September-Semester 1- AY 2010

Historic Weekend for Rowing Club at National Championships also representing Ireland at next week's Home International UL BroCon 2010 judged by a few of our less tone deaf Regatta, taking place in Cork. committee members. This seemed to be off This was followed swiftly by the to a bad start with technical problems but it UL BroCon is UL’s first games, anime and came together in the end and the bands heats of the Women's Inter 4+. manga convention. The first BroCon was Both crews gave it their all, but really got the crowd going with some very held between the 16th and 18th of July 2010 entertaining performances, including a only the men advanced to the and attracted over 200 visitors from all over bonus rendition of ‘Painkiller’ by one Derek early afternoon finals. ULRC the country. Sheedy that wowed everyone and, it is said, dominated the final of Men's Organised jointly by the UL Games was worth the admission on its own. Inter 4+, winning by over two Society and the Anime & Manga Society, Between all the events and panels, lengths to Galway RC. Coming BroCon took a year to plan and organise and conference attendees could enjoy some into the late afternoon, two of emerged a massive success for both quality shopping thanks to various vendors the biggest events in Irish societies. It helped establish us as an active selling games, merchandise and manga rowing, the men's and women's gaming, anime and manga community and during the convention. Limerick’s very own Senior 8s, both featured ULRC connect us to others around the country.The “The Gathering” was out in force, with a representation. The Men's convention was also a great way of showing large table selling almost every kind of Squad put forth a Senior 8, off the university to people from all over the collectible card, war gaming model and comprised of the same crew as country. Visitors and guest staff could not sundries. We are very grateful to them for fail to be impressed by our attractive, the Inter 8 and the Women's helping us with the card game tournaments, modern and spacious campus, and squad had Alice O'Sullivan lending us their knowledge of the On an overcast weekend in July, Brian O'Connor (UL Alumni), everyone agreed that the EGO rooms were tournament rules and allowing players’ competing in a senior composite well-suited to the convention layout. months of training are put to the Conor Doorley (Sports Science boat. Unfortunately, a mix up performances to rank them on the test as the Irish National Rowing '13), Paul Noonan (Comp. Eng. The convention offered a great number of worldwide leader board if they so wished. with the men’s Senior 8's Cox activities for its guests. We had table top Championships commence in '10) and Damien Penkert (UL It wasn’t all fun and games, though. meant that they could not race. war gaming on both Saturday and Sunday, Alumni). The Women's squad is Conventions like these typically have strong Inniscara, Co. Cork. In less than The crew was looking forward a number of different role playing games, seven minutes, down a six-lane, comprised of Rachel Meehan charitable elements, and BroCon 2010 was to see how they would match up trading card game tournaments, video no different. One of our most anticipated two thousand metre course is the (UL Alumni), Emma Ryan (UL with the senior crews, but they games (both for casual play and one shot the University of Alumni), Alice O'Sullivan (UL events was a charity auction for suicide were not too disappointed tournaments), a board game area where prevention group, ‘Be Aware! Prevent Limerick Rowing Club has to Alumni), Liz Gabbett (UL because they had won both of people could just play some games and Alumni) and Laura Purdy Suicide’, based in Killarney and offering fight for a chance for the All- the races they had looked to meet new people, and anime (Japanese information to those suffering from (Lecturer at UL). Ireland Rowing Champs pot. win. The Women's Senior 8 was cartoons) screenings for people to relax a depression. The auction was a great For the rowers of ULRC, the The first event of the a straight final, with the bit in between events. success, with many people bidding countless hours on the rowing Championships ULRC par- composite 8 coming in first We had some great guests too! outrageous sums of money on the items machines, 7 AM training times ticipated in was the Men’s Inter easily. This is a big win for the Francesca Dani, a professional cosplayer donated by generous guests and traders. and the blistered hands from the 8+ early Friday afternoon. A club and especially Alice (dressing up as characters from games or The sought-after lots included VIP tickets to innumerable time on the water straight final, ULRC was up O'Sullivan, with this being only series) came to our convention to host a similar conventions around Ireland panel and answer any questions cosplay culminate in this Championships against the formidable her third year rowing. including WarpCon, ItzaCon and LepreCon, fans might have, she also helped judge our weekend as their shot at glory in opponents Galway RC, Carlow, University of Limerick as well as several one-of-a-kind artefacts; the Intermediate and Senior UCD, Trinity and Neptune. cosplay competition during the convention. not least the Perpetual Shield of our dear Rowing Club went into the There was also a Swedish mangaka events. This marks the first year Even with the blustery weekend with hopes of winning departed LUGCon. conditions, UL was able to take (comic artist) host a very informative Overall, BroCon 2010 can definitely be of ULRC under new Head a National Championship and workshop on how to draw urban and city Coach James Mangan and an early lead and extended it came away with three illustrious remembered as a massive success and all further and further through out backgrounds on the Saturday. She also did the staff of both Societies had huge fun ULRC has their sights set high. wins. Undoubtedly one of the a panel on the 18th discussing manga the race. They won by more running it. Our sincere thanks to Plassey ULRC has only won a most successful years of the club, (Japanese comics) and its high popularity Championships title once than a length to Galway RC in Campus Centre for their assistance and the it has paved the way for more in Sweden, which was both enlightening UL Arts & Sports fund for their generous outside of the novice grade, with this exciting race. This was an successful years to come. Under and entertaining. funding. This year paves the way for making Cathal Moynihan (ML4- Beijing especially sweet victory for the the tutelage of Head Coach Other events including a Rock Band squad, with this being five out of the convention even larger in 2011 and '08) and Paddy Quinn in the James Mangan, the crew's hard tournament, displayed on the Jean Monnet hopefully for many years to come. Inter 2- in 2005, but both squads the nine's first ever win at the work paid off tenfold and will Theatre’s massive projector screen and this year are looking to change National Championships. The hopefully set an example for this. afternoon saw the heats and crews for years to come. This This Championship, en- final of the Women's senior 4-, work will be put to the test in compassing 4s and 8s, sees a in which ULRC was represented two months time when the University of Limerick Rowing by UL Alumni, Alice O'Sullivan. squad will be racing again in Club entry across much of the This composite boat of St small boats in the September categories, with ULRC fielding Michaels RC, Killorglin RC and Championships. Well done to boats in Men's Inter 4+, Inter 8+, ULRC came fourth in the final, ULRC and to all those involved. Senior 8+ and Women's Inter 4+, with Skibbereen taking the win. ULRC is especially looking to and a UL rower in a composite The Saturday of the Champs recruit novices this year, so if Women's senior 4- and Women's was the big day for the club, you're interested email Senior 8+. The Men's squad is competing in four events. First, [email protected] or check out comprised of Andrew Hurley the heats of the Men's Inter 4+, www.ulrowing.com. We will be (Sports Science '10), James comprised of Andrew Hurley, posting our hours for new Brinn, Liam Rice (Mech. Eng. Liam Rice, Stephen Penny, James recruits on the website and be '11), Stephen Penny (Sports Brinn and Damien Penkert, with sure to check out our stall at the Science '12), David Meehan, the first three, all UL students, Clubs and Societies Fair! 2 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS Welcome To the thousands of new Rowers creating a significant after the exams? I have also been working arrivals to the University of piece of club history at the From a Students Union point closely with the UL Arts Limerick campus and hopefully National Championships, of view, the Clubs & Societies Officer, Patricia Moriarty and it’s the beginning of at least a diving in the Red Sea, department is also attempting UL Sports Administrator to try fantastic 4 years ahead of you. Mountain Biking in France, to the raise the bar and a key and BIG-UP (sorry I keep To all our existing members, skydiving in France and part of our own future forgetting we are middle aged great to see you back and I Mountain Climbing in France development administratively and not in the young category hope the summer was an (!!!..This advert has been is, Liz Gabbett our new full anymore , sorry what I meant enjoyable one and that you did brought to you by the French time Clubs & Societies Liaison to say was) …improve the manage to pick up some form Tourist Board ☺) and the Officer (appointed last march). Recruitment Drive as per the of work in these difficult Archery Club were creating Liz has been extremely busy request of Clubs & Societies economic times! Not to worry National Champions. Not to be over the summer, with budgets committee’s last year. I am now though maybe you can all out done our Societies have and preparations for the new quietly confident that all our immerse yourself in some much extended their season into the term and we expect with the collective summer efforts will needed fun and distraction, summer as well and just to extra pair of hands to be able to pay off in a very successful making new friends and setting mention some our Anime offer a higher quality service to delivery, thanks to Patricia and new challenges and raising the Manga and GSoc guys and gals assist Clubs & Societies Neasa. bar for Clubs & Societies ran a highly successful growth. Our new on-line So what are you waiting for? development. convention (Bro-Con) with in membership registration is Join the Largest Social On that subject during the excess of 200 people attending another major undertaking in Network on Campus summer we certainly had that the weekend event and our the planning now for 12 www.registercs.ul.ie in abundance with the Music Society jumped ship to months and driven by our Regards, Kayakers Multi Day Trip their first ever society organised Clubs Officer and computer [email protected] through Montenegro, the UL trip to the Download Music guru, Keith O’Neill. No small Clubs & Societies Development Vikings winning a European Festival in Donington….well feat as we attempt to register Officer,ULSU title (I kid you not!), and the what did you expect them to do nearly 7000 members on-line.

To anyone reading this if you are not already a member of a A message from the ULSU President... club or society or you want to start your own just go for it, get Congratulations…you have just picked up debating the meaning of life or kicking a involved. You will not regret it. the key to a fun filled, action packed college ball; there is something for you. Paul and I are here to support you, help you get involved, to life!! Over the last few weeks you have made All ye gotta do now is go online and pre- get going and keep on track. many momentous decisions. You just have register! Also, don’t forget to call down to I’ll leave you with some food one more to make and you’re set! You the recruitment drive and check out the for thought. A couple of years thought choosing a course was tough, now variety for yourself, Wednesday Week1 in ago a friend of mine sent on try and chose from all the great Clubs and the Arena 4-9pm; it’s not to be missed. It's this extract from Sir Roger Societies we have here! great craic and ye even get free stuff!! Bannister’s book “The First Joining a club or society will really help you Oh if you cant make Wednesday then don’t Four Minutes”. (For those of settle into college. It is one of the best places worry, you can sign up to a club or society at you who don’t know who to meet people and try new things. I can any time of the year, just go online! Roger Bannister is, he is the honestly say joining the Kayak Club when I Now it’s up to you! Throw yourself into it! first man to officially break the 4 minute mile barrier.) I liked it, was in first year was the best decision I made Take up new challenges, make new friends you might too. in college. It is essential to settling in and and develop new ideas. In 4 years time don’t "I have reflected on re-reading experiencing college life to the full. look back saying “if only”! this book that, however You are lucky that we have some of Ireland’s All the best, A big hello... ordinary each of us may seem, best and most active Clubs and Societies Ruán to all you new UL students and we are all in some way special everyone coming back for more here at UL. We also have a club or a society Ruan Dillon McLoughlin and can do things that are fun and frolics in UL for for everyone, what ever you're ULSU President extraordinary, perhaps until 2010/11. I hope you had a into…jumping out of planes, climbing ULSU Uachtarán then even thought impossible. great summer. mountains, playing computer games, When the broad sweep of life is This summer was my first in viewed, sport, though the job and I wasn’t bored. instinctive, physical and Nearly every Monday morning ephemeral, illustrates a there was news in from the universal truth that most of us The trend setting UL Basketball Club many clubs and societies who find effort and struggle deeply had their big trips abroad, local satisfying, harnessing almost The Name “UL” is nationally teams, is seeking interest from that doesn’t come along every trips, championship events and primeval instincts to fight, to known in college basketball. players of all levels and day. conventions to organise and survive. It gives us all a We are regarded as the trend abilities; we would also Come and chat to us at the attend. You can read all about challenge, a sense of purpose setters; we set the bar, leaving welcome individuals who are Clubs and Societies night on their successes and adventures and freedom of choice. other colleges to follow. interested in participating or Wednesday September 8th from in the following pages. It is increasingly difficult to find The Basketball club is a working behind the scenes to 16:00 – 21:00 where we will You might ask what has our this in our restricted twenty- “Family” club where we pride improve the club. provide you with all the C&S liaison officer been up to first-century lives. The ourselves on looking out for Currently we are working information you require. For over the Summer months, well particular target we seek may each other. Our club, which toward our 2012 plan, which further information contact us I’ve been busy getting to grips not be important. But what is caters for men’s and women’s you should not miss out on through our website; with budgets and learning more important is the profoundly being part of. It is http://www.ulbasketball.skynet. about how your clubs and satisfying effort in thought, going to be a year ie/ societies work individually. To feeling and hard work to remember. Our Congratulations on achieving some that might sound boring necessary to achieve this motto is one of your first goal of getting to UL, but it’s actually been really success." performance & now you should join the UL interesting. I’m getting an excellence Basketball Club and help us to insight in to so many different See you around. through this we achieve our Goals interests and seeing the passion [email protected] believe that all our people have for their particular Clubs and Societies Liaison goals are Noreen O Connell club or society. It is very Officer attainable. Don’t President UL Basketball Club inspiring. There is a lot of fun, ULSU miss your chance [email protected] friendship and challenges to be part of involved. something special ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 3

