as as going around canvassing for at ulwolves.ie Also be sure to had the largest delegation at The semester finished with our well as in the Dáil restaurant local politicians in the run-up check out our new Instagram the Ard Fheis (pictured) out of cumann having the privilege and bar later on in the evening. to local and general elections. account @ULOgraFF 22 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 23 ULFM – Independent Student Media for You Kettle down everyone! – It’s UL Young Fine Gael BY DECLAN MILLS, PRESIDENT BY MICHAEL MCKENNA, SECRETARY

going to be a beau-tea-ful It was an exciting and action- we would also like to thank packed semester for UL Young Senator Kieran O’Donnell who BY TEA APPRECIATION SOCIETY Fine Gael, as we held many donated a prize for the night. semester successful events and trips The quiz took place in the So Tea Appreciation are back along where there will be Wednesday evening every over the course of semester. Sports Bar on campus, who with many new surprises this games, music and lots more week next semester where At the beginning of the year provided an excellent service semester. We’re back with to enjoy. We also have a wide we will be sure to make sure we had a very successful for the night. To round off the our usual Galway trip, our range of teas for you guys to everyone is welcome. We have recruitment drive, signing year we had our annual trip regular weekly meet ups, our try so if you are adventurous big plans for next semester up many new enthusiastic to Dail Eireann. As usual this bi-weekly events but also so and would like to know more, and we hope you are ready members, who have all had trip was great craic and gave much more. We have many please come along and we will to continue a journey with an active role in our society. all members a proper chance surprises for our members find one suitable for you  us, not just through tea but Also at the recruitment drive to mingle and socialise with next semester, including a If you are also looking for a also through communication. we received hundreds of the each other, and other surprise trip which we will place to chill, relax or to just We will also have some extra signatures on our student YFG societies from around the be dropping hints about talk to people then join us this events so watch out for those. housing petition, signed by country. The overnight trip for the weeks prior to the semester and we will make We are so looking forward to members and non-members was extremely successful and event. Whoever guesses the sure you relax while also being welcoming everyone back this alike. Our first event of the praised by all who went. event will be awarded free catered for by our fantastic semester so please pop by at year took place on the 14th of For the upcoming semester Tea & Cakes (what’s not to committee members with tea, our stand at the recruitment October when UL YFG hosted we have just as much planned love?). We’re going to give biscuits, scones and brownies drive in week 2 and we may MRC Oktoberfest. This is a and hope for it to be equally new events a Chai and make at every event, what’s not have goodies for ye guys or meeting of YFG branches from as successful. We hope to sure we have a great time. to like? We also welcome contact us on facebook or across Munster and we were hold another fundraiser for everyone and anyone who email us to get in touch if you delighted to be joined on the the mental health charity We will also have loads of loves tea as much as we do want to join. night by Senator Maria Byrne. Jigsaw. Jigsaw does great upcoming Par-teas in the our and who wants to not just Facebook: https:// The topic up for discussion work with young people favourite place, the millstream drink tea with us but who also www.facebook.com/ was “How to bridge the and mental health, and we common room. We will have wants a place in the evening TeaAppreciationUL/ gender gap in politics”, this encourage all to donate to some surprise themed events after study to talk and get to Twitter: https://twitter.com/ led to interesting discussion this worthy cause. Hopefully throughout the semester such know people in a free relaxing ulteasociety and debate, with all attendees we will be having another as our annual Tea Totallers alcohol-free zone. taking an active role. Like trip away, not to Dail Eireann par tea which is always a huge Our events will be held Email: ulteasociety@gmail. all YFG events Oktoberfest however but to Brussels and success every year so do come between 6-8pm, every com 2017 was successful and very the European Parliament. enjoyable. Our next event UL YFG groups have made It has been a busy first contributions to UL’s campus as a source of reputable, Focal working with Killian corridor from our studio, has took place during soUL week this journey in the past and semester for us here at culture at the President’s high-quality journalism. A Stone in the SU’s Marketing also played an important and was ran in conjunction it has never been anything ULFM. For the first time, we Volunteer Awards. On top successful application to the Office in order to co-ordinate part in our expansion of our with UL Ogra Fianna Fail. We but successful. All going started broadcasting in Week of this, we broadcast live Bank of Ireland Enablement media coverage and share promotional activities, while both took part in a cross- according to plan we should One instead of Week Three – from UL’s Careers Fair in Fund has given us the money resources and information. Paul, Michelle and Aisling in society debate titled “Playing have an equally as successful following on from a limited association with the CoOp & to upgrade our computer C&S have given us non-stop Politics?’