Irish Student Newspaper of the Year 2008

ECONOMIC BANVILLE ATTACKS NEWS 4 PUBLIC AS LAB RATS SCIENCE 19 MELTDOWN HEAD-TO-HEAD OPINION 16 ACADEMIC FREEDOM ED 17 Spare some pity for NZ jobless bankers THRILLS WORLD REVIEW 13 VIVISECTION DEBATE TRAVEL 20

Tuesday 14 September 2008 www.trinitynews.ie Issue 2, Volume 55 Ents in chaos UCD MED DAY INVASION for Freshers’ Week events » SU employs Ents race runner-up Dave Byrne » Byrne quits midweek citing “series of errors” » Longworth denies the week was a failure

By Brian Barry Byrne claimed that a number of the key events of Fresher’s Week were run poorly, due to Longworth’s inability to TRINITY’S ENTERTAINMENTS Offi cer implement itineraries for events which Nick Longworth has been strongly Byrne had drawn up for each event. criticised in the wake of Freshers’ Week Byrne claimed that ticket-paying punters following Dave Byrne’s resignation from the Ents team. Byrne - who narrowly “Ents isn’t lost to Longworth in this year’s Student about making Union election was a key member of last money, it’s about year’s Ents team under Ed O’Riordan. people enjoying Longworth hired Byrne to help in the themselves” production of gigs and club nights during the week. Byrne resigned on the were not admitted to venues, bands were Wednesday of Fresher’s Week because left without adequate sound systems for of his dissatisfaction with Longworth’s gigs, and a substantial amount of Student management of events. Union money had been spent needlessly. Byrne spoke to Trinity News about Furthermore, he felt he did not receive what he felt was a series of errors on enough support from Longworth in Longworth’s part. Byrne felt that his dealing with the problems that arose. own position on the Ents team had Longworth claimed that the week’s Med Day, they tell us, is all in a good cause, al- streamed through College last Friday were birds Square, collecting tins and the occasional can in become untenable. He said that although events ran smoothly. though quite why people should be expected to of an altogether different feather. Trailed by a few tow. Clearly, though, there was still something of Longworth was “doing his best” he was Dave Byrne said Longworth made pay for the privilege of watching a bunch of lads bemused but deeply suspicious security guards, a well-founded inferiority complex in the ranks; “making very basic errors”. continued on page 2 getting their kicks running around in a wig, skirt the mob of UCD medical students represented rather than charge towards their natural habitat at and giant fake breasts is hard to say. It’s a custom perhaps the most conspicuously unwelcome the science end, the intruders chose to extricate that is just about palatable when perpetrated by invasion since rebels attempted to storm these themselves via the Nassau Street gate, and as the our own medical students, who, let’s face it, don’t loyal precincts during the Easter Rising. Whoop- cries of the barbarians mingled with the traffi c get out much and could do with some fresh air ing and hollering, the vanguard came through noise, peace desended upon the cobblestones No classes during and a run around. Unfortunately, the horde that Front Arch in force and swung around into Library once more. – As seen by Conor James McKinney Morgan hearing East 17’s doomsday performance By Deirdre Robertson faces four more disciplinary hearings this College News Editor week. He explained that he is unable to By Daire Hickey and John Lavelle That”, met with mixed reaction from the teach as the hearings ‘ran into term time’. Club Philth crowd. A SENIOR lecturer in the English He is currently on an ‘alternate leave of After being ejected from the band, department in Trinity has been absence’ but could potentially be teaching EAST-17 ATTEMPTED to make a the former plumber attempted a solo temporarily suspended from teaching next term depending on the outcome of comeback during Freshers Week when career with help from Wyclef John. His due to an ongoing disciplinary hearing. the hearing. they played in Break for the Border most recent venture was a failed entry in Dr Gerald Morgan was the subject The current disciplinary action relates during Club Philth. The reaction was the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest. His of a leaked report last year which to an incident in 2002 when Dr Morgan lukewarm especially when frontman song ‘I Can’ later reached number 199 in recommended that he be suspended and sent e-mails to a number of staff members Brian Harvey spoke to Trinity News the UK charts. evicted from his rooms. The hearing is claiming that he was more qualified about his belief in a large Jewish Harvey “quit music for good”. But now under way but as it has spread out continued on page 2 conspiracy. it didn’t stop him continuing to make into term time, Mr Morgan is currently Life hasn’t been kind to East 17 headlines, often for the wrong reasons. unable to teach his Freshman or Sophister frontman Brian Harvey since the In 2001 he was hospitalised having options in the English department. halcyon days of the mid-nineties, when Brian Harvey, John Hendy and Terry Coldwell. been attacked with a machete outside Last year, Trinity News came into he was the poster boy for a generation a Nottingham nightclub. He then spent possession of a portion of Dr Morgan’s of teenage girls and single-handedly interview about taking 12 ecstasy tablets next you’re not worth a wank. I think almost two months in jail for breaching a disciplinary report. The suspension popularised wearing baseball caps at a a night. His record label forced him to we were mistreated, we were young restraining order taken out against him proceedings which the report mentioned 90 degree angle. leave the band, which fell apart soon and stupid.” he said, speaking upstairs by his ex-wife. began in May and are ongoing. Dr Morgan After fi ve years at the top of the afterwards. at Break for the Border nightclub after Harvey remerged in 2004 for a stint told Trinity News that he sat before a charts with such hits as “Stay Another Brian still hasn’t forgiven the media the London boy band’s Freshers’ Week on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! disciplinary panel on May 6, May 26, June Day”, “House of Love” and “If You and the record industry for what performance. but walked off the show after arguing 25, June 26, September 1-5, September Ever”, East 17’s downfall was swift. happened. The aggressively anti-record label with fellow contestants. 29, September 30 and October 6 and he In 1997, Harvey boasted in a radio “One minute you’re massive, the lyrics of the band’s newest song, “Fuck continued on page 2 “Proposed pro-life society” promotion aborted by CSC