UL Archery Wants You! Margaret Carey Vice President With a successful indoor season already under Ireland, from Dundalk to Cork, Galway to the UL Archery Clubs belts we dug our heels in Carlow. and prepared for a tough outdoor season this If you are the kind of person who shies away year, which culminated on the August Bank from competition then dont discount ULAC as Holiday weekend with the Outdoor National your club of choice. Our archers are never Target Championships and another National pressurised to compete and if you just want to Champion for UL. shoot for a few nights throughout the semester ULAC now adds a third National Champion to and blow off a little steam then youll fit right in Fresh and our ranks this year. Craig Tyner, 2nd year Product with our social archers who shoot just for fun Design & Technology, is the 2010 Senior Male and to meet some new people within the college. Barebow Champion, Niall Boland, 1st year Law Our social archers help organise the fun shoots & Accounting, the 2010 Junior Male Compound such as balloon shoots, animal target shoots, our Enthusiastic Champion Indoor and now Mike Curtin, 3rd Annual Santa Shoot and our National Halloween year Robotic Engineering, is the 2010 Junior Shoot. They are also responsible for making sure Male Recurve Champion Outdoor. The most that plenty of archers meet up after training to amazing thing to note is that none of these get to know each other in a more social setting. ULTV coming archers had ever shot before joining the UL We also have a number of non-archery related Archery Club and are now some of the top level activities within the club like the Annual G-Soc archers in Ireland. With UL Archery ranked in vs. UL Archery Paintball Tournament in Semester the top three college clubs in Ireland and the 1 and The Archery Dinner in Semester 2. There to U 2010/2011 Intervarsity season only a few short are also plenty of impromptu movie nights; pizza months away there is no rest for our elite team nights and birthday get togethers throughout the When applying for jobs in the media seen on our YouTube page. as we prepare for another wave of competitions year. industry in Ireland, often even with a This year, ULTV has a new and, hopefully, more trophies. We also have a humanitarian side to the club. degree, experience is essential for committee, fresh with enthusiasm If you think that you would like to be involved Last year we set up a Shoot for Haiti event on the any position including entry-level and ideas for the year ahead. The in a club that trains hard, and plays hard, call lawns of the UL White House as part of the Clubs jobs such as working as a runner. committee are excited to welcome down to us during the Clubs & Societies & Societies Haiti Fundraiser and taught staff and Even if you are volunteering, fresh new faces as well as old to help Recruitment Fair in the UL Arena and sign up. students how to shoot. We also ran a competition employers can tell more about your us make this a productive year. An You will get access to everything you need to on the day for the best shooter along with commitment to working in the media example of some of the productions become the next Robin Hood equipment, demonstrations from our advanced archers. industry by projects you have done and activities lined up for this year coaching and your own band of Merry Men. If you need any extra information about UL ULAC compete in the ISAA Intervarsity League, Archery you can check out our website, in your own time rather than work are film screenings, trips to Dublin the National Irish Archery League, the National www.ulac.tk, or you can email us on done for your qualification. to record a production in a studio, Championships, the Barebow Championships, [email protected]. We will be taking on new ULTV is University of Limerick's workshops dealing with different the Irish Student Championships, the Irish Open, members until the end of Week 6 in the academic media society, in which our aim is to aspects of video production, the Indoor and Outdoor, and the National Target calendar. You can either sign up at the C&S create both fun and informational continuation of our podcasts, Championships. We also run the Apprentices and Recruitment Fair or you can call into a training videos while giving students the audience tickets for TV shows, and Masters Cup Leagues within the club, along with session in the Main Hall of the P.E.S.S. Building. opportunity to acquire practical many video projects people can get our Pro-Am Tournament. There are plenty of Take a look at our website or the training section experience in production as well as involved in. chances to compete throughout the academic of the C&S website, www.clubsandsocs.ul.ie, for material for their portfolio and CV We hope to increase the volume year and into the summer months, and our a list of our training times. that will benefit them if they choose of videos we produce this year and archery competitions will take you all over to work in the media industry. we welcome any new ideas! So if What's better is that ANYONE who you want to get experience and have has an interest in media or who fun, get in touch! thinks they would enjoy being Patricia Murphy, President, involved in video productions can Email : [email protected] , join! Website : We will be looking to fill roles http://www.skynet.ie/~ultv/ such as director, cameraman, Youtube Channel : scriptwriter, editor, actors, http://www.youtube.com/user/ULTV presenters, runner, graphics and SOC many more on various video First Meeting : 14 September at productions. Previous work include 18.00 – 20.00 in Room 3, Students weekly video podcasts which can be Union. 4 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS

UL Ninjas and a crazy couple of days in Amsterdam

UL’s Ultimate Frisbee team, the UL Ninjas attended small squad we found the Frisbee playing bit quite last year’s group before starting the long and winding Windmill Windup in Amsterdam for the 3rd year in a tough, playing higher seeded international opposition journey back to Ireland. row this June. This is Europe’s biggest ultimate in 90 minute games in humid conditions. By Saturday, So what about next season? We’ve got a name tournament on grass, with 79 clubs from all corners of temperatures were soaring and our squad were out on for recruiting talented young players to uphold and a Europe in attendance for 3 days of ultimate Frisbee, their feet - Yet we managed to keep the score lines squad full of potential to add to! We also have camping and craic. In a way this tournament is the respectable enough. By Sunday we basically had to be ambitions to defend our Beginner and Development highlight of our year. After a long season of training, dragged to the pitches, again, in the final huddle Club titles and to improve on our standings at open domestic competition and Saturday nights, Windmill President, Conor Carey got MVP despite Max Vizard competition and Intervarsities. As well as that we have Windup becomes our “let your hair down” tournament bringing his A-Game. Friend of the Ninjas, Eamon was big plans to further develop our own open tournament where having a laugh comes first! voted Most Spirited Player and Most Gangster Player The Siege of Limerick. Then we plan to attend another That’s not to say the domestic circuit isn’t fun went to Niall McCarthy, on a very White-Boy foreign tournament. Windmill Windup is almost a but having spotted such potential in our young team weekend! certainty with rumours of a trip to the USA in the next we put a certain amount of emphasis on results this With our games finished for the weekend and few seasons circling the mill. season. This paid off with victory at DCU’s beginner us showered and dressed, we dragged 2 couches to the So if you want to give Ultimate Frisbee a go, have great tournament, Whacking Day, and Development sideline for the open final, to watch some of the highest craic, get fit and meet some great new guys and girls, Intervarsities, held in Santry. We also improved on last standard Ultimate we’d ever seen. Then, with the then come over and see us on recruitment day or just year’s rankings at the Cork Open in October, our own tournament wrapped, we packed up and headed to our show up to training, details of which will be up on the Siege of Limerick in February and topped it off with a hostel in Amsterdam’s city centre. We took it easy on website below. If you want to get in touch or get more 6th place finish at National Intervarsities. Sunday night, having a few drinks, exploring the Red information, simply email the address below. So for the majority of this year’s squad Light District and sampling Amsterdam’s famous cafés. Windmill Windup 2010 was to be the biggest On Monday we got to watch The Netherland’s World Website: www.ulninjas.com tournament we’ve ever seen and promised to be a crazy Cup opener in a packed square near our hostel and on Email: [email protected] couple of days in Amsterdam. With an unfortunately Tuesday, we burned a few hours in a café favoured by UL GAA – Hurling – Football – Camogie – Ladies Football It is with great excitement and Stapleton, Offaly’s Shane [email protected]. pleasure that we welcome all Dooley and Brian Carroll, Membership is a bargain at new students to the University Limericks David Lynch & €10 and this includes your of Limerick and more Thomas O’Brien, Waterford’s GAA insurance for the year. specifically, The University of Tommy Connors, Tipperary’s Official UL GAA O’Neills gear Limerick GAA Club. UL GAA Philip Austin, Alan Moloney, is also available to buy in the is one of the largest and most Alan Rockett & Brian Fox, office. New to the GAA Club successful Clubs in the Clare’s Eimear Considene, this year, is the social committee University, with over 14 teams Kerry’s Aisling Leonard, Tipp’s - whose aim will be to create a participating in hurling, Mary Ryan, Edith and Clare ‘Sense of Club’ amongst all football, camogie and ladies Carroll, Tipp’s Ann O’ Dwyer players and to galvanise football right through from and many more. From friendships between all Club fresher’s, juniors, intermediates September to Christmas teams members. The GAA Club will to seniors. The GAA Club take part in their various winter hold monthly nights out for all supports all levels of leagues and after Christmas the members in the Hurlers Pub participation with a common Championships kick off. Teams and a savage night out is aim of developing and usually train twice a week guaranteed. The first GAA improving performance either in the morning or night out will be held, in through proper training and evening time out on the pitches conjunction with our sponsors management structures. For the or the astro-turf. Fresher trials AIB bank, on Thursday Sept serious player, UL GAA Club will take place during the first 16th in the Hurlers Pub. There provides an opportunity for few weeks of the semester and will be a live band free students to improve their game details of these trials and barbeque on the night. Students through active participation in training will be posted on the who open up an AIB account high profile higher education UL GAA notice board or on will receive a free ticket to this competitions such as the our facebook page - event. Other UL GAA Club Fitzgibbon, Sigerson, www.facebook.com/ulgaa. Our members can get their tickets Ashbourne and O Connor notice board is located outside from the GAA Office during Cups. Some of the current UL the GAA Office which is room week 2. So go on – sign up and stars who participate in these PG-011 in the PESS Building. become a member of the UL competitions and represent The office is open five days a GAA family. their counties include: Galway’s week so feel free to drop in any Cathy Linehan, Secretary, David Burke, Tipp’s Paddy time or email us on [email protected] ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 5 Dance-Club

The UL Dance Club, UL’s leading dance club, is back again this year and it’s looking better than ever. BY EMILY MAREE P Kayaking through the