. This gave everyone trip in the coming months. summer schedule – and Careers Division and acted as systems for the first time In this, we have received support and encouragement. involved a great opportunity to If anything mentioned here linked in with the First Seven DJs for the Marketing Office since our foundation, the support of the many Just one example of how exercise their public speaking sounds like something that Weeks programme to run across the course of the improving the overall Clubs and Societies – from external support and and debating skills. We would you’d like than UL Young Fine also like to thank Ogra Fianna Gael is the society for you. some cool events and reach two Open Days in October quality of our broadcasts Out in UL and the Feminist collaboration can improve Fail who facilitated the activity New members are always as many newcomers to UL as – a situation which led to and allowing us to do more Society to Fan Forum and our programming came and originally suggested it, it welcome. You can contact us possible. Not content with an impromptu flashmob of outdoor broadcasts from the Trampoline Club – who towards the end of this would not have been possible via Facebook (UL Young Fine providing the soundtrack secondary school students campus and city events. We have either hosted their own semester, when the hard without them. Also during Gael), Twitter (@ULYFG), or to a welcoming party and doing the Cha-Cha Slide! were also fortunate enough shows or provided guests to work of an enterprising soUL week, we held our “Game email us at ulyoungfinegael@ opening our doors to as many to pick up sponsorship be interviewed. The SU has presenter gave us the of Thrivia” quiz night. This was gmail.com. Also follow us new recruits as possible, On the more serious side from Red Bull and to sell also been very supportive. opportunity to interview two a TV and Movie themed table on Instagram (ul_yfg) and we collaborated with F7W, of things, as part of SoUL advertising slots to Dell. We Roberta Harrington’s help members of UL staff – Donal quiz fundraiser. This turned Snapchat (ulyoungfinegael). International Society, the Arts Fest we hosted an all- have created podcasts, and with our mental health Ryan and Dr Carrie Griffin out to be incredibly successful Finally many thanks to International Office and the day intervarsity broadcast gone live on Facebook, as well coverage, Jack Shelly and Liz – about the university’s with plenty of funds raised everyone who helped out city-centre-based Limerick featuring student journalists as our usual live radio shows. Gabbit’s support throughout student-run literature on the night, and many to make this semester so Poets’ Society to bring UL’s from DCU, Mary I, LIT, NUIG Our diversity of programming the semester and willingness journal, the Ogham Stone. spot prizes won by those successful and hopefully we in attendance. We would can have the same success in international students the and UL, raising money for has increased, and we have to engage in a live debate like to thank everyone who the coming months. annual Tea, Tales and Treats Limerick Suicide Watch and put a great deal of focus on about the changes to An In short, we’re going into participated and donated, and event. spreading awareness about developing our coverage of Focal, and Martin Ryan’s Spring 2018 bigger and better mental health issues and campus news and current advice on our plans for than we have ever been, and Also in September, several their treatment. affairs. We have also been improvement of our services we hope you’ll join us in our of our committee members working on establishing a have all played a vital role further adventures, or tune and long-running presenters We have also worked hard joint working group featuring in our growth. Killian Stone, in on ulfm.ie to hear what we were recognised for their to improve our ability to act the heads of ULFM and An with his office just down the are up to! 24 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS You need to join Photo- Soc….Get the picture?!

BY CAOIMHÍN Ó CEALLAIGH, PRESIDENT

Wondering what clubs or societies to join for Semester 2? Why not give PhotoSoc a go? We cover a wide range of topics for every level of interest! No camera? No problem, we’ve got our own! No experience? Doesn’t matter, everyone needs to start somewhere. We welcome members of all levels and with all interests! Like trips? We do them! Last year our group got some beautiful shots on a society trip to Killarney which is a great spot for landscape photography! Want to learn from professionals to improve your skills? We run classes in different areas of photography with local professionals for FREE, so you can brush up or learn entirely new skills! If landscape photography isn’t your thing, we have run studio sessions where members can learn about setting up a shoot and even have some fun in front of the camera too! Like selfies? No problem! Like last year’s trips officer and a member, we encourage you to take many, many tasteful self-portraits at our events! So we’ve had a good semester already, covering many topics and events, and we’d love you to join us for the coming semester! If there’s a particular topic or event you’d like to know about, we’ll do our best to cover it for you!