By Conor Sullivan that only college societies and clubs may is not aware that there was any attempt wishing to set up a society must ‘examine 2007, students attempting to set up a pro- debate was being censored. The issue was advertise in college but a group wishing to collect signatures during Freshers’ the list of existing societies to see if there choice society, were told the ‘Students further aggravated when the college told to set up a society in college is allowed Week’. is one that is already recognised, and For Life’ society already dealt with the students that the best idea was to ‘pack the A GROUP called the ‘Proposed DU pro to call itself a ‘proposed society’. Mr Mr O’Gorman stated that ‘the posters which could accommodate your interest.’ issues of euthanasia and abortion. They house’ of the ‘Students For Life’ society life Society’ was asked to stop putting O’Gorman says these rules do not apply were removed by individual students.’ Following this, the group may draw up a and overturn the entire constitution of posters up around college by the Central during Freshers’ Week. Although the The CSC contacted an individual in the constitution along the lines of the ‘CSC “A society does not the society thereby turning it into a pro- Societies Committee during Freshers’ regulations published on the CSC website proposed society during the week about Draft Constitution’. If a proposed society exist only in virtue choice group. The students refused on Week last week. do not mention a specifi c time in which College ‘postering regulations which collects 100 Trinity student and staff of the aspiration of the grounds that this was immoral. According to Joseph O’Gorman, groups can or cannot put up posters, Mr prohibit the distribution of posters by signatures and I.D. numbers,the C.S.C individuals” said The ‘proposed DU pro-life society’ was honorary treasurer of the CSC, ‘an O. Gorman stated ‘in the past, groups groups which are not recognised within executive will decide whether the society Joseph O’Gorman unavailable for comment at the time of individual or a group, which is not a which set up a stand to collect signatures college.’ He was told that the group could should be recognized. going to print. Mr O’Gorman told Trinity society, put up posters in college during during Freshers’ Week, in order to set up a stand in college during term a Similar guidelines about ‘existing were turned down on the grounds that no news that the individual CSC spoke to Freshers’ Week. They advertised a propose that the society be recognized, proper. societies’ in University College Cork, society can be set up in direct opposition to was told he could set up a stand during “Proposed DU Pro-Life Society” caused confusion among the incoming The CSC guidelines outline the rules meant a ‘pro-choice Society’ was unable another. This caused great consternation term time but they have not heard from Current College regulations state Freshers.’ However, he also said ‘the CSC for establishing a new society. Any group to establish itself on campus. In March as many felt that one side of an opinion him since. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 2 NEWS October 14, 2008

“1965 - 1968 was the world epicentre of sex, drugs, “It’s all brilliant really.” “It’s not bad, is it?” rock and roll and so...I inhaled” » Gerald Morgan on College’s effi cient policy in » Salman Rushdie on his Booker »Salman Rushdie in his heady days as a Cambridge Uni THIS FORTNIGHT appointing jurors to disciplinary hearings. Dr Morgan is and twice ‘Booker of Bookers’ student. currently the subject of disciplinary action. prize winning novel ‘Midnight’s Children’. He was speaking at an “One minute you’re THEY SAID... “Look forward to a year where the water interview in the GMB organised massive, the next might get a bit muddy.” by the Historical Society. you’re not worth a » SU Education Offi cer Hugh Sullivan’s wank.” view of the restructuring in college. “You won’t be expected to »East 17 front man Compiled by Victor Jones Wrtiten in the academic student park your brain at the door. Brian Harvey speaking E: [email protected] diary given to every registering Our faith may be 2,000 years about the bands fall student. old but our thinking isn’t.” from forturnes. Their » Darren McCallig, TCD chaplain, on a range of sermons performance at Club “The value of animal based on Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, The Philth in Break for the Border during Freshers’ Week met experimentation for disease Shawshank Redemption, Superman and Harry Potter. with mixed reaction from the crowd. “Being Ents Offi cer is not the kind of circumvention is unequivocal.” job you can learn as you do, some of » Professor Veronica Campbell “No matter how hard I tried, stuff would still go “Ignore whatever the Education Offi cer says about Longworth’s decisions were naive” from Trinity’s Medicince deparment wrong.” all that study lark and f**cking party!.” »Mick Birmingham, part of the Ents crew on the speaking about animal research in light » Dave Byrne on trying to sort out the SU Ents chaos » SU Ents Offi cer Nicholas Longworth’s advice to all current SU controversy of John Banville’s recent accusations during Fresher’s Week incoming Freshers. NUMEROLOGY Ents team in bitter war of words