Since it was set up two short years ago, Dance UL has been going from strength to strength and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. The second largest gorge in club have elected a new president, Brige Newman, Second Year, and Christel Oliver-Dussault as Vice-President. The aim this year is to encourage and improve, encourage new faces to the club and improve the standards of dancing and awareness of the club around campus. the World!! In 2009, our first year as an official club, our fledgling squads won the overall National Dance Intervarsity’s, beating previous winners like UCC and DCU. We were also given the title of ‘Best New Club’ by the other second only to the Grand race again and are training out Clubs and Society members in the University. Canyon in North America. on the river Shannon just Back in March, Dance UL entered the Intervarsity’s in Carlow for the Nobody had ever imagined behind UL, known locally to second time, and yet again, stole the show. Our squad won three out of going to Montenegro, let alone club members as “the the four categories they entered in: Irish dancing; jazz and hip-hop. We driving there and kayaking in outback”. also came third in the mixed category, and many of our routines are this beautiful place. The two Planning has already available on YouTube. weeks spent in Slovenia and commenced for the upcoming We’ve also broadened our dance horizons this year. As well as hosting Italy previous to Montenegro year in ULKC’s calendar. There the usual ballet, hip-hop, jazz and break-dancing classes, we’re bring in had prepared everyone, as there will be many weekend trips a whole bunch of new classes, like street hip-hop, lyrical jazz, yogalates were many first years on the including a fresher’s surf kayak and dancercise. We’ll also have a mystery dance class once a month, trip that had never kayaked trip to Lahinch in week five. which could be anything from African traditional dance to flamenco before arriving in UL. However, Fresher sessions out back in dance...but we won’t spoil the surprise! this didn’t stop anyone from UL, behind the Boat house, will The Dance Club was in a giving mood this year as well. After the learning and gaining confidence also be commencing early in disastrous Haiti earthquake disaster, we said we’d see what we could on Alpine waters. Thanks to semester one. They will be do, and with the help of our members, raised much needed funds by the many experienced kayakers running every Tuesday and running a 24 hour dance-athon, where everyone danced from dusk till upon the trip, first years quickly Wednesday from 15h-17h and dawn in all conditions. gained safety knowledge, again at 17h-19hr. Fresher Pool But it’s not all work and no play by a long shot! We’ve organised experience and skills to read sessions in the university arena several nights out for our members, including the successful Fame night, and run rivers safely, all vital to pool will take place every where we got to strut our stuff in neon and went out on the town. We future of the kayak club. This Tuesday night from 21:45h to also organised a flash mob, where people got to showcase their talents Summer 2010 has been one of multiday trip is to become the 22:45h. If you are interested in by randomly dancing together in the middle of the campus. Then there the most successful times for start of something new for the becoming a part of the kayak was our big charity performance where not only did our members get to UL kayak club. The club, in its club. Down the line we hope to club and learning and show what they’ve learnt through the year, the public got to see our almost 30 year’s existence, go to India and further afield, experiencing something totally winning squads live. remains active though the building up our experience insane and outright cool then So, check us out! We’re sure there is a style of dancing to suit you and summer months, despite its every year. ULKC is at the fore come along to the recruitment we guarantee you will enjoy it! members being spread across front in Irish kayaking drive which is going to be held [email protected] and our website is http://www.danceul.com/ the country. From the time of regarding training, experience in the University Arena, exams right up until September and safety. Wednesday of week 3. And when college starts again it’s When we arrive back home in bring some friends. Don’t always a hive of activity down Ireland after 4 weeks away, we forget, you don’t need to have in the boat house or on the were soon greeted with rain, kayaked before to join. rivers across Limerick. This typical Irish summer weather EVERYONE is welcome. If you year, only two days after exams you might think. This rain have any questions or concerns finished ULKC embarked upon allowed us to go kayaking on and for more information, its biggest and maddest summer the Clare Glens, a famous and please feel free to contact us by trip ever. popular section of river just email at [email protected] or Normally ULKC heads away to across the Tipperary/Limerick visit www.ulkayak.com the Alps after summer exams to border, about 20 km from Podge Mooney experience some serious white Limerick. Many club members P.R.O. UL Kayak Club UL Judo Club water kayaking and leadership who live in or close to Limerick University of Limerick skills, where the water required got to paddle the Glens several We have more than 80 members, aged 18-40. Most are students while for white water kayaking is times while other members, others have graduated or joined from outside the university. Trainings are guaranteed. However the who are scattered around the twice a week at the University of Limerick. Group is a mixture of summer of 2010 changed this country, were lucky enough to beginners and experienced judoka (brown/black belts). routine, when we extended our catch a run or two on the Glens Achievements: Alps trip to accommodate a when the weather suited. The 1.At the Irish Judo Intervarsities 2010, the club won 1 gold, 3 silver and multiday trip over to the Glens offers many waterfalls 1 bronze medal. Balkan country of Montenegro. and extreme rapids which adds 2.In Galway Open 2010, the club won 1 gold and 3 silver medals. A total of 26 people travelled to the excitement of the run! 3.In Munster Open 2010, the club won 1 gold and 1 silver medal. the Alps where we spent time in The Liffey decent is Irelands 4.Few members achieved yellow belt, and 1 member achieved black belt. Slovenia and Italy. 18 people largest kayak race with around 5.Earlier this year the Club received a £500 donation from the MARS then travelled to Montenegro 1000 participants every year. Refuel Drink Fund. to take part in the adventure The race attracts national and Judo will keep you fit, you will have fun, learn throwing and ground which was to become a first for international participants, the techniques, go to competitions. Judo can be trained as a standalone ULKC, or any Irish club. Liffy Descent, is being held in martial art, or in combination with other sports and martial arts, like We spent 3 days on class 2-3 Dublin on the first weekend in rugby, football, MMA, etc. Beginners and non-beginners are welcome white water, carrying all our September. Last year, two club to join us. necessary supplies with us in members did remarkably well UL Judo Club is a member of the Irish Judo Association (IJA). our kayaks. Not to mention, by reaching the top 4. This year 1) William Power (coach): 086 380 4661 this trip took place in the many of ULKC members are 2) Mat Galicic (chairperson): 087 690 2370 world’s second largest canyon, taking part in this marathon 6 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS Handball the fantastic Gaelic Game Social and If you have ever played or had an interest in playing the fantastic RUGBY... Gaelic game of handball then why not join the University of competitive Limerick Handball Club. Ladies Rugby’s huge success and it set new This club caters for all skill levels from beginners to experienced Badminton remarkable year - second standards for the competition in the players. Training for the handball club usually takes place on future. UL claimed the Division 1 Monday and Thursday evenings in the PESS building where we consecutive league and cup after a tough two days of action have two one wall courts, also training takes place in 60x30 and varsity double beating NUIG comprehensively in 40x20 alleys in the run up to competitions. UL Ladies Rugby is a very social and the final. The tournament finished Being a member of the U.L. handball club gives you the opportunity fun loving team but we are also very off with a banquet and then disco in to compete against handball players from Irelands third level competitive. It is a mix that brings the Kilmurry Lodge which was institutions in the intervarsities, also members will have the chance out the best in all our members, and enjoyed by all. to travel to the United States of America to play in the World each year new members are crucial The varsities traditionally mark the collegiate championships! Competitions are run over weekends in to our clubs success. We are a end of our season but this year we October, November and January with the World collegiate college team and compete in the entered a tag team in the ITRA championships usually taking place over a week long period in CUSAI Division 1 League and also in Limerick League as team February; also the University of Limerick Handball Club the annual intervarsity tournament, “Ballteasers”. It was a success and traditionally hosts a one wall tournament in the PESS building in many of our players play for a variety with help from the men’s rugby club early to mid April. These competitions cater for all skill levels with of different clubs at the weekends. we combined to form a team who players graded into their appropriate divisions to ensure that Last year was one of the most started out poorly but finished in the competitive games and an enjoyable time are had by all. Badminton is a fast fun and successful years for UL Ladies top ten in the All Ireland tag finals in So join the University of Limerick Handball Club for great craic exciting sport. The UL Rugby both on and off the field. We Cellbridge in July. Again as one can and even better handball and with a year’s membership of only €3 badminton club is definitely a had many more social activities imagine we celebrated in style where can you go wrong?! club you will want to join. We which helped people to get to know We also do fundraising work for John Fitzgerald, PRO play socially and competitively each other and as with every year Milford Care Center and plan to do Contact: [email protected] twice a week in the Arena. If when new members join, lasting the 4 peak challenge next summer in you are a beginner, we will friendships are formed and the craic aid of that cause. provide you with a racket and is mighty!! Finally we hope that you will come shuttles… and there will On the pitch all this socialising and and give ladies rugby a try. always be someone to explain other activities paid off also. We won Beginners are more than welcome, the rules of the game. If you our second consecutive league and every year a vast proportion of new are an experienced player, you varsity double which was a members have never played before will find players with a similar remarkable achievement. ULLR have but they learn quickly and love the standard of play. won the League 8 times in the game and the camaraderie. If you are In recent years, the club has competitions ten year history and a more seasoned player come join had a lot of success in various the IV’s 11 times in 12 years. In April us also there is a place for everyone competitions. At county level, we hosted the Intervarsities which on our team. For more information the grade 4 team (very saw 10 teams from other universities see our advanced players) was around the country compete for both website www.ulladiesrugby.com crowned Limerick champions the division 1 and 2 titles. It was a in 2009 and the grade 5 (advanced players) team became 2010 vice county champions. Team members Richard McEvoy and James Scully (both Postgrad M&AE) became 2010 Limerick County champions in the double competition. In grade 6 (entry level), Harry Van Haaren (1st year Music Media and Performance Technology) won the men’s singles and the men’s doubles with Michael UL Men’s Rugby Club- Maguires Pitches but be sure to Moore (2nd Yr Pharmaceutical you CAN play for us as check with us in case we have a and Industrial Chemistry). well as your own club special session planned, such as Team competitions happen indoor or Astroturf sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or throughout the year while We offer the chance to get an inter-pro star, UL Men’s individual championships take personalised training Rugby Club has something to place in early spring. programmes and much more, offer you. We like to get our Club members also take so sign up and be part of our members involved in everything UL Capoeira Club part in ISBT competitions mailing list. It’s only €5 and the from top class competition to Capoeira is a martial art with a samba and forro and were (International Student benefits are great, look out for charity work and team bonding difference. Instead of an hour of ‘jab continually treated to Capoeira Badminton Tournament) in paintballing, Kukri tracksuits sessions. The last few seasons cross’, the Capoeira Club will teach displays from the sports leading various European countries. and other discounts, not to have seen both the Fresher & you how to back flip, play the drums athletes. Two of our students even These competitions are open mention trips to far off sunny Senior Squads coached by Mike and spin on your head. Die hard travelled to Brazil this summer to to all players from beginners places! Storey (Auckland Blues, martial arts fans needn’t fret train for three weeks with Mestre to advanced. They are a great This year, we’ve set out to get Saracens, Munster) while however, we still do kicks and Suino – the founder of Capoeira opportunity for all to test their ourselves more involved in the playing colleges throughout blocks. Capoeira is a combination of Candeias and all round big deal. skill levels against the best in local area, where sometimes Ireland in the All Ireland gymnastics, attacks, defences, Extremely addictive, Capoeira is a the country and further afield. students can be given a bad League Division One. Last year dance, music and flexibility. When unique sport. It will challenge your The ISBT also encourages 1st name! The Irish Cancer Society we were victorious over rival facing an opponent in Capoeira you existing perceptions about martial year beginners to experience will reap the benefits of our Limerick I.T. on the home of use a vast array of physical displays arts and dance. You will discover a team competition at college charity fundraising, with our Muster Rugby, Thomond Park, to trick and distract. You may find unique form of movement – that level in a fun and social new Pink, Stade Francais style, so read on if you’d like a piece yourself balanced on your head, combines both aggression and grace environment. The first ISBT of jerseys being the main focal of that this year! crouched on the ground or even in a really cool way. And after a year the year takes place in point. They will be available for Many, many students get hurtling through the air. All of the with us, you’ll have friends around Limerick at the end of October. everyone to buy come the end confused when they hear about above makes Capoeira one of the the world, been taught by the best in The club is informed regularly of September so support a good us, so let’s clear it up now; you most exhilarating sports both to play the business and quite probably, be about other European ISBT cause and make a fashion CAN play for us as well as your and observe. able to kick yourself in the head. So competitions. statement! Joining the Capoeira Club will give if you fancy yourself as UL’s answer own club, which can only Any Questions? improve your game by training you the chance to travel around the to Jackie Chan check us out on If you are interested, come and Visit www.ulrugby.com or with players from other clubs, country, training with students from ulcapa.webs.com for all the see us for a friendly chat. search UL Men’s Rugby on other clubs. Last year our members information you need or join us in while keeping our ‘rugby for Facebook. fun’ ethos. Our Matches take attended events in Cork, Galway, the Pess Building twice a week for Jean Charpin, PRO, Contact: place on Wednesday afternoons Bandon, Dublin, France and the training. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] Tom Cranley so your timetable should be Czech Republic. They sweated out us any questions at Website: http:// Vice-Chairman kind and you’ll have it off! the weekend in workshops with [email protected]. www.skynet.ie/~shuttle [email protected] Capoeira teachers from around the Clare O’Callaghan Training is on Monday & 0872623728 world, spent the nights learning President Wednesday at 6pm on ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 7 MBUL camping, trials riding and shenanigans The UL mountain bike club, MBUL, Every year for the past five years, about the best way to keep them has been in action in UL for over 10 MBUL has travelled to the Alps in running between laps. years. The club covers all aspects of France in order to gain valuable MBUL is the only mountain bike mountain biking from getting experience riding downhill and club in Ireland with a significant people who have never ridden a enduro. The past summer has been number of biketrials riders. The mountain bike before riding safely one of the busiest summers we sport is very obscure in Ireland, but off road to people with years of have had since the club started. in continental Europe and the UK it experience who want to improve Every year for the past five years, is a relatively popular branch of their skills. Different types of biking MBUL has travelled to the French mountain biking. Two trials riders covered include downhill, cross Alps. Some members use this time from the club travelled to Wales to country, enduro, trials and street to work on their downhill skills take part in the 'Tartydays' trials riding. The club has its own bikes using the custom built downhill riding weekend. This is a social and helmets available for club runs, while others use it as an event sponsored by Tartybikes, an members to use on club spins, so opportunity to explore the vast online trials shop, where trials the initial difficulty many people number of trails and paths while riders from all around the UK got have in getting their hands on a simultaneously taking in the together for a weekend of camping, good mountain bike isn't a problem wonderful scenery of the region. trials riding and shenanigans. Since for new members. The past The ski resorts in the area keep the there are of the order of 10 people summer has been one of the ski lifts running all summer carrying who ride trials in Ireland in total, it busiest summers we have had bikes to the top of custom built was brilliant to meet other trials since the club started. downhill and slope style runs. The riders and spend a weekend where The club hosted its 3rd National club downhill bike comes into its trials is the dominant sport for the Points Series cross country race on own on this trip as it is purpose area. To make the event even better, the 6th June this summer with over designed to go down hills fast, but the entry fee went directly to charity. 100 competitors travelling from as very heavy to pedal uphill. Everyone Closer to home the club also far a field as Belfast to take part. The who takes the trip returns to Ireland contributes towards developing Elite category race was won by Irish having learned new biking skills and safe cycling in Limerick through the Olympian Robin Seymour. The naturally all the undergraduate Limerick Cyclists group and the event saw cross country racing at students who took the trip had their club also put on a trials riding demo the highest level seen in Ireland and travel costs subsidised. in Limerick city as part of the one of only two NPS races held The second big club event we national bike week events. outside of Leinster or Northern undertake every year is to go to a 24 MBUL cycles every Sunday Ireland this year. The club was hour relay race. This year we starting from the boathouse at complimented on the challenging travelled to the Bontrager 24/12 11am as well as holding at least one race course we set for the event as near Plymouth in England. We mid-week cycle every week. There well as the huge trail building effort entered two teams, one of which are trials and street riding sessions we put in to make the racecourse entered the 24 hour pairs category as well as training sessions held as weather proof. The course was and the other entered the just for required for new and established described as 'a mountain biker's fun category as their main aim was members too. The club social night mountain bike course' by one of the to take in the atmosphere of the is every Monday, where we get competitors, definitely a high event rather than for the racing. The together in the common room over compliment for a course put overnight rain turned the the shop or in the Scholars bar for together by a club that does not racecourse quite muddy, but the pizza. Find out more about the club exist for the sole purpose of racing. teams ploughed on regardless, on the club website here: Some videos of the course are finishing 6th in the pairs category http://mbul.csn.ul.ie/phpBB3. available in youtube if you search and 9th in the just for fun category. for 'MBUL NPS 2010'. Washing the bikes in the river was

Parkour UL Parkour (aka l’Art du Deplacement or Freerunning) is an art of movement, a discipline the enables the practitioner (aka a traceur) to travel freely through and over any terrain he or she may encounter. Parkour focuses on developing the fundamental attributes required for movement, as well as training and mastering basic skills and combining these to overcome any and all obstacles in ones path. A traceur always strives to improve physically and mentally in order to have a body and mind capable of achieving freedom of movement and fluid motion.

Interested? Parkour is for everyone, it is about perfecting ones own movement and walking your own path. For anyone new to parkour or sport in general you can look forward to the exciting discovery of what your body is capable of! For those of you who are already involved in sport, parkour is an excellent supplementary activity, as it is holistic in training the entire body and mind. There is a high cross over of skills used in parkour and other sports. Whether you want something new, different or challenging parkour has something for everyone! All you have to do is take the first step and give it a go. We offer indoor and outdoor classes, trips away and a chance to meet new people. Parkour is about knowing yourself and walking your own path but it is also about the people you train with and meet along the way. The parkour community is an exciting, friendly and welcoming group. We start together and finish together in the spirit of parkour come see for yourself.

Conor Hurley Chairperson Parkour UL Those interested please contact us at: [email protected] Find us on facebook group Parkour UL or on the clubs and socs page of the UL website where you can pre register for membership. See you at the recruitment drive! 8 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS Hill Walking, Climbing, Caving, Mountaineering and Orienteering

ULSC explodes to the fore - The Outdoor of Irish University sailing The UL Sailing Club is your and the 4-Nations in Edinburgh. Pursuits Club opportunity to join one of the most With the club competing at diverse and exciting clubs in UL. regional events all around the The club operates in many coast and lakes of Ireland nearly different disciplines within the every 3 weeks and competing sport of sailing, from the beginner abroad in such places as Reading, Welcome to UL, Irelands sporting campus as you have no doubt been told by now. Clubs and with no experience whatsoever Glasgow, Marseille, La Rochelle societies are the best way to meet people from all over the country and get to do new fun activities right up to international and and Edinburgh joining the sailing that will help you make your friends for life and some of the best days of your life too. Olympian standard, from the club is a fantastic opportunity to Our club is the Outdoor Pursuits Club or OPC to all our friends, we are not a one trick club but smallest dinghies to the most see much more of Ireland and actually offer 5 fun outdoor activities at different times to suit all members. We offer Hill walking, prestigious student yachting more exotic places than one would Climbing, Caving, Mountaineering and Orienteering. And throughout the year beginners and all championship in the world and ever had expected upon coming to other levels are more than welcome to join one of the biggest and best clubs on campus. You can do from the smallest back yard ponds college. as much or as little of activities as you wish. to the famous shores of Southern With nearly a third of the club and To give you a brief insight into our club on campus the PESS building is our home where our France. its competing teams made up of climbing wall is located. We also store all our Caving gear in the brand new UL boathouse which is In the past two years the ULSC has complete beginners upon arriving just a five minute walk form the foundation building. exploded to the fore of University in UL in first year the club has a This summer we have been following on with our very busy schedule of events. An OPC group sailing in Ireland, the UK and very mixed and energetic spirit. spent three weeks climbing in the Alps climbing and reaching for the roof of Europe in the Chamonix, Europe. Achieving the very Beginner training takes place for Mount Blanc area. The reward for time they spent training and climbing all year with the OPC. Last pinnacle of Irish University sailing free after a nominal €5 joining fee Easter we also had our second annual vertical caving training week in Yorkshire while the more over the ’08/’09 season winning every Wednesday afternoon at the hardcore rock climbers in the club travelled to the cliffs of Wales. 50% of the Irish University Sailing UL Activity Centre where the A group of our members were volunteering and providing first aid support to Mayo Mountain Association Circuit and topping the experienced members of the club rescue for the annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage at the end of July. They spent a long hard day spent rankings qualifying them to train in the beginners. Following carrying stretchers off the reek but our members were happy to help out. represent Ireland at the Student on from the is a beginners trip This coming year we will have a number of training trips abroad. Our winter mountaineering Yachting World Cup (SYWoC) in away at a weekend towards the training expedition to Scotland and the traditional conquering of the mighty Ben Nevis will take Marseille, France, in October of end of September and for those place in January. Next Easter we also plan on have a sport climbing trip to Spain and another caving 2009 after representing Ireland at interested in the competitive side expedition to Yorkshire. the 4-Nations Championships in there is training every weekend at During the semester we have a trip running every weekend off campus for OPC members. These Bristol where they competed the Lough Derg Yacht Club in are often wide and varied (just like against the top English, Welsh and Dromineer. Sailing is a fantastic our members). They can be Sunday Scottish teams. way to meet people from all types trips to the beautiful mountains of Following in similar form in the of backgrounds and areas and see Kerry and the south. (A full day out ‘09/’10 season they once again great parts of Ireland! on the rugged hills for less than topped the rankings, winning the €10), or days up in the Burren Intervarsity Championships for the Billy Clarke climbing on the fantastic Clare rock second year running and once Captain (punctuated with some caving again qualifying to represent [email protected] possibilities too). We also have our Ireland at SYWoC in La Rochelle, www.skynet.ie/sailing legendary weekends away two or three days with a bus load of OPC’ers doing what we do best enjoying the craic while out and The brand new UL Tennis Club about in Co Galway and Kerry and beyond. Came in to existence in January 2010. In a period of only a few We are one of the most active months it attracted approximately 50 members. As with any new clubs on and off campus; we have a club it is hoping to increase membership numbers. Increased great time doing what we do so members allow for increased funding. This allows for purchasing ‘When you have seen the rest join of more and better equipment, and of course, ‘club bonding’ with one of the best ULOPC you know nights out etc. you want to’. Its five euro to join UL Tennis Club’s primary goals last year were to get the club up our club, we offer five activities so and running, and have a bit of fun in the mean time. During that it’s only a euro an activity, now time, two coached sessions per week were available. Outside of that’s the best euro saver menu I those coached sessions, courts were booked for tennis club know. members to play as they wanted. We also ran a very The OPC is one of the largest successful league which catered for varying levels of ability. Clubs on campus and offer our five This year, it is hoped to run a similar league during the first outdoor activities to our members. semester. From this, it is hoped to select a team which will represent Keep up to date with OPC activities the University of Limerick in the inter-varsities competition early in by visiting www.ulopc.com. Visit us the second semester. at our stand at the Arena Wednesday week one or call down Derek Doran to our home in the Climbing Wall UL Tennis Club at the PESS building any Monday, [email protected] Tuesday, or Thursday from 7 to 10 pm. All levels catered for and beginners are always welcome.

Cillian Burke, Caving Officer ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 9 UL Socialist Youth – Fighting the dictatorship of big business, discussing the alternative

UL Socialist Youth has had a very good summer, With that in mind ULSY members took out the involving protests, international trips and good clubs and societies mini bus and went up to Dublin fun. In June we took part in a very important on the 26th of June to join a very important demonstration in Dublin, against the cuts and march there. The protest was part of a European- bailouts, and in July some of us went off to wide week action, against the cuts and bailouts Belgium meeting with hundreds of socialists and and raising the need for solidarity and united Ever wanted to jump activists from around the world for an action by workers and young people across international conference. On top of this there is Europe. still the Socialist Youth Summer Festival to come, Joe Higgins, Socialist Party MEP and initiator out of an airplane? and a sponsored skydive too. of the protests along with 15 other MEPs, argued The trip to Belgium, to take part in an at the demo that young people, workers and the Then Skydive UL is the club for you! We are the first ever Third international socialist conference organised by the unemployed must not pay for the crisis, and must level Skydiving Club in the Republic of Ireland and have gone from Committee for a Workers' International (CWI), refuse to be divided between country or sector, strength to strength since it was formed in 2007, even winning the was an inspirational experience. Four hundred race or religion.. We should not accept what he UL Students Union Best New and Improved Club for 2008! socialists from dozens of countries, including called the ‘dictatorship of the markets’ where We train students of UL to do their first skydive, most of whom Greece, America, Israel/Palestine, Kazakhstan and government policy is determined not by the needs have no experience in skydiving before! We can accommodate beyond, all together discussing the events of the and desires of ordinary people but by attempts to everyone, someone who wants a once off skydive or someone with last year. We heard eyewitness reports from the ‘satisfy’ the markets. The protest got the support the aim of becoming a licensed skydiver! mass movements that have erupted in Greece, of a huge array of left wing and community groups The initial training session takes only six hours, and then we can where hundreds of thousands have taken a stand across Europe, and registered the need for take you to the skies. Every week, we conduct Solo Skydive Courses against the cuts, and come out in three general European wide solidarity and protest. Now, on at the Skydive Ireland Centre which is only twenty minutes from strikes so far this year. September 29th the Trade Unions across Europe UL. The Course teaches you everything you need to know about Learning about the movements around the are following suit and calling a day of protest, how to do your skydive safely. So even if you have never jumped world In the discussion on defending education we something which we in ULSY want to build for out of a plane before, you can do our Solo Skydive as your first heard from activists in Germany and Austria who and organise protests around here in Limerick and jump. Your first Skydive is something to remember. We capture had been involved in mass movements there, Ireland. that moment by having it recorded on digital video and including university occupations, against cuts and photographed on high resolution digital images so you can show commercialisation of education. These protests And more to come! everyone the adventure that you have experienced with Skydive have pointed the way forward for young people And, as I write, there is still more to come. On top UL. and workers in Ireland in fighting back against the of all that, we have more days out organised for As part of your training you will learn about the parachute system, attacks on wages, dole and public services. the summer. For one, there is a fundraising skydive how to exit the plane, how to fly the parachute and navigate to the It wasn’t just inspiring speeches about the global organised in conjunction with Skydive UL to help ground safely. We prepare you for everything you need to know fight back though, there was also very interesting us fund these activities. Also, from the 20-22 of for your first skydive. and important discussion on the causes of the August ULSY members will attend the Socialist After a minimum of just 25 jumps you can complete student status crisis, and the solutions to it. The crisis, it was Youth national summer festival in Rathdrum, Co. and become a qualified Skydiver, known as your 'A' Licence argued was caused not just by the greed and Wicklow. This annual event brings together young Certificate of Proficiency. This qualification is recognised speculation of big business and the rich, but by people north and south, sick of war, cuts, worldwide and so you are then licensed to skydive anywhere in the capitalism itself which is based on this greed. The unemployment, inequality and the corrupt world. response of governments across the world of slash capitalist politicians, to discuss the key issues We also teach members how to pack their own parachute at and burn will not only savage public services and facing young people and what we can do about Parachute Packing Classes which are held weekly on campus. It is peoples livelihoods, but will in fact make the crisis themThere will be discussions on the economic a requirement for members to be able to pack their own parachute worse. crisis, the environment, youth unemployment, in order to get their “A” Licence plus it also makes your skydiving Speaking in one of the sessions, one of our women's liberation and a whole host of other experience even cheaper. members reported on the situation facing oung issues. It is well timed to send us all back into our We train on campus and at the Skydiving Centre where our people in Ireland, where not only are university schools, universities and workplaces after the skydiving also takes place which is only twenty minutes drive from fees rising and services being cut, but hundreds of summer reenergised and ready to build strong, UL. We jump every Wednesday and on the weekends! Not only do thousands of young people are facing vibrant and active Socialist Youth groups. we skydive regularly in Ireland but we also travel abroad around unemployment or emigration even with a degree In the coming year, ULSY will be organising on Europe for skydiving camps to sharpen our skills and bring up because of the crisis caused by the rich and their campus, campaigning on diverse issues such as the beginner skydivers to new levels in the sport! puppets in government. We reported that in environment, fees and the bank bailouts and Every year, we travel to the south of France for 1-2 weeks with Ireland Socialist Youth trying to encourage young organising meetings, debates and film showings to both beginner and intermediate skydivers for a training camp. This people to get organised to fight for a decent future, discuss socialist ideas. We'll be participating in the has proved to be a huge success every year with all the beginners and to discuss the alternatives to the policies of the Clubs and Societies fair in Week 1. If you're progressing greatly to getting their “A” Licence while on the trip. right wing parties. interested in our ideas and activities, join ULSY Other trips include the Christmas trip to Empuriabrava in Spain and help us build the fightback. which is the biggest Dropzone in Europe and also the annual trip Meeting Joe Higgins MEP at the European Socialist Youth will be having an free film to the Body flight Windtunnel in England. Indoor skydiving is an Parliament showing on Clubs & Socs recruitment Drive day excellent learning tool for Skydivers to learn and perfect new skills While in Belgium, ULSY was invited by Socialist (Wednesday Week 1) at 8pm in UL Students Union that they can then use in the sky. Party MEP Joe Higgins to visit the European Room 2 to welcome all those interested in finding Members of Skydive UL are very lucky to be able to train with the Parliament and hear about the work he and the out more about the society. To find out more very best in the sport which include our very own instructors at Socialist Party are involved in there. Not only did about us check out Skydive Ireland who have years experience in the sport and also we get the full tour, but we also heard about the www.socialistyouth.wordpress.com , email us on the instructors we hire on our trips abroad, some of which are various campaigns and protest movements that the [email protected] or text “Join ULSY” world champion Skydivers! Socialist Party (which we are the youth section of) to 0868064801. - Cian Prendiville, Treasurer Not only do we jump at the Skydive Ireland Skydiving Centre but has been supporting through the European last March saw some members of Skydive UL Jump into the UL Parliament. We heard of how the big food playing Fields near the UL Arena for the first time. We already have companies recently spent €1billion buying up dates set to jump into UL for the coming year so become part of votes to block plans for firmer rules governing Skydive UL and be one of the Skydivers who will jump into the food labelling, and about the EU’s criminal University this year. inaction over Israel’s recent slaughter of peace So if you want to make your experience at the University of activists bringing aid to Gaza. Limerick even more exciting and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush, then Skydive UL is the club for you! Taking to the streets, protesting for jobs & a future Blue Skies!!! But Socialist Youth is far from a talking shop. For Cormac Reidy, President us discussions, debates, film showings and Website: www.skydiveul.org Email: [email protected] socialising are all great and very important, but it also important to put these ideas into practice. 10 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS Reaching Back for the Future-

I had mentioned this feature in a previous edition in the last another former Irish Peace Society member and I delighted experience of life in UL and maybe even after your time here? academic year that I have long had the aspiration over a to say we have an interesting article from Dr. Elaine Byrne, This is still very much an experiment from my point of number of years to reach back and develop our network with Trinity lecturer and Irish Times columnist on her time in UL view but I am quietly optimistic that this can be developed our former Clubs & Society members. Part of the motivation and her experiences of Clubs & Societies. very successfully. With the appointment of Liz Gabbett as was the expectation former members would have now done Also featured are accounts from two of our most recent the Clubs & Societies Liaison Officer it does offer me more well professionally from their time in UL and might now be graduates, Damien Cahill former President of the Skydiving time to develop these ideas and as I am in my 12th year here in a position to reach back and offer support to the current Club and Eimear O’Donnell, former President of the Kayak and would have personal interactions with many of the generation of Clubs & Societies. Given the wisdom of their Club on their positive experiences of clubs and societies. former C&S people it promises to be an interesting years now, and having being involved in all the trials and Congratulations also to former C&S members on their challenge. So for any C&S former members who might pick tribulations that go with trying to run a successful club or recent marriages. Darragh Thornton and Alwyn Kinnane this up, we would love to hear from you and as always if society when they were undergraduates it seems like a pretty formerly of the Outdoor Pursuits Club as well as Peter passing my door I am always open to meet up for a coffee. sound concept. Burrows and Grainne Daly formerly of the Computer Society Hopefully once the initial start of term rush has passed I can In the previous edition in question the main feature for the and we wish them all the best for the future. develop the Network vis-à-vis Facebook and our C&S C&S Network section was of a former group of UL Irish So for all the freshers just landing in UL this section of the website as it is developed further. Peace Society activitists and how they came to find Newsletter proves that the tag line of being the “largest Regards, themselves on Washington’s Capitol Hill for Obama’s social network on campus” is not an idle boast and that [email protected] inauguration. Ironically this time around, the main feature is C&S can if you allow it have a major effect on your Clubs & Societies Development Officer, ULSU

LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS THAT PIECES OF PAPER CAN NEVER MEASURE

I have two pieces of paper to prove discovered how to play His enthusiasm corrupted those And when the Prime Minister for we had already won. It was the that I spent nine years at the rollerblade-hockey and ride a around him to do extraordinary China visited the University of best award I never received. It was University of Limerick. One of horse. Two very different things things. Limerick, our society organised a like getting officially rewarded for them confirms that I graduated. apparently. With a very committed and protest about Tibet that swelled doing stuff that we loved doing History, Politics and Social Studies I was fortunate to share a campus industrious committee, I helped into a couple of hundred students. anyway. That felt like cheating in a was created as a new degree in with a fantastic group of dynamic organise a Crime Forum under the The former President, Roger way. 1997 and I was in the inaugural and energetic people who did auspices of the Peace Society. The Downer, intervened and we were Thank you to clubs and societies class of this cross-disciplinary and innovative things just for the hell purpose of our event was to try granted a formal meeting with the for the memories. Oh, and thanks inventive programme. The other of it. One such person was Paddy and directly engage with events in Chinese Ambassador to Ireland to UL for those pieces of paper. They one says that I have a PhD in McHugh, who had lived several life our city rather than living as an discuss our concerns. We met him came in handy. politics but I always wanted it to times by the time he left UL. Every island in Castletroy. in one of the very nice rooms in say that I am a doctor in University has a pied piper who We leafleted the city estates with the library. Paddy was delighted Dr. Elaine Byrne, corruption. It sounds better. These leads others by just being invitations and had over 600 at the with himself. Adjucant lecturer in Irish Politics, parched documents are framed themselves—irreverent, meeting in the Jean Monnet. That was the same year that we Trinity College Dublin somewhere and verify that I can mischievous but ever so casually Vincent Browne chaired one of the were both nominated for Society & Journalist with the Irish Times indeed read and write good. holding that quality of simply most passionate debates I’ve ever person of the year. Neither of us But the piece of paper that I don’t enjoying life with that healthy dose been at. Browne then reran the won but in so many other ways, have is the one that I’m the most of being very good at being debate on his RTÉ radio show as proud of from those nine years. awkward. Therein, he forced those he had then. Live 95fm recorded Involvement in clubs and socs around him to challenge the event and aired it the next day makes you think outside of themselves. McHugh was Mr. on morning radio. The local yourself and grants you the Society, incarnate. Queerbash was newspapers covered it too. possibilities of hundreds of just one of his babies. But God That Peace Society did so many adventures that ultimately make decided over the summer that the imaginative things. We raised you what you become. earth was no longer big enough for €10,000 for UN affiliated On the clubs side, there was the him and he no longer plays his educational projects in South obligatory kayak weekend trip to tunes or dances his reels in this Lebanon and another $10,000 for Lahinch, THE inauguration to lifetime. educational projects in Costa Rica college life. The learning how to Paddy and I lived together for and Nicaragua. With self-raised Scuba Dive in Kilkee and getting about two and a half years. He was funds and a small clubs and socs capsized with the sailing club on big into his dreaming of things that grant, we had the incredible Lough Derg. Playing midfield for never were and asking why not. It’s opportunity to visit these projects the University of Limerick ladies very difficult to live with that first hand. GAA team and the attempts to wonderful approach to life if you Life-changing events that pieces of learn rugby with UL Bohs. I even don’t join in, head first. paper can never measure. ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 11

32. Paddy will be sorely missed and a larger than member of our Boathouse Referendum Committee A final farewell to life character and very much someone you heard 2003, Clubs & Societies Executive, a chairperson for coming before you actually saw him but it was Clubs & Societies Council, Best Society Person of Patrick McHugh always interesting to have Paddy breeze in to the the Year in 2006/2007 and eventually ended up Students Union with another opinion (he had lots of Campaigns and Services Officer for the Students One of my favourite songs is the Sunscreen Song, those), problems, suggestions or simply idle Union in 2007/2008. He graduated from UL with a and as with most people it’s because the lyrics for conversation-either way it was always entertaining BA in Irish Music & Dance in 2007 and after his time the most part are relevant and the longer you are and I’ll miss his company for that reason, as I am in the Union pursued an MA in NUIG in Advocacy around more of it seems to make more sense. There sure many people will. and Activism, no surprise there. is a particular line that is relevant to everybody and “Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be Even though Paddy was gone from UL a couple of that is afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the years he always called in or was seen around the greatest instrument you'll ever own. Dance, even if campus every couple of months. Paddy’s indignant “The real troubles in your life are apt to be things you have nowhere to do it but your living room.” pose of hand on hips I always refered to as his “my that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that Paddy was an all-Ireland champion dancer and a little tea-pot” routine and given the fact that Paddy blindside you at 4pm talented musician. A founding member of Gan Anim, was as gay as Christmas we often had a good laugh on some idle Tuesday” UL’s own Irish traditional music society which had at this starting stance as he prepared to raise his lapsed prior to Paddy landing on campus, and in his next issue with you. I have many abiding memories This was certainly the case this summer when we time it became the first UL Society to win an award of Paddy and I have met many really sound people got word here in the Students Union that our former at the Board of Irish College Societies Awards 2005. through Clubs & Societies over the years but none friend and colleague Paddy Mc Hugh had been He also took the LGB by the scruff of the neck and as colourful. diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. From re-branded it “Out In UL” and its now trademark the time the news broke it really was frightening how event “Queerbash” all legacies to Paddy. He also Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a anam quickly Paddy succumbed and within a very short turned his hand to Kayaking, Outdoor Pursuits and Paul Lee few weeks he was gone by June 6th 2010, aged just I am sure others I can’t remember? He was a

Clubs and societies has made for such a great college experience! Eimear O’Donnell – UL Graduate

Hi, I'm Eimear O' Donnell and I'm society. I was equipment officer just after graduating from my for the club for two years and degree course in Mechanical then became captain of the club. Engineering here at the This meant taking on University. I've been involved in responsibility, managing people, clubs and societies in the college organising events, and working Graduate Piece….Damien Cahill since I started out in Limerick in as part of a team. The experience 2006, and I have to say that being of this stood to me big time in my Greetings students of UL. Having could say that I came to University the opportunity for trips away both part of clubs and societies has interview for my graduate job and spent the last 6 years of my life at with a little experience of the with Ireland and often abroad to made for such a great college I can safely say that without the this college (not 20 like some outside world. However it was my mainland Europe, sometimes even experience! Not only that, but kayaking club I definitely would people think) I feel privileged to be time at this University that gave the States or Africa. But all these getting involved was definitely a not be looking to buy a land able to share some of my me all the ammo I needed when things are only possible because huge factor in securing myself a Rover any time soon! Now I get experiences here in relation to job hunting, a difficult task these of the people involved, so get graduate job with Jaguar Land to make them as part of my job clubs and societies. When I first days. Too often I hear graduates involved. I always told the new Rover. and the experience that I've got came to UL I did join a few clubs saying that they didn’t feel they did members of the skydiving club It was the kayaking club that from clubs and societies will and societies and went to some well in an interview because their that the year’s activities were up to took my fancy among all the definitely help me over the next events but it was not until 3rd year “examples” were not good enough them, because it was their club. choices that were on offer when I few years working as an engineer that I fully immersed myself into a from part time work when And that is true. Every one of you was in first year. I started out in industry. fantastic world of great people, questioned in an interview. Well I owns a part of every club and knowing nothing about the sport My advice for anyone just hard work and overall craic that is can promise all of you, getting society, so go use them. Even now, but over the four years it has starting out in university is to get the University of Limerick Clubs involved with clubs and societies as I have left the University I taken me to countries such as involved! I knew very few people and Societies. As you read this I will equip you with all the skills you cannot wait to attend next year’s Slovenia, Italy, Montenegro, when I started out in Limerick but am most likely trapped in a suit need to get that perfect job. Even clubs and socs ball, or go on the Norway and a host of other being part of something bigger and tie, chained to a desk in Dublin something as trivial as organising next skydiving trip with the club. At places that I had never thought like a club or society opens up so city centre. (disclaimer, dear boss a bus for 50 people, to go to cork, the end of your time in UL, you can I'd end up! I learned the skills of many possibilities and gives you I love my job). I am currently a is an example of organisation and graduate with a degree, you might kayaking, and enjoyed all the so many opportunities that you trainee on I.B.E.C.’s Graduate planning skills, as well as running even graduate as the greatest ever craic that was had and have met never expect! For me it was the program, a dream move for me a budget. Joining a club or society party animal in the lodge, and some of my closest friends kayaking club, for you... who upon leaving University. However in University is a massive amount barred for this reason. But do through the club. knows, drama, debating, hockey, I feel I owe where I am in no small of fun too though. Some of my yourself a favour; join a club or a But from a graduates point of ultimate frisbee....give it a try, part to the experience I gained as a best friends from my time in UL society and you will graduate with view, I have learned so many life there is something for everyone former president of SkydiveUL, the are people I met through clubs and so much more, leaving will be skills that I can use in my work and sure you never know, it might Universities skydiving club and societies and to be honest lads and almost impossible. after college by getting involved get you a job some day too! indeed to the greater clubs and ladies I hear the OPC valentines in all the work behind the scenes societies community. Being a “hiking” trip is pretty legendary. that’s part of every club or Eimear mature student I suppose one Almost every club or society offers 12 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS U.L TaeKwonDo Club - A Korean Adventure by Michael Johnson

While other students relaxed and enjoyed their mid- official Olympic Games. TaeKWonDo. The club members soon got used to term break this Easter, the University of Limerick With all this history, energy and legend, it is small being stopped on the street by random people who TaeKwonDo Club put their week's break towards wonder that a chance to train in South Korea is seen by noticed the TaeKwonDo badges, and many an fulfilling the dream of many a martial artist: - to travel many as the pinnacle of a martial arts career. U.L interesting conversation on the martial arts would to the birthplace of TaeKwonDo, immerse themselves TaeKwonDo Club members certainly thought so, with ensue! Not only did the club partake in their own in the culture and spirit of the Land of the Morning 12 club members packing their dobulks and gladly training sessions, 2 martial arts demonstration shows Calm and train with some of the greatest martial art under-taking the day-long journey to travel the 6,000 were also attended which showcased the best and the practitioners in the world. In other words, a training miles needed to put them in another world: - South brightest in the martial arts: - amazed and awed only week in South Korea! Korea. Spending 5 days in Seoul and 2 days in begin to describe reactions to some of the skills South Korea: - a name to conjure with, especially Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty in involved. In addition to all this, a day trip to for Western Europeans. It evokes images of pagodas, Korea, the week was a resounding sucess for the club Panmunjeon and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the soaring mountains, Buddhist monks, soaring and it's members. Training with the Korean Tigers in 38th parallel and the border between North and South skyscrapers, information superhighways and martial Seoul, the country's national TaeKwon Do Korea, this helped give the club another perspective on arts. Located on a peninsula between mainland China demonstration team was the opportunity of a lifetime: this always interesting country and people. and Japan, South Korea boasts a population of some - words are not sufficient to describe the dedication, The week in Korea passed all too soon, and before 48 million people, 23 million of which live in or skill, grace and ability of these ultimate martial artists. the club knew it, it was time for bags to be packed, around the capital, Seoul, making it one of the largest In addition to training in Seoul, as part of the farewells to be made and a return trip back to be megacities in the modern world. Occupying 100,032 Gyeongju visit, the entire club spent 24 hours in the undertaken. With lasting memories of an amazing trip square kilometres, 70% of which is rolling hillside or Gulguksa Temple Stay program, where the club were and a wonderful country and people, the members of mountaineous terrain, South Korea boasts one of the afforded the chance to train with and experience life the U.L TaeKwonDo Club will admit they are richer oldest cultures and societies in the world, tracing their amongst the Zen Buddhist monks. Living the monastic by far for their trip to the Land of the Morning Calm. ancestry back in an unbroken lineage some 4,500 lifestyle for 24 hours certainly helps gain a new U.L TaeKwonDo Club train on campus at the years. TaeKwonDo, or the Art of Hand And Foot perspective on life: - 4am call to prayers, buddhist University of Limerick's PESS Building 3 times a week: Fighting, is a Korean martial art which has been in chanting, twice-daily SunModo (Buddhist Martial - Monday at 6:50pm, Wednesday at 9:00pm and existance in several forms since the 4th century A.D. Arts) training sessions, vegetarian dishes and 108 bows Thursday at 6:50pm. New members are always Originating from the Korean martial art Tae-Kwon, to the Buddha were all par for the course during our welcome, any time of the year. surviving underground as a stay. A truly amazing experience! Membership is open to both students and external forbidden art during the Japanese occupation of Korea With all the training, the club still found time to members. For more information or enquiries, please in the middle ages, and reborn into it's current form in slow down and experience life in this most amazing contact the 1945 following the defeat of the Japanese at the end of country. TaeKwonDo is to Korea what G.A.A is to club at WWII and the liberation of Korea, TaeKwonDo has a Ireland: - a part of the national psyche. In a country [email protected]. huge international following, being practiced in over where most males serve 2 years military service by the Gam Sah Me Dah, 188 countries, with conservative estimates of 70 age of 24, and TaeKwonDo is taught as part of the U.L TaeKwonDo Club million practitioners across the globe. It is also one of military programme daily, many people leave [email protected] only 2 martial arts world-wide to be recognised in the college/military service with a black belt in