Ball on the Tuesday night. Byrne said of venue for the ‘Binocular Soccer’ event. Compiled by Victor Jones that hundreds of euros were wasted He claimed that both of these events providing fl ashing traffi c lights as part of incurred fi nancial losses. Longworth did the theme. The traffi c lights were never not deny the losses, but explained that used. Longworth denies that a substantial these two events were evening pre-parties amount of money was lost, saying the that came under a ticket which included 3,000 traffi c lights were lent to him by a friend. admission to the subsequent nights out – Byrne was particularly disappointed both of which he claimed were fi nancial »The number of students that the Students Union in NUI Galway say that he had to hire DJs “at the last minute” successes. However, Mick Birmingham, attended their protest march. The students were protesting against the for the Ball- a job he claimed he had another member of the Ents team, said proposed reintroduction of third level fees. designated to Longworth in his itinerary that the Saw Doctors gig which followed for the night. Byrne said this incident was the Mock Wedding did not in fact make embarrassing for him personally, and that a profi t. he realised at that point that he would be unable to continue working as part of the 300 Ents team. “He’s (Longworth) A further point of conflict arose thinking off the top » The number of students that a Garda in NUI Galway saw at the same over the Dirty Epics gig in the GMB on of his head but not protest against the introduction of fees. the Wednesday. Byrne had been put in thinking it through” charge of the production of this gig and Dave Byrne had made preliminary enquiries into continued from page one He claimed that Niall Morris, promoter booking a sound engineer. However, errors on the fi rst night of Freshers’ Week. of the Redz niteclub, was unaware of the Longworth booked a cheaper sound “Being Ents Offi cer is not the kind 49 The ‘Free Gaff’ party, advertised for The theme of the night – a claim Longworth engineer without notifying him. Byrne of job you can learn as you do. Some Hub, in fact took place in Transformer. refutes, saying that he told Mr. Morris that said that Dirty Epics were disappointed of Longworth’s decisions were naïve.” » Trinity College’s position in the University World Ranking system as Byrne claimed that the 200-person- it would be a themed night in advance. with the sound engineer’s equipment Birmingham said. He said that the Saw published in the Sunday Times University Guide. capacity venue could have proven to be Byrne expressed disappointed at the no- and with the management of the gig Doctors was not a good choice, and that too small, given the number of Freshers’ show of a Led Zeppelin tribute band, and generally. Byrne claimed he “had to take Longworth should have paid heed to the Week ‘package-deal’ tickets sold. Five that the venue was quiet early on in the the brunt”of this.“No matter how hard I initial rejection of large colleges societies hundred people were entitled to attend night. As a result of this, bouncers on tried stuff would still go wrong” in collaborating with him for the gig. through this ticket scheme. Longworth duty opened the club to the public. Byrne Dave Byrne also expressed concerns Despite his resignation during 199 said this would not have been a problem claimed that because of this some paying about how effectively Longworth Freshers’ Week, Byrne was keen to as the bar upstairs was also available to ticket holders were refused admission. promoted some of the more costly emphasise that he will show support for » The most successful chart rating that East 17 front man Brian Harvey has ticket holders. Similar sentiment was expressed by events. He pointied to the very low turn Longworth in the coming months. “I had since starting his solo career. He entered his song ‘I can’ into the 2007 Byrne described a number of problems Byrne regarding Longworth’s alleged out at the ‘Mock Wedding’ event, and think Nick has great ideas and I would Eurovision song competition but his application was unsuccessful with the night Fallout club night at Redz. poor organisation of the Traffi c Light also to the failure to advertise a change like to see him do well” he said.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS Morgan facing potential eviction Sarah-Kate Caughey went to Romania with the Aurelia Trust, not the SUAS Volunteer Group as we incorrectly reported (Trinity Volunteers spent sum- mer working with Romanian orphans, page 10, September 30). The Aurelia continued from page one Trust is an Irish-based international organisation whose work is prevalent in for a position on a lecturer nominating to cause the College a lot of money. He Romania and Hungary. For more info on the Aurelia Trust please contact committee than his colleague Professor THE FACTS has been living in rooms on campus [email protected]. Scattergood. The then senior dean Cyril • Dr Morgan sent an email to • College took Dr Morgan to since 1990. He currently lives in New Smith, recommended a three-month staff saying he was more quali- court for refusing to attend a Square but he may lose this right if the Adam Loftus was the fi rst Provost of Trinity, not Luke Challoner as we incor- suspension for Dr Morgan. fi ed for a position than one of disciplinary hearing. disciplinary hearing rules against him. rectly reported (Trinity’s architectural grandeur: past, present and future, Dr Morgan became the subject of Last year Dr Morganv told Trinity News his colleagues. • Dr Morgan called for the resig- page 8, September 30). Challoner was one of the fi rst fellows of the college, dispute a few days later when a female that perhaps the intention is for him to • A female colleague made nation of two senior colleagues, along with Launcelot Moine and Henry Ussher. Loftus’ provostship is mag- colleague made a sexual harassment retire before he is required to do so at age a sexual harrassment claim Professor Cyril Smith and Mr nifi cently attested to in a splendid portrait in the Dining Hall. complaint against him. Dr Morgan 70. This year, he said that he is ‘prepared against Dr Morgan Michael Gleeson responded by sending an e-mail to a large for whatever happens’. He was anxious • Dr Morgan sent a derogatory • A leaked report indicated that number of Trinity employees referring to stress ‘I am bound by confi dentiality in to the claimant as ‘dumb without the email to staff members about Dr Morgan could face eviction. respect of the proceedings. Any member INFORMATION virtue of being blonde’. The three-month the same woman • In May 2008, Dr Morgan’s 6 of staff can sit in, but they are also bound suspension was enforced followed by • A three month suspension month disciplinary hearing by confi dentiality.’ EDITOR: Martin McKenna a ban from the Arts Building for that came into effect began. Dr Morgan explained the proceedings DEPUTY EDITOR: Anna Stein period. Dr Morgan resigned as a Fellow of the current disciplinary panel. 