UL Trampoline and Gymnastics club - anyone can give it a go!! Why to do Krav Maga?! Welcome to UL and if you join the PESS building and training is UL Trampoline and Gymnastics carried out by fully trained coaches Krav Maga is an Israeli Self Defence Combat System, which club here is what you can expect: some of whom have won Gold in is thought to common people. Krav Maga is a system that Lots of trips around Ireland and previous competitions and is very easy and quickly to learn and also even easier to use. the UK traveling to competitions perform at the highest level of UL Krav Maga is been up and running almost two years where everyone has great craic, competition so progress is now, and is very active club. We have great trainers and and can compete at a lot of guaranteed!!! students, and also a fully qualified Krav Maga Instructor different levels of competition. Like all Clubs and Socs we Oliver Sweeney, who joined us last semester. On our Anyone can give it a go!! engage in fundraising – last year Make great friends, have lots of we had Cheerleaders and Sports trainings we promote self defence, fitness, health and fun and take this massive person nights, fancy dress at every common sense, but also we have a great laugh, too. We do opportunity to get to know a ton of competition and meet socially after hand to hand combat, standing and ground fight, and savage people. Last year we most training sessions so it’s up to weapon training. We are also giving opportunity to our traveled as a team for weekend you. members to grade and attend Krav Maga seminars in competitions to Scotland, Belfast Its €5 Euro registration for the Ireland and Europe. Our trainings are full year around, and and Dublin, the trips there and year and we will be at the we don’t close through the summer. For all of the other info back were as good a laugh as the recruitment drive – if you want to you can find us on - http://kravmaga.skynet.ie, or on the - competitions themselves! This know where we are inside, we facebook as “Ul Krav Maga”, or you can send us an e-mail year there are plenty more trips haven’t been given the plan yet, on – [email protected] planned and we will be hosting the but just look up!!! You’ll see us!!! Irish Intervarsity so if its fun you’re See you soon!!! after you’d better join up and book David Ryan, Secretary that weekend off because you will Club Website: be getting no work done! http://www.csn.ul.ie/~trampoline/ On the training side (yes we do Email address: train), it’s on twice a week in the [email protected] ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 13 Being weightless in the ocean feels like flying

The University of Limerick Sub Aqua annually both in Ireland and abroad. flying; you will always remember Club (ULSAC) is a scuba diving club Named the Club of the Year in your first open-water dive. affiliated with the Scottish Sub Aqua 2008/9, ULSAC provides a great way ULSAC provides incredible Club (ScotSAC), through which we to meet and make new friends, and opportunities for dive travel in both offer members comprehensive dive learning to dive is an empowering warm and cold water. Some of our training and qualifications from and thrilling experience. Getting to favourite annual trips are to Spain absolute beginner level all the way breathe underwater is an and Scotland for open water training up to instructor level as well as unexplainable sensation, and being and a week on a diving live-aboard members. The destinations we network of friends and contacts all dozens of diving opportunities weightless in the ocean feels like yacht in the Red Sea for qualified choose for training are constantly over the world, making travelling to changing and expanding, and our places like Spain and Northern members have gone on to dive Scotland even more enjoyable. A together in places like the Maldives, newly-opened quarry dive centre in caverns in Mexico, many places in Portroe, less than a half hour from the Caribbean, Australia, the Arctic UL, now means that we have the Circle and even ice diving in the opportunity to perform open water French Alps! dives very close to home! UL also As UL is so close to the Atlantic has one of the few 4-meter-deep dive coast, we have easy access to many pits in Ireland, an invaluable of the best dive sites in Ireland. Our resource for scuba training. brand-new RHIB (rigid-hulled The club offers continuous inflatable boat), the Plassey Bird, learning opportunities from purchased in the Spring of 2010, complete beginner to intermediate gives us unprecedented freedom to and advanced training, up to and explore the waters off the coast of including Master Diver and even Ireland and makes it convenient and Branch Instructor qualifications. economical for our divers to explore Diving safety qualifications that sites that would otherwise be members may earn include Diver impossible to reach. First Aid and Oxygen Administration. At ULSAC, training is of the With our new RHIB, a few of our highest quality and is provided at a members have already been able to fraction of the cost of other popular earn Irish Sailing Association diving courses and qualifications. powerboat-handling qualifications. Unlike with other organizations, ULSAC provides a unique chance ScotSAC practical training is for members to become qualified conducted one-on-one, at the scuba divers, equipping them with student’s pace. the necessary skills for participation All ScotSAC qualifications are in this life-long sport. After recognised worldwide. The first graduation, many divers stay active qualification new trainees will work within ULSAC, and with several towards is the ScotSAC Sports Diver active postgraduate, staff, and local Award. This core qualification equips members, there is a consistency of divers to dive without an instructor quality and membership. ULSAC is (though always with a qualified thriving, and is a blast to be a part of. buddy) to a maximum of 30m safely, We can’t wait to meet our new in varying conditions. Through a trainees! combination of weekly theory Our Dive Pit/Theory Training takes courses, pool training, and open place in the PESS Building at the water (ocean) training and Dive Pit, every Thursday at18:00. assessments, diligent trainees can For further information about joining usually become fully qualified in one ULSAC, please contact: academic year. [email protected] ULSAC’s resources are incredible: http://subaqua.csn.ul.ie/ there is no need for beginner divers PRO Leah O’Brien Bernini to purchase any equipment, as the [email protected] club owns 20 full kits of gear. Through ScotSAC, ULSAC has a vast 14 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS

2010 has been another fantastic victory over the Dragons, the year for the UL Vikings. The Vikings faced the Leylstadt campaign began in earnest right Commanders from the UL Vikings create history here in UL, hosting the Netherlands in the final after inaugural intervarsity American the Dutch team managed to Football competition. The beat the Brussels Bulls in the competition involved the likes semi-final 48-0. It was a close to secure European of DCU, UCD and Trinity fought final which saw the college all taking part. This Vikings come from 18-13 competition was a great behind to go on to win with a stepping stone for our rookie touchdown in the final few Atlantic players and allowed them to get minutes of the competition to to grips with the full-contact finish with a score line of 19- sport. We eventually faced 18. DCU in the final and won the This monumental achievement competition outright. catapulted the Vikings into the Next up was the Páidi O’Sé European Federation of Festival of Football in Dingle, American Football’s (EFAF) where the Vikings faced the Top 20, the first Irish team to Cork Admirals. This was do this in 20 years. The scale another stern test for the of this achievement was also Vikings, but the end result was recognised by IFAF, the the Vikings picking up their International Federation of second trophy of the year. American Football, who named The regular season kicked off in the Vikings “Club of the March and has seen some epic Month” for June. To make the battles during the course of it, Top 20 out of well over 250 resulting in a semi-final game teams is quite an accolade but against the Carrickfergus then to have it recognised by Knights. This was a hard- IFAF who has well over 1000 hitting game, with both sides members was simply amazing. keen to book a place in the With a fifth consecutive SofA so Good Shamrock Bowl, but it was the appearance in the Shamrock The Society of Architecture is a cultural organisation dedicated to spreading Vikings who prevailed on the Bowl final the Vikings aim to the word about design endeavours of the highest calibre from Ireland and day with a 21-0 result. This win a record equalling 4th beyond. Our aim is to tap into the vast network that is the world of design booked a place in the final Bowl in a row and cement their creating a constant stream of information that runs directly into our members. against the Dublin Rebels, a position as the best American We host lecturers from around the world, hold exhibitions and travel to places fifth consecutive appearance in Football team in Ireland. of great architectural merit every semester. In the past three years we have had the All-Ireland by the Vikings. lecturers from every corner of the globe touch down in Limerick to share their During the regular season, the About us: design knowledge with us. Everyone from award winning Spanish Architects Vikings broke new ground with The Vikings train every to critically acclaimed authors has graced our sofa. Check out their first ever participation in Monday and Wednesday www.societyofarchitecture.blogspot.com to get a taste of all that you’ve the Atlantic Cup, the third evening from 6-830pm on missed and what’s to come. highest level of European Maguires field. Don’t worry The highlight of the SofA calendar is our annual trip. Fancy a stroll through competition for American about equipment or experience, Park Guell in Barcelona or a private tour of the Dutch Embassy in Berlin – Football. The competition was if you have the desire to play, SofA can take you there. We take in everything from world renowned works held in the sports grounds of find our stand at the of art, architectural masterpieces and the greatest modern exhibitions all at a UCD and involved teams from recruitment drive in the Arena student friendly pace during a four to five day trip. Be it a lecture on Luxembourg, the Netherlands or email us, we’ll sort out the utopianism or a weekend of ‘Open House’ in Dublin, SofA is here to help you and Belgium. rest. VIKINGS FOR THE get your design fix. For anyone with an interest in architecture, art, graphics The Vikings were first drawn BOWL! or travel then Society of Architecture is a must. Visit our stand at the against the Dudelange Dragons, recruitment drive or email us at [email protected] with any the Luxembourg team and only Alan Walsh questions. returning team from last year’s UL Vikings PRO Clare O’Callaghan , President competition. With a 58-14 www.ulvikings.ie Windsurfing Champs’ 3 years in a row We had a hugely successful year which we won for the 3rd time transport, accommodation, maybe you would like to and we raised more money in a row. We are now the equipment, lessons and food, improve your current skills? than ever before, with such college to beat and hope to all you need is yourself and a With the country’s best events as our first UV Full hold on to the title. The club spare change of clothes. We facilitated windsurfing club, Moon party, naked calendar, remains as strong as ever, with also cater for all dietary needs. make sure to sign up on Clubs some participated in the St our new equipment, wetsuits We mainly windsurf around and Socs day this semester to at Patrick’s Day hair dying and of and committee, there should be Castlegregory on the Dingle least be in the know of course our infamous beach a great year ahead, the only peninsula where there’s lots of upcoming trips and events. party which was a complete sell thing next are some new scenery, fresh air, friendly out. This year promises to be members. Our weekend trips people, of course excellent Gerald Flynn no exception. Amongst our list and the craic we have as a club surfing conditions. It’s always [email protected] of accomplishments we have always has people coming back a great experience for regulars www.csn.ul.ie/~winds managed to host a very for more. They are usually 30 and new comers alike. So if you ULWC successful intervarsity’s of euro or less, which takes care of want to try something new or ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 15 The Chess Club By Kevin O’Flaherty (chess club president)

Paintballing, pizza nights and a trip to Amsterdam are just some of last years activities, with trips to Galway, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Edinburgh planned; the chess club is the club to join! This is no little club with over 100 members ranging from complete beginners to former international players. The club offers activities for all levels with a beginner’s night on Monday in EGO10 from 6 allowing anyone to learn how to play, a coaching session and practice games on Thursday from 6 – 8 in room 3 in the Student Union for both beginners and intermediate players, competitions and trips open to all players. For more information: join the UL chess club group on facebook, send an email to [email protected], head to the chess club stand at the recruitment drive or pop into any chess club meeting during week 1 such as in EGO10 on Monday or into room 3 in the Student Union on Thursday. With so many activities for How about catching a great €2, the chess club is a bargain! wave and just letting go?