30 WEBSITE: Stuart Martin in protest. When Dr Morgan refused The issue cropped up once again when two ‘Romance’ literature courses, one members of College are called as potential BUSINESS MANAGER: Lia Prendergast to sit before a disciplinary panel for Dr Morgan insisted that two of his senior entitle ‘Chaucer’ and the other ‘Gawain jurors in disciplinary cases, and four of COPY EDITORS: Tom Lowe breaking the anonymity of individuals in colleagues were preventing him from and the Green Knight and Piers Plowman. these are selected by lot, remainingas the Nick Beard alleged sexual harassment cases, he was clearing his name. He issued another One has been cancelled entirely and the jurors for the entire case. Dr Morgan, Kara Furr brought to the High Court followed by e-mail to over 150 Trinity staff members other has been taken over by a different in describing the system, said ‘it’s all Kiera Healy the Supreme Court. Reports suggest that calling for the resignations of the Senior lecturer. brilliant’. Ruth Mahony this action cost the College anywhere Dean Professor Smith and the College Speaking to Trinity News, Dr Morgan The outcome of this case could PHOTOGRAPHS: Rachel Kennedy between €100,000 to €500,000 in legal Secretary Mr Michael Gleeson. said ‘I’ve been teaching for 40 years and I result in the dismissal of Dr. Morgan, COLLEGE NEWS: Deirdre Robertson fees. Dr. Morgan fi nally settled with the Sophister students in the Department never envisaged my last two years sitting an incident almost unheard of in Irish NATIONAL NEWS: Una Geary disciplinary panel after he made a formal of English were told last week that Dr in front of a panel for bringing Trinity academia. Dr Morgan told Trinity News INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Kasia Mychajlowycz apology to the woman in question and Morgan’s optional Sophister course was into disrepute.’ He asserted that this case that the prosecution case has just fi nished NEWS FEATURES: Deirdre Lennon retracted the controversial e-mail. no longer available. He was due to teach is currently causing and will continue and now his defence is about to begin. FEATURES: Emily Monk OPINION: Aoife Crowley WORLD REVIEW: Aaron Mulvihill TRAVEL: Derek Larney BUSINESS: Grace Walsh E-17 muse on ‘human reptilian’ world leaders SCIENCE: Luke Maishman COLLEGE SPORT: Conor McKinney TN2 EDITOR: Hugh McCafferty FILM: Michael Armstrong continued from page one MUSIC: Steven Lydon 2005 was particularly diffi cult for 2012 you’re going to see something. FASHION: Patrice Murphy Brian. He was diagnosed with clinical Everything their fi nding us is mass mind EAST 17: REVIEWED BY TN2 BOOKS: Jean Morley depression, was allegedly suicidal, and control and government manipulation.” THEATRE: Kathy Clarke was almost killed in a freak car accident. He spoke of his interest in British Author East 17 as lead song-writer, evening. Other tracks, ART: Caroline O’Leary “I was reversing my Merc and the door David Icke who wrote that George W. Up All Night (1996) making “Up All Night” such as “Do U Still?” FOOD AND DRINK: Melanie O’Reilly was still open, I fell out and was trapped Bush, Queen Elizabeth II, Tony Blair, a collaborative effort. betray a band who under the wheel. It smashed through Hilary Clinton and Kris Kristofferson are By the time they re- Bad move, Tones. have run out of ideas. All Trinity News staff can be contacted on my pelvis” he says, lifting his t-shirt to a race of reptilian humanoids. leased their last album In fairness, the album If anything can be said fi [email protected]. show the scars on his chest. Harvey spent Speaking on the current financial as a four-piece, things isn’t entirely awful: in favour of this record, several days in a coma but has since made crisis Harvey claimed “the Jews are weren’t looking great “Thunder” is a prime it’s that it’s not as bad Trinity News is funded by a grant from DU Publications Committee. This a full recovery. responsible, I mean the whole world for East 17. Their 1994 slice of mid-nineties as 1998’s ill-advised publication claims no special rights or privileges. Serious complaints should Despite wearing a crucifix, Harvey banking system, we’re paying interest Christmas number-one pop tomfoolery and, “comeback” Resur- be addressed to: The Editor, Trinity News, 6 Trinity College, Dublin 2. Ap- declared “I’m not religious at all. Religion on money that doesn’t exist”. He didn’t “Stay Another Day” well, OK, the rest is rection, which saw the peals may be directed to the Press Council of Ireland. is a form of mass mind control.’ He then offer any explanation for this theory. He was an increasingly pretty dire. Second band, sans-Mortimer, lashed out at the prominent Jewish simply said that if we wanted to know distant memory and single “Someone to operating under the Trinity News is a full participating member of the Press banking family, the Rothschilds claiming more then we should read David Icke the rise of Brit-pop was Love” opens with moniker “E-17” and Council of Ireland and supports the Offi ce of the Press they are part of the reason for the current and American conspiracy theorist Alex beginning to make guitar suspiciously coming across like a Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending economic climate. Harvey spoke of a Jones. Jones is noted for his 2002 Film their baggy dance-pop reminiscent of the pastier, less interesting the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair “new world order” and claimed there is 9-11: The Road to Tyranny (2002) which sound distinctly dated. then-stellar Oasis and Boyz II Men. and free method of dealing with complaints that they a “secret elite running the world”. He claims that governments are responsible Perhaps more alarm- rapidly descends into If you’re looking to may have in relation to articles that appear on our spoke of secret societies such as the skull for many of the 20th and 21st centuries ingly, Tony Mortimer, the kind of song you get your East 17 kicks, pages. To contact the Offi ce of the Press Ombudsman and bones club that President George worst terrorist attacks. who had written all of might hear the village then, stick to the early go to www.pressombudsman.ie W. Bush was a member of while at Yale Indiscreet words from a man who has the tunes up until that folk band belting out stuff. University. never fully recovered from an indiscreet point, stepped down at church on a Saturday Harvey also said “On December 12th, radio interview 11 years ago. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 NEWS 3 Trinity in top fi fty but Maynooth gaining

By Lisa Byrne college from exam results to staff-student achieved a first or II.1 compared to editor of the Sunday Times, Maynooth attributed to the university’s affi liations Having scored an impressive 53rd place ratios and employment prospects post- Trinity’s 67%. Given that Trinity has some was a deserving winner of the prestigious to over fi fty multi-national companies. last year, the College moved four places graduation to completion rates, is seen of the highest entry requirements and title of “The Sunday Times University The college boasts an impressive near up into the top 50 universities worldwide. THE RECENT publication of the annual as a fair comparator of universities. This incoming students achieve a B1 average of the Year for 2008”. He believes that hundred percent employment record Helen Kelly of the International Students Sunday Times League Table proved that is the sixth consecutive year in which grade across six Leaving Cert subjects, “Maynooth’s excellent results on research for graduating students. Maynooth was Offi ce is adamant that this new placement Trinity College still has what it takes to Trinity has achieved the top spot on the it is left to question why Trinity failed to funding and graduate employment” were also the fi rst global education partner will give the college a much needed make it the most prestigious university League table. grab the top spot academically. key factors that led to the accolade. for the world’s largest computer chip advantage over other European and in Ireland, winning the coveted top spot Senior Lecturer Dr. Aileen Douglas Maynooth has seen one of the swiftest manufacturer, Intel. Such unique and worldwide universities in the competitive in the League for the sixth year running. “This award believes the emphasis would be better expansions of any Irish university, specialist IT training programmes cannot environment that is education. “This However, while Trinity sailed to the top of recognises the placed on the international standing becoming one of the top 4 universities in but guarantee direct employment in the achievement is signifi cant not only in the list, this years title of ‘Irish University priority we place on of a Trinity degree, referring to the Ireland after only 11 years in existence. ever growing IT sector. With Ireland’s terms of attracting the highest calibre of of the Year’, which Trinity won last year, the employability of recent publication of the Times Higher While it scored well in all areas of long-standing reputation in the IT world, international students, but also in relation went to NUI Maynooth. Despite winning our students” Education Supplement League Table. the league, unsurprisingly it scored as long as the IT sector continues to grow, to developing collaborative partnerships fi rst position in the league table, Trinity In this table, the College received 49th particularly highly in the area of research. Maynooth University should continue to with other leading international students received the third highest grades Trinity’s academic record is place, the fi rst time an Irish university With students receiving over €128,000 grow and expand with it. institutions”. It looks as though this new in the country when graduating. diminishing, however, ranking a has broken into the top 50. each per year in grants for funding, Internationally, Trinity College was the placement will serve to allow Trinity to Trinity has a long history with the disappointing 3rd place with regard NUI Maynooth, meanwhile, is rapidly Maynooth is seen as the centre of research only Irish university to place within the top continue to welcome not only Ireland’s, Sunday Times League Table. The table, to academic results. In 2007, 71% of catching up with Ireland’s other large study in Ireland. This acknowledgment 100 Universities in the world. Its closest but the world’s most academically which assesses various aspects of the University College Cork graduates universities. According to Ian Coxon, as the hub of research has been mainly competitor was UCD, who ranked at 108. talented students.” Ahern’s Rushdie on ‘golden age’ - Prof his death By Amy Davis

IN THE current climate of university cuts and recession, members of Trinity College’s History department have described Bertie Ahern’s period as sentence Taoiseach as the “golden age.” At the launch of Dr Micheál Ó Siochrú’s historical account of Oliver Cromwell, “God’s Executioner,” on Thursday the 9th of October, the history department Salman Rushdie spoke to the Historical Society praised Mr Ahern for his support of Trinity College’s humanities research in about college, books and being “sentenced to the past decades. Dr Ó Siochrú – a lecturer in the school death by an international terrorist group” of history – launched his book in the Long Room of the Old Library. The function was attended by senior members of By Aoife Griffi n that it’s highly visible.’ Mr Rushdie then college staff, TD Martin Manseragh and shared with the chamber the invaluable Mr Ahern. skill of fi guring out when you’re being In introducing the former Taoiseach, RENOWNED AUTHOR Salman Rushdie followed by car and the difference Professor Jane Ohlmeyer described the spoke to Trinity College students on between the security measures enforced incredible developments of humanities Thursday 9th October following an for the President of the United States and research on a “shoestring” budget. She invitation from the Historical Society. himself and Yasser Arafat. Disregarding spoke of the current “global meltdown” Mr Rushdie was invited to speak the clear interest of such events, Mr. and looked back on the days of Bertie about having written the “Bookeriest Rushdie emphasised that he wanted to Ahern’s time as Taoiseach as a “golden Booker of them all” and spending time be remembered for the action, not the re- age” for university research. Professor under maximum security as a result of the action, “I would like to leave behind a shelf Ohlmeyer introduced the former fatwa issued against him by the Ayatollah of books that people would like to read” Taoiseach as