Conor Keane, Vice President of the UL Boarders

Do you strive for a bit of trip to Passo Tonale, Italy Stables on the 8th of September excitement in your life? Love where we took 42 UL and (right after the recruitment strapping into your board and Erasmus students for a drive). There will be a raffle for shredding all the way down the weeklong trip in January everyone who signs up at the mountain? How about catching (which was nominated for drive and the UL Music Society a great wave and just letting Clubs & Socs best trip 2010). will provide music with a live go? Then UL Boarders is for On top of that we have planned band! you. a second trip to the Austrian So, if you’re looking for a Founded in 2009 by UL alps in January as well! Also in great group of people to go student (and President) Nick the works is a killer surfing trip have some good times with, or Ryan, UL Boarders is one of the to Morocco planned for Easter if you want to learn a new newest clubs at the University break 2011! board sport, come join the UL of Limerick. We provide a We’re not all about boarding Boarders! Beginners are most number of activities such as though, we like to get out and definitely welcome (we have surfing, wakeboarding, moun- have a good time as well! Last plenty of instructors)! tain boarding, snowboarding, year we organized a good few Membership costs €5 for Young Fine Gael!! and kite surfing. Basically if it nights out for members. These undergrad & postgrad involves a board we’re in- included Oktoberfest in Trinity students! More information can You may ask why I should join see Enda have a cut at Cowen volved! Rooms, a James Bond night in be found on our Facebook page a political party. Well I am for driving the economy over a We have many weekend trips the Stables, and also a (http://bit.ly/aXkobr ) and on going to tell you why! But first cliff or down to Cork for a bit planned throughout the year fundraiser for the victims of the www.ULBoarders.com. We I must give you the small details of a debate with are UCC including surfing throughout earthquake in Haiti. This year hope to see you out boarding of the organisation. Young Fine counter parts! Last year we the country, wakeboarding, it is our goal to have at least with us soon and don’t forget Gael (YFG) is the youth wing of took a trip down to Madrid to mountain boarding in county one event a month for our to come out to our first the Fine Gael party and always meet our good Spanish friends Down, and kite surfing in members to get out and birthday in the Stables right welcomes new members aged in the Peoples Party. During the Lahinch and Castlegregory. We socialize with each other, after the recruitment drive on between 15 and 30. Young Fine trip we got see the Spanish are also planning on repeating starting with the UL Boarders’ the 8th! Gael is the only vehicle for parliament and all the our monumental snowboarding first birthday party in the young people to seek political wonderful sites and sounds of change in this country. As an Madrid. The main reason for autonomous youth the trip was to build relations organisation, it has the between Ireland and Spain! advantage of embodying the Also we got the chance to Poker Society values of the senior Party, while extend an invitation to our By Christopher Murphy (PRO) maintaining the independence Spanish friends to come visit to express views of young UL. This year we hope to go people. visit Brussels to see the Now with that out of the European parliament and get a way I can tell you what YFG is chance to meet people from all really about!! We are about across the EU!! Also we plan to bringing people from all across have a word with our local the country together to share MEP and former President of ideas and thoughts on the the GAA Sean Kelly about who burning issues in society! From is going to win Sam and Liam! abortion to is “Enda a natural We always have a great time in blonde?” Nothing is too big or these wonderful places and UL too small to be discussed in UL YFG would love to be able YFG. Every year we get a bring you this coming year! After an extremely successful launch event at the poker prizes. Our main aim with the new society number of front bench FG TD’s And hey don’t be afraid to end of last semester, UL poker society is ready for is to do our best to make the nights enjoyable and to come down to UL and speak come talk to us at the a busy year. The newly reborn poker society more student affordable than in previous years. to us about their respective recruitment day we don’t organised its first UL poker championship, which We also hope to go on a few trips and maybe get portfolios. This year we will bite….well except for one of took place in the sports bar. The event attracted a couple of expert poker players to come in and have the boss himself Enda the girls, she can‘t help it!! In close to 70 players each competing for a prize give some tips on how to improve your game. At Kenny!!!! We will also have Fine Gael we have the plans pool of nearly 700 euro. There was free food some stage in the year we plan on holding a Richard Bruton, Michael and the people to get this provided on the night by the sports bar and a bigger black-tie Vegas style charity event, details Noonan and Leo Varadkar and country out of the hole we are complimentary beverage for every player, which are still being finalised. many more through the year!! in and if you join YFG you can added to the banter of the evening. This highly Keep an eye out for flyers and posters over the Every week we try to have a fun part of that too!!! SO JOIN!!!!! successful event is a hint at things to come this next few weeks for information on the first outing so whether it is a We look forward to seeing year. tournament. For updates on what’s going on and Munster match or Pitch n’ putt you!!! We plan to host a weekly poker night and once to get in touch you can find us on the UL Poker we always have a blast. a semester hold a bigger poker championship group on Facebook. You can also e-mail us at In YFG we love to travel Colm Taylor - event where the winners will receive coveted [email protected] whether it is up to the Dail to [email protected] 16 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS

The Debating Union one of UL's oldest Christian Union We are a group of students at the University, brought together through and most established societies our common faith in Jesus. Our common desire is to know him better Debating is one of most Deb U, and our public debates Ireland and abroad. Debaters are invited to volunteer to help and to be a witness for Him on popular and enjoyable student are ever lively, sometimes fiery are a sociable and chatty bunch out at this competition, which campus. We have weekly meetings, activities in Ireland and UL's and always popular with of people who are always ready is always the highlight of Deb Morning Prayer meetings and various Debating Union is committed students and many others to hear an opinion and embrace U's year and is both a valuable other events during the year. Our to bringing the best debating interested in the topics. new people with an open mind. piece of experience in team meetings provide an opportunity to has to offer to every student. We embrace the competitive If you are a novice, you will get work and organisation and meet other Christian students, get to The society's members are side of debating in a very real to know people just like you something that everyone is know one another, encourage one enthusiastic about both way. Each year, we send many throughout the country, many proud to be part of. another in our faith, as well as having competitive debating and teams to competitions all over of whom will have similar Debating is definitely an fun. Often we have guest speakers on staging interesting and Ireland and many in the UK as interests. activity that looks good on a various topics that are relevant to us entertaining public debates well as further a field. This Deb U members come from CV and is a talking point in any as Christians on campus striving to every single week. A desire to summer we sent eight members all sorts of backgrounds and interview but it is so much grow in our faith and spread God's learn, question and inform lies to the European Universities have a vast variety of interests. more than that. Debating word. As well as frequent meetings on at the heart of the Debating Debating Championships in In recent years, our debaters introduces new students to a campus, we have weekends away Union, or Deb U, as it is Amsterdam, while last year we have been students of law, the whole world of lively discussion where students from all the CUs affectionately known, but we sent a team to the World Arts, science, languages and and new people who embrace throughout Ireland meet together, also love to enjoy ourselves in a Championships in Turkey. Deb engineering, to name but a few. the questioning spirit. Deb U is Joint Colleges during the autumn relaxed, friendly environment U affords members the The society is always a draw for not only a place to meet people semester and E:con during the spring when the day's debating is opportunity to travel on a international students who who share your interests but semester.Any questions check out done. regular basis: in recent years want to improve their English also where you can find new, www.ulcu.ie and feel free to email: Deb U is one of UL's oldest teams have visited Estonia, or simply public speaking skills exciting activities and make [email protected]. and most established societies Thailand, Scotland and or make new friends. Last year some of your closest friends in We will have a stand at the clubs & and boasts an impressive London. we had members from Canada, college. soc’s recruitment drive in week 1, schedule of activities during Much of Deb U's focus is on Chicago, Sweden, Germany, The Debating Union holds a where you can ask questions and sign each semester as well as making new members' Texas and Italy. International debate every week and all are up. We meet up every Monday at 8pm attending competitions during experiences as enjoyable as students always prove very welcome to come along. If you in the contemplative centre (opposite the holidays. Our Speaker possible by including our popular in Deb U and speak want to debate with us, more the student’s union building in the SU Development Programme aims novice debaters in every aspect fondly of the time they spend information can be found at courtyard) starting from week 1. All to make our members confident of the society, including with us. www.uldebating.com or send are welcome! public speakers who can think attending competitions and The society also hosts its an e-mail to critically about a whole array casual social events. Debating is own competition in March [email protected]. Stephen Brookes of issues from politics and law an excellent way to make real every year that attracts teams Vice-President to music and celebrities. There and lasting friends here in UL from all over Ireland and as far Darragh Roche [email protected] is always something to do in and in other universities in away as the USA. All members External Convenor 2010/11 www.ulcu.ie ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 17 Passionate about Health – UL Medical Society UL Medical Society is a society for pressure clinic in support of the medicine to help make our society students with an interest in health Irish Heart Foundation. In the fall, even better. Membership is €5 and and medicine from a variety of look forward to moustaches! The we will be hosting a welcome backgrounds. We host speakers 2nd annual UL Movember event for potential new members on topics such as medical campaign comes to you this on September 1st at 9 pm in research, international medical November raising funds for Stables. We will also be available electives, and different specialities prostate cancer. Everyone is at recruitment drive to answer all in the medical profession. Our welcome to join and will receive a your questions. If you have any journal club meets bi-weekly to free t-shirt! Social events in the questions in the mean time, please present new and interesting society range from intervarsity tag e-mail our New Members Liaison, medical articles for critical rugby to pub quiz nights to the Mary Randles analysis. Med Soc also works to prestigious annual Med Ball. ([email protected]). You can promote health on campus and to Our society is still fairly new and also check out our Facebook page: raise funds for various medical there are plenty of opportunities to UL Medsoc. charities. In April we held a get involved at any level, from Cheers, successful screening of the simple membership to joining the Anna Donovan moving documentary 65_redroses committee. We are always looking UL Medical Society President in support of the Cystic Fibrosis for enthusiastic people who are Association. We also held a blood passionate about health and

the LGBT community. Anyone is workshops and nights out. The take part and not have to feel welcome to join our society, it’s not meetings are where you can tell us worried about being ‘outted’. We just closed off to the LGBT what you would like from the encourage everyone to join our members of the college, all are society, We are here to provide a society as OutinUL is a great way welcome. (This also means that if safe and completely confidential of meeting new friends. One of our you are nervous about coming to a environment to help students main goals is for everyone to have meeting and want to bring your explore their sexuality. We offer fun and feel safe and secure in a straight friend for support it’s one to one meetings should anyone friendly, open and warm ambiance. totally ok. We won’t chase them wish just to talk! HOW TO CONTACT US? away with sticks) WHY JOIN OUT IN UL? You can hit us up, check us out or WHAT DO WE OFFER? If you are interested in the vibrancy get your stalk on at any of these We offer an introduction into the and diversity that defines LGBT fine internet hotspots LGBT community in UL and in culture and community OutinUL is [email protected] Limerick; whether it’s social or a great place to start. The society Facebook – OutinUL soc political we aim to have something attends many LGBT prides, rallies Outinul.wordpress.com Out in UL ….and Santa’s big gay OutinUL is the LGBT (lesbian, gay, to interest everyone. Some of our and protests, from on campus http://twitter.com/outinul bigger events include Queerbash, debates to social gatherings to Or meet us in person at our first snowballs!! bi-sexual, transgender) society here Pink Training and Santa’s Big Gay maybe even going to Berlin pride event of the year the treasure Hey guys, welcome to University of in UL. We are an active society Snow Balls (I did not come up with 2011.OutinUL follows a strict rule hunt/bbq! Limerick. who seeks to provide a safe and that name!). Throughout the year of confidentiality, so our members Mary Cleary, WHAT IS OUT IN UL? friendly environment to support we will have regular meetings, who are not ‘out’ can come along, President, OutinUL Anime & Manga the Best New Society in Ireland 2010 Phono Sessions – UL DJ Society