the man who started Khomeini on February 14, 1989, having he said simply, without qualifi cation. everything, from agreeing to fund the decided that the power of a novel was When asked by an audience member current Long Room Hub project to greater than the sanctity of human life. if he ever thought of apologizing for The inspiring the opening paragraphs of Dr Ó Mr Rushdie was interviewed by journalist Satanic Verses in attempt to save his life Siochrú’s book. Myles Dungan. Mr. Rushdie replied that the people who The infamous story which Dr Born in June, 1947, only 8 weeks before should apologize, and take responsibility Ó Siochrú uses as the introduction to the Independence of India, Rushdie for their actions, are the ones doing the “God’s Executioner” relates to a meeting attacking, Rushdie then emphasised in London between Bertie Ahern and Hist Auditor that a defi nite function of art is to rock then British Foreign Secretary Robin Thomas Kinsella the boat, ask the diffi cult questions and Cook. Allegedly, Mr Ahern walked into presented a medal create controversy. the conference room to see a picture of to Rushdie On politics, Mr. Rushdie then spoke Oliver Cromwell hanging on the wall. about his disappointment that George Mr Ahern took one look at the picture, commented on how his life was made W. Bush was re-elected for a second and proclaimed Cromwell a “murdering diffi cult, not by the division of his family, term, an election decided by “ludicrously bastard.” He marched out of the room, India or Pakistan, or religious confl ict, low expectations” and believes that the refusing to return until the picture was but by fulfi lling all three criteria for not current economic catastrophe fi nally has removed. Mr Cook, afraid of a diplomatic being liked in an English boarding school: the American electorate sitting up and incident, did as requested. cleverness, foreignness and ineptitude at paying attention, and leaning towards the Mr Ahern had to retract the story last sports. These attributes were acceptable, more intelligent candidate. Mr Rushdie Thursday when he told the book launch he told the crowded chamber, only when also described the American attitude party and members of the press that he two were combined. Nevertheless, Mr. to the forthcoming election as “the last had not been so dramatic. He admitted Rushdie is no man to do things in half chance to prove to the rest of the world however that he had uttered a similiar measures. that Americans aren’t total arseholes.” expletive when asked for his opinion on Among a variety of topics and In terms of Creative Writing courses he Oliver Cromwell. anecdotes Mr. Rushdie recounted to fi rmly believes that the technical aspects In launching Dr Ó Siochrú’s book, the audience included a story about the of writing can be refi ned, but that “you Mr Ahern said, “I have devoted hours to morning of 14th Feburary, 1989, when he can’t teach the ear, you can’t teach the destroying the enmities of the past... 17th found out that he’d just been sentenced to eye, you can’t teach a vision of the world” Century prejudice has no place in 21st death by the then Supreme Leader of Iran or the relationship that a writer has with Century Ireland. Our children’s children’s from a curious BBC reporter. Though his language or the world. Following this, children should never know the violence life was inevitably transformed for several when asked if he had always planned on and hurt which has blighted our island for years by the fatwa, Mr. Rushdie has never being a writer Mr. Rushdie replied that he too long.” liked the term “in hiding” to describe his never really had any other plan and that Dr Ó Siochrú concluded the speeches state of living. “It’s undignifi ed” he said, his acting days in Cambridge offered the with an expression of relief that he had “and gives the impression that I was only other “vague, half-arsed” direction not asked Mr Ahern for confi rmation hiding under a bed somewhere. And in his life. Though, as we can testify from of the story as he would have lost his it’s a ridiculous term anyway because I his performance in Bridget Jones, he is introduction. He said he had used it to was under maximum security, which, as clearly a man to whom life has closed few demonstrate how dramatic an effect anyone who has seen it will know, well, doors. Salman Rushdie speaks to students after his interview in the Hist conversation room. Photo: Kevin O’Rourke Cromwell had had on Ireland. Crucial research fund puts spending on pause

By Andrea Mulligan not to enter into new SIF contracts. The aim is to encourage institutions Another programme which may not life-long learning. The purposes of the Strategic COLLEGE DEFICITS to collaborate and share knowledge survive without the support of SIF is the Trinity News asked college authorities Innovation Fund include improving Last week, universities reported and resources. The focus in Trinity is Centre for Deaf Studies which existed to comment on the situation, specifi cally TRINITY COLLEGE faces further teaching and learning, supporting to be the Dublin Centre for Academic as a pilot project until 30 September as to whether the projects expected to their current or expected defi cits: funding cuts as a large government institutional reform and promoting Development, an initiative aimed at 2008. The Centre has developed diploma be funded by SIF will be discontinued. research fund has been ordered to access to higher education institutions. • UCD’s cumulative defi cit runs improving academic standards in the courses to improve education and The Communications offi ce responded “pause” spending on Irish universities. SIF Cycle I began in 2006 and provided at €15million participating institutions. career opportunities for deaf students. that it would be premature to make any The Department of Education has €42 million worth of grants to higher • UCC is down by €13million SIF Cycle II also promised funds for SIF funding was to make these diploma comment at this stage. Lack of resources ordered the Strategic Innovation Fund educational institutions. Trinity has been • UL’s expected defi cit is Trinity’s Online Mental Health proposal. courses available nationwide and to is a constant concern for Trinity, and SIF (SIF) – a multi-annual fund directed allocated more than €7 million under SIF €6million by the end of this This innovative project aims to improve implement a BA degree option. funding will be sorely missed if withdrawn. towards support for innovation in higher Cycle II for a diverse range of projects. year access to mental health services and The National Institute for Intellectual Yet while the Irish universities appear to education institutions – to temporarily These face an uncertain future if the psycho-educational supports for an Disability (NIID) in Trinity has pioneered be beginning to be drawn into poverty, • NUIG has a projected defi cit pause spending. funding is to be halted. increasingly diverse student population. the highly acclaimed Certificate in an article in the Sunday Times on 12th The SIF amounts to €510 million over a A major focus of SIF Cycle II is the of €5.2million With student mental health a constant Contemporary Living course for October revealed that University heads seven year period and is now in its second Dublin Region Higher Education Alliance • DCU no defi cit as of yet but concern for the college authorities students with intellectual disability. SIF have no similar crisis in their own pay cycle of funding. It had been expected (DRHEA), for which €44 million was to has borrowed money for and the student body, this portal is Cycle II allocated extra resources for packets. Over the past eight years they to provide €97 million in funding to 21 be provided. This is a programme run capital projects expected to make a real difference to this initiative to focus on researching have enjoyed a 120% increase in wages. higher education institutions throughout jointly by the four universities and four • TCD has not confi rmed the the ability and willingness of Trinity access to quality third level education Malcolm Byrne, a spokesman for HEA the country. Specifi c fi gures are not yet Institutes of Technology in the Dublin expected defi cit for next year students to seek mental health care and for people with intellectual disability said “These institutions are key to the available but colleges have been ordered area. advice. and the development of best practice in development of the country.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4 NEWS October 14, 2008 SHORT Banville attacks Science Faculty Google

CUTS By Thomas Raftery turbulent history. The scientifi c, ethical and philosophical questions that arise prevents have continually been the subject for EMINENT IRISH author John Banville heated discussion. THIRD LEVEL FEES has attacked Trinity College’s ‘vivisection’ In her defence of Trinity’s medical policy in an emotive and strongly worded department, Professor Campbell stated, drunken DUBLIN COLLEGES letter to The Irish Times last week. ‘The public ought to be reminded Banville describes how he was moved by that diabetes was a life-threatening PROTEST FEES a public demonstration by the ‘National condition until animal experiments led Animal Rights Association’ (NARA), and to the discovery that this disease could emails ON WEDNESDAY 22ND felt compelled to speak out against “such be treated successfully with pancreatic October, all Dublin colleges brutal and unnecessary practices’”. extracts containing insulin.’ Since the are called to protest against Mr. Banville and a NARA spokeswoman start of the twentieth century there By Deirdre Robertson the proposed reintroduction of asserted that Trinity ‘test on mice, rats, have been other similar breakthroughs thrid-level fees. rabbits, and even, horses when they can. stemming from animal research. At the Last week, NUI Galway Most of it is just for medical students to start of the century, doctors stopped HANGOVER REGRETS are no more as organised a similar protest that get experience.’ They stated that animal using cocaine as the standard anasethetic new Google technology has invented an saw somwhere between 300- testing is preferred as it is the ‘cheapest’ when animal testing showed it carried email system which stops people sending 3000 students according to and ‘most convenient’ option available. considerable health risks. Similarly, emails while drunk. the varying reports of Student Professor Veronica Campbell of in the 1940s a ‘whooping cough’ The new system, Goggle Mail, is Leaders and attending Guardai. Trinity’s School of Medicine replied to vaccine, kidney dialysis machine and programmed to stop people, particularly The Dublin march will meet Mr Banville in a letter to the Irish Times. the ‘heart-lung machine’ used during useful for students, from sending an in Front Square of Trinity at She began, “I reject the accusation by open-heart surgery were developed. email at any period in which it is likely 1:40pm and will join with the John Banville (October 3rd) that medical The following decade, the polio vaccine, that they may be slightly intoxicated. other colleges outside Front students at Trinity College engage in hip replacements, heart transplants and In order to determine whether the Arch. animal vivisection as part of their studies. measles treatments were introduced. In emailer is drunk or just sending late The plan is to march to the This is false and misinforms your readers the latter half of the century, Meningitis, night emails, Goggle Mail asks 5 simple Dail to protest government about undergraduate medical training Hepatitis and Malaria vaccines along with mathematical equations which must be leaders. SU president Cathal in this institution”. She continued by medical advances to support premature answered within one minute. O’Reilly begged students to outlining the ‘most stringent of guidelines’ babies, drugs for mental illness, breast One of the programme’s developers “PLEASE come along and under which animal experimentation is Author John Banville. Banville and a NARA spokeswoman asserted that Trinity and prostrate cancer arose from animal Jon Perlow, said he came up with the show your support. In 2002 we carried out. “Experiments on surgically ‘test on mice, rats, rabbits, and even, horses when they can. Most of it is just for research. idea after he sent an ill advised email defeated fees and we CAN do it anaesthetised animals are conducted by medical students to get experience.’ Professor Campbell finished, ‘The to an ex-girlfriend one messy night. He again if we have the numbers.” experienced, licensed researchers who value of animal experimentation in the believes that he could save millions from (Anne Byrne) wish to understand disease processes” renders the whole process, regardless of allocated to them as defi ned in statute. development of new strategies for disease the terrible consequences of a drunken according to Professor Campbell. the details, as ‘barbaric’. The maintenance of these units is done by circumvention is unequivocal. Although email. One Trinity spokeswoman refuted Vivisection is a heavily regulated qualifi ed animal care technicians whose alternatives to animal studies have Although the system may be in DEBATING COMPETITION NARA’s claim that vivisection is merely area of science. All animal research sole function is to look after the welfare certain value, no emergent property of some way useful to students accross the ‘cheapest’ option saying “non-animal must be carried out in a Department of of the animals. This is all overseen by a a complex living system (e.g. high blood the country,most will have to wait until DAVID NORRIS’ alternatives did not require the same Health registered premises complying veterinary director.” pressure) can be studied exclusively in a mobile phone companies invent a similar level of background support, and as such with standards laid down by a Council Such strong criticism from one dish and the consequence of disease and system to completely free themselves of DEBATING TIPS are considerably cheaper and researchers of Europe convention. A spokeswoman of Ireland’s most celebrated authors the effi cacy of experimental therapies on hangover regrets. For now, we will still will choose these if they possibly can”. Mr. for Trinity College said, “this requires has attracted much attention to the a whole organism must be considered have to rely on the slightly soberer and ON 7TH October, Senator David Banville insisted that the ‘unendurable that animals are kept in purpose-built ‘vivisection’ debate. For over a century, before any advances can translate into so very annoying responsible friend. Norris launched the National AIB agony’ caused to the animals in question, climate-controlled buildings with space ‘animal-testing’ has suffered a long and improvements in patient care.’ Phil Speaks Debating Initiative in the Graduate’s Memorial Building. In attendence were the semi-fi nalists of last year’s initiative and numerous Trinity Students. Accommodation application fee unique to Trinity The Senator gave a speech on the art of public speaking and afterwards the fl oor was By Brian Barry is much more than enough to cover that opened so that he could cost and students shouldn’t be charged as exchange debating tips with his much.” avid audience. TRINITY COLLEGE is the only large Students who were successful in The National AIB Phil Speaks university in Ireland that charges applying for college residences this year Initiative is run by the Council its students to apply for campus will pay increased rates for energy and of the University Philosophical accommodation. This year, students rent. The Dublin property rental market across Ireland, North and South, applying to live on campus or in halls paid has eased in recent months according to and is open to all students at approximately €50,000 in application a survey by accommodation website daft. second level. In recent years fees alone to the Trinity Accommodation ie. Available properties have doubled the competition has grown Offi ce. In addition, Trinity campus rates while rents have decreased. Rates for in prestige with over 1,000 have been increased despite opposing Trinity campus accommodation have students taking part in last year’s trends in the Dublin property rental moved against this trend increasing by initiative. market. 3%. Mr. Dempsey commented ‘While we (Ciara Finlay) Trinity charges €15 to all students do take notice of trends in the private – whether they are successful or not – sector we do not follow the market who apply to live in College Residences. directly. When rents were increasing in SOCIETY FILMS According to Administration Officer the private sector in recent years we did Anthony Dempsey, the fees pay for ‘the not use this as a benchmark to establish CSC HOLDS NEW considerable workload and systems our rents. Likewise, we are not following involved in the application process.’ Other the private sector in the current market FILM LICENCE main universities in Ireland – UCC, UCD, conditions.’ The increased rates are used Queens and NUIG – use a similar online to pay for refurbishment and overhead THE CENTRAL Societies application system and do not charge any costs arising from maintaining college Committee have paid for a fee. residences including the current internal fi lm licence to ensure that all When asked what the non-refundable renovations in the Rubrics buildings. Mr. societies that put on movies will application charge – amounting to Dempsey noted that the college does not host legal viewings. approximately €50,000 – paid for this seek to make a profi t from student and The Motion Picture Licencing year, Mr. Dempsey said they also ‘support staff rents. Company gives CSC “unlimited the Accommodation Advisory Service’. Last year, a Trinity News survey noted use of thousands of videos and This is an information service in the that Trinity students pay over twice as DVD’s”. Arts Building that provides listings of much for energy as students in other Irish The change came about available properties for students seeking universities. This year, energy costs have as CSC ‘became aware that accommodation. It runs for a fi ve- week increased again but only in Front Square many societies were holding period starting from the end of August. – an area of campus residences that does fi lm showings’. The regulations UCD runs a similar service from mid- not have central heating. allow socities to continue as July to mid-August and UCC runs an Mr. Dempsey noted that the Director normal while CSC can regulate. accommodation offi ce throughout August of Buildings office had reviewed the Societies will now be unable and September. SU President Cathal costs of energy and determined that to charge to view the fi lm or Reilly commented “obviously there are ‘contributions were below the cost of advertise the fi lm title to the administrative costs that have to be paid the utilities consumed.’ Furthermore, a general public. for