With a very successful first year Manga convention over the summer chill out and just have fun. On under our belts, The Anime and here in the University. Over 200 Thursdays we hold Japanese Manga Society are looking forward people attended the event and we workshops, where you can learn or to the year ahead. Although the even got a special guest from Italy to improve your Japanese, and a society is still very young our first come over for the weekend. general meet and greet session year was an extremely fun and The society runs three weekly afterwards. During all of these rewarding one, running a whole events but often ends up running events our Anime and Manga library array of events throughout the year. more special events during the week. will be open for our members to use. These included trips to the IFI Anime On Tuesdays we run Anime So keep a watchful eye for posters Weekend in Dublin and Eirtakon, screenings in the Kemmy Business as we start up our events for the Phono is a collective of DJs and Pepper (Dublin), The Stables, Ireland's biggest anime convention. School, (Japanese animated shows) year. Our AGM will be held within the electronic artists at the The Clubs & Societies Ball at Last year the society won the of all genres and we will be deciding first 3 weeks of the new term. We University of Limerick. We get The Strand Hotel, First Year award for “Best New Society” in the which ones to show at the start of look forward to seeing you there! For together, have a bit of a chat, Ball, The Psychology Ball at Board of Irish College Societies the semester. On Wednesdays we more information you can contact us exchange ideas, organize events Thomond Park, just to name (BICS) and we consider it a great run drawing and craft workshops in at: [email protected], or you and generally have the craic. If but a few. We also managed to honour to have received this reward. the Students Union room 3. Here can visit our website you are looking to become a DJ win the award for “Most With The Games Society we also ran members can learn to draw with help www.skynet.ie/~anime or a producer or even just want Improved Society” for all our Brocon, a Gaming, Anime and from more experienced members, to share your music with others combined efforts throughout then the DJ society is the the last year. For those of you society for you. The main aim more ‘technical’ DJs out there of our society is to train up new we also run workshops on DJs using our weekly music production and digital decksessions, sessions where all DJing, using well-known members can attend and use software such as Logic, Reason our industry standard DJ and Traktor. So if you fancy equipment to practice their battling it out with other DJs in skills. We are always excited at our DJ battles or even just want the thought of showing another to come along to share and DJ the ropes so even if you have discuss the latest in electronic never seen DJ decks before we music then scrape a fiver from will have you spinning the the back of the couch and come tunes in no time. After you down to us during the perfect your skills at our recruitment drive or even send decksessions we will then help us an e-mail at you play gigs in the top venues [email protected] all around Limerick. Last year m. alone our members got gigs in Kevin Hosey Dolan’s, The Trinity Rooms, UL DJ Society President Angel’s Lane, The Twisted [email protected] 18 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS Drama Society promising a packed calendar of activity by Kelly O’Brien Some people think Drama is Swift Theatre at 7pm. This will be our perform, workshops are great for pretentious. Some people think it’s all Annual General Meeting (AGM) learning breathing and relaxation about ‘who you know’. Here at The where we discuss event plans and techniques not to mention having some UL Drama Society however, we not introduce/recruit and elect new fun. only refute these preconceptions but committee members. All are welcome In addition to workshops and actively work against them. Drama Soc to attend the AGM and it’s a great way performances, the society organizes has really blossomed these past years of getting to know other members. trips and fundraisers such as quizzes, thanks to the hard work and constant One of the best things about Drama race nights and murder mystery support of its members. Thanks to Soc, apart from the performances of parties. To take part in them, however, them, this semester, nay, this YEAR is course, is our twice weekly you have to be a member so make sure overflowing with fun events for performance workshops. Performance to join up at our stall in The Arena at everyone. workshops are basically informal the annual Recruitment Drive on At the moment I can guarantee at classes led by an instructor who, using Wednesday of Week 1. If you simply least three events per week, right up various techniques, prepares people for have to have more Drama info before until our annual Variety Show in Week the stage. Workshops are suitable for that time you can check out our web 10. Our very first meeting takes place beginners as well as more experienced site at www.uldrama.ie or drop an Monday of Week 2 in The Jonathan members. Even if you’re reluctant to email to [email protected] The UL Enterprise & The Law Finance Society The UL Enterprise & Finance Society (ULEFSoc) aims to promote Society… Young and Vibrant professional development of University of Limerick students in the The University of Limerick Law court setting. This is a vital skill as it areas of entrepreneurship, business, Society is a young and vibrant is assessed in law modules The leadership and management. We society aiming to bring together UL University and helps to prepare fulfil this mission by providing students that both study law and students for a career in law. relevant forums and networking those with an interest in law. Perhaps what are most appealing to events that focus on business. The Society’s role in student life is new first years are our social events. We offer members access to a mixture of the academic and social. The Law Ball is one of The practical workshops on relevant While on the one hand we organise University’s most prestigious balls, …… battle aliens, guest speakers and a careers night, as it forms the highlight of not only GSoc course-related topics and current affairs. ULEFSoc also aims to host we also have our annual Mystery law student’s social calendar but also several guest speakers throughout Tour and much anticipated law ball, other students who choose to demons and villains the year. ULEFSoc will host which is the social highlight of many attend. It is held in the second fortnightly innovation workshops – student’s calendar. semester. The annual Mystery Tour G-Soc is a society that gives people who are interested in any an open casual get-together to This year is our 7th Session and is also extremely popular with our kind of games a chance to come together, play, and make new discuss the previous fortnight's promises to be our best yet with students. This is when student’s get friends. current affairs and will also serve as many events planned. We have a on a bus with no idea of their final 1.We run events on a daily basis and special events quite often an incubation forum for new great programme of guest speakers destination. Last year’s event was during the semester. business ideas. lined up this year including Senator considered a great success, despite 2.On Mondays we have our weekly games night, where people ULEFSoc also provides members David Norris among some other the location of the event (Cork) being can meet up, chat and play their favourite board and card games with a social forum to make new notable names. We will also be the worst kept secret in our society’s and simply have a lot of fun. friends and enhance team-building launching The Society’s new short history. 3.On Wednesday we have our weekly console day in the student skills through activities like paint- constitution which Chief Justice, The Unfortunately space constraints union, where you can take a break from boring studies and enjoy balling. This forum also enables Hon. Mr. Justice John L. Murray, has have limited me to writing this some quality console gaming with other members. members to befriend new students in agreed to attend. These are just two relatively short synopsis about our 4.We’re also running RPGs (Role Playing Games) on pretty much any queries they may have regarding guest speakers that will be Society and I feel there is so much every day of the week, so you can join in a number of adventures course work and more. addressing our law society in the more to tell you. The first meeting of and battle aliens, demons and villains using your skills, ULEFSoc will facilitate online coming academic year. the Law Society will take place imagination…and dice. collaboration for its members Our new mooting competition will during week 2, with a time, date and 5.On top of our regular events we’re also running a number of through our website. This service is also begin next year. This will be the location yet to be decided but we special events throughout the year, the most popular and famous of unquantifiable value to business first Mooting competition organised look forward to seeing in Week 1 at being, the Best Society Event of the Year 2009, award winning students who wish to augment their by The Society and thanks to a lot of the Recruitment Drive. Assassin. Assassin is a game where you’ll be given a target that knowledge of the world around them. effort on the part of this year’s and you’ll have to chase down and then “assassinate” using the Employers are acutely conscious of last year’s committees it promises to Mise le Meas, deadliest weapons known to man, silly string and plastic spoons. students’ engagement with current be a huge success. Mooting is a Adam Moursy, President But beware; you’ll also be someone’s target… affairs issues at interviews and this mock trial where law students get an Liam Walsh, Secretary 6.We’ll also be organising trips to various events and conventions facility prepares students for such a opportunity to practice their skills of Contact: [email protected] around the country so you can meet up with likeminded people situation. Members can sign up for advocacy and public speaking in a from all over the country and have fun. our weekly newsletter and live RSS Oh did I mention that G-Soc has its own convention in feeds. We will also host online association with the Anime & Manga Society? UL BroCon was discussion forums where members run for the first time in the summer of 2010 and was a hugely can engage in meaningful analysis of successful convention for games, anime and manga, and next current affairs. We will also offer year’s one will be even bigger!!! members the opportunity to publish For more information please visit our website gsoc.skynet.ie or opinion articles on our website. email us at [email protected] Our first get-together will be held on Wednesday of Week 1 – venue and time to be confirmed. Please come events involved in during the year are The Trad Music Society is here along and bring a friend if you like. are organised Celtic Connections, a full moon to promote Irish music and so that If you have any queries please feel which bring session, trad discos, ceilí, 24hr anyone interested will always have free to contact me at together all Trad sessions, and the annual “Campus a place to meet up, play music and [email protected] or Music enthusiasts. We host a live Trad” festival. Last year we also have the craic. 086-8607433 (Meteor). You can also music session in the had the first Meteor™ session with Whether you play, dance or join us on Facebook and LinkedIn or The University of Scholars/Javas bar on-campus guests from the Meteor Apprentice even if you just like listening to visit our website at Limerick Traditional Music Society, every Wednesday night. getting involved. Irish music, this society is for you. www.ulefsoc.com for more otherwise known as Gan Ainm, is a Workshops and lessons will be We will also be working with Tradsoc Committee information. society for those who play, dance organised for anyone who is other Trad Societies around the UL Traditional Music Society Andrew O’Doherty, or have an interest in Irish music. interested in learning an country towards intervarsity Email- [email protected] Chairman, Throughout the year various instrument in September. events such as Battle of the Bands, Facebook group- Gan Ainm UL Enterprise & Finance Society Some events that we will be table quizzes, and weekends away. ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS 19 Music Society is a place where bands are born

UL Music Society has had a significant impact on college life for its members and music lovers in the college. With open mics every week, regular gigs and regular lessons and some busking in the Student Union Courtyard, UL campus has definitely become a more musical place. There’s a horde of new bands that sprouted from Music Soc last year who are now playing regular gigs around Limerick. We’ve made it easier for new bands to finally move from practicing out in the garage between lawn- mowers and petrol cans to getting up onto stages in Dolan’s, Baker Place and The Stables and playing in front of crowds of friends and strangers. Music Society is a place where bands are born. And, if I may get really corny, friendships too. Last year saw a dramatic increase in Music Society membership numbers from previous years. These people became more than just members of a society, they really did become a group of friends. Awwww, isn’t that sweet?

Seriously though, we have so much fun we couldn’t bear going the whole summer without meeting up some more and having even more Music Soc craic. In June, fifteen of our members hopped across the Irish Sea to worship some rock greats at the Download Festival at Donington Park. Download claim to be one of Europe’s premier rock & metal festivals and with a line- up that included Rage Against The Machine, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Stone Temple Pilots, Them Crooked Vultures and Deftones, you really couldn’t argue with that. Download is an all-round music showcase event where not only can you have some serious craic and listen to some of the biggest bands on the planet, but also learn a hell of a lot about the music business. And we even brought everyone home again. If that’s not the hallmark of a successful trip, I don’t know what is.

After seeing how the Aerosmiths and AC/DCs of our world do it, we even got a taste of what it’s like to play a festival ourselves. Four Music Society acts, Loaded Kings, Bobby O’Keeffe, Superblondes and Astral Gardens, along with some extra Music Society roadies, moseyed on down to Mitchelstown for the Indiependence Festival on the August Bank Holiday weekend to get the taste of playing a set at a festival. Quite apart from the rush of playing big stages, it is quite an experience to get talking to one of the singers from Alabama Three in the queue for the jacks in the VIP Artist Section as he waits to go on stage for their headlining set!

But what have we got planned for the coming semester? Tonnes! Obviously, we’re planning to run even more gigs for UL bands, in even more venues; for instance we’re looking at bringing some music back to the Boat Club. There’ll be a major Battle of the Bands competition running, with some decent prizes. We’re hoping to record a compilation of UL Music, giving bands a chance to finally get some tracks recorded and get them out there. We’re looking into bringing some big acts into UL, bringing some well known names to your very doorstep! And, we’re going to gear up for another Music Society trip abroad, this time with some venue contacts that’ll ensure Music Society bands will get the chance to go global!

Insane - you really don’t want to miss out on any of that, do you? Yeah, you should probably join Music Society.

Owen Hickie – PRO [email protected] 20 ULSU CLUBS & SOCS NEWS April which is the pinnacle of the club’s activities for the year. UL Softball Club: Besides our involvement in the IV’s, the softball club also plays in other Find Out Why We Are the League Champions For 5 Years in a Row! competitions organized by the “How to play softball: Hit ball. Run. Catch ball. Throw.” governing body, Softball Ireland. Author: Maeve Bourke, Chairperson These include the Start of Season (SOS) Blitz in April, the Irish Open Softball, for those of you who don’t rounders, hurling, soccer or baseball who first picked up a bat in UL. Softball Tournament (IOST) in know, is a sport very similar to will find that softball comes very Another aspect of softball is the August and Munster Invitational rounders. However instead of a easily to them but this is in no way indoor version of the game. It is Softball Tournament (MIST) also in sloithar we use a bigger ball. And essential. played with slightly softer balls than August. Indoor softball competitions contrary to the name, a softball is Our relaxed attitude here in the UL outdoor softball and the bases are take place throughout the year. not soft! Softball Club is what we believe much closer together. This makes it This summer saw the start of the Softball as a game can be divided in gives us that winning edge. Rather a very fast, exciting game which is first Munster League competition batting and fielding. When the team than forcing members to attend growing in popularity around the where teams from across the is batting each player steps up to the every training session we ask country. province played each other over plate in turn and uses an aluminium players to come along whenever A typical softball year in UL consists several weekends with the winners bat to hit the softball that is thrown they can and join in the fun. Like of several competitions, the most booking their place in the European in by the pitcher. They must then run many sports, enjoying what you’re important of which are the three play-offs next year. The winning to first base before the ball gets doing is the key to success and that Intervarsity League fixtures held team, unsurprisingly, were the there. When the team is fielding they is certainly true in our case. from October to April. Each fixture is OriGinals who are the UL Softball must try to catch the softball that is Our winning track record at national held over a weekend hosted by one Club Alumni team, consisting of hit by the batter on the other team level is both as a result of how much of the three colleges involved in the players who have finished college in and tag them out before they get to we fun have during competitions and league, namely UCD, QUB(Belfast) UL and are still playing. Like I said, the base. the effort players put into honing and ourselves in UL. These we have a legacy! Because the basics of softball are their batting and fielding skills. The weekends provide a great If you think you would like to give easy to pick up and it is not a very UL Softball club had produced some opportunity for getting to know other softball a try then we would love to Training: Wednesday and Fridays on physically demanding sport it is ideal of the finest players in the country teams from all over the country and hear from you. Contact us by email the Astroturf behind the Arena from for those among us who want to join over the past 8 years and it’s a legacy for seeing some brilliant games of or through our website or Facebook. 2-4pm. Arrive when you can, leave a team and get to know new people we hope to continue into the future. softball. The UL Softball Club usually Email: [email protected] when you have to. in a fun, laid-back manner. Anyone In fact, the majority of the Irish hosts our leg of the IV’s Website: www.csn.ul.ie/~softball and First training session: Wednesday with previous experience in Softball team is made up of players (Intervarsities) in late March or early www.facebook.com/ulsoftball 8th September, 2pm. UL Soccer Club – from Local to International Players – All are Welcome Regarded in Third Level circles Men’s and Women’s sides we be scared!! We provide teams or check out our website at Welcome to UL and best of luck as one of the most successful have numerous players who and competitions for all http://ulsoccerclub.webs.com to everybody. clubs in the country, the UL have represented Ireland at players. The girls side have a for regular updates on events, Stephen Griffin, Soccer Club has a great recent underage, junior and senior regional team with less training, match fixtures and UL FAI Football Facilitator history at all levels and a bright level. We have regular experienced players while on results and much more. future ahead. With success representation on the the Men’s side we have a achieved in nearly all Combined Colleges squads and Freshers team as well as a ‘C’ tournaments – The many players playing League of team to cater for all levels. Collingwood Cup being our Ireland and Champions League Throughout the year we will only exception – the club is Soccer (on the Women’s side). If also be running 5-a-side, 7-a- now focusing on maintaining you think you are on top of side and indoor Futsal events as our top class competitiveness your game then playing for us well as providing coaching and high standing in Third is the right choice. courses and referees courses. Level Football. On both the Are you a beginner??? Don’t This year too we are looking at a foreign trip for some players to start testing ourselves against the best in Europe and the World. Come find us at the Clubs and Societies open night where we will have more info, a display stand for Club gear which you can buy and the chance to win two tickets to a Rep. of Ireland Soccer match at the new Aviva Stadium. For more information contact [email protected] UL Ogra Fianna Fail The University of Limerick Ogra Fianna Fail is one of the largest and most active 'cumann' in the country. We have a very busy schedule of events for this year. We will be planning our Annual Dail trip where we interact with Ministers of state and express our views on areas of importance. We undertake an overseas trip to the European Parliament in Brussels where we meet leading international political figures. Also a trip to Stormont to meet with Unionists and our new Fianna Fail members in our new 32 county organisation. We are also very active in the local community, we have raised thousands of euros for Limerick Hospice and this year will be targeting Cystic Fibrosis. We also have our party's Ard Fheis in November and National Youth Conference in February. Ogra offers young people the unique opportunity to have their ideas taken up and viewed by politicians and ministers in government. UL's cumann has had great success in previous years of having our policy's adopted as part of the programme for government. We have very good relations with local representatives who we canvass with and take the lead on campaigns for instance the Lisbon Treaty referendum within the community. We also interact with many other clubs and societies especially the debating union as we often discuss important issues of the moment and provide speakers. Our social aspect is intense to say the least, weekly parties, Annual Xmas Stables nights out, Mystery trips etc all lead to a friendly fun loving atmosphere where you will no doubt gain life long friends. Contact us at the freshers recruitment fair, the clubs and societies office in the SU or phone David O’Sullivan 087-6750519 and welcome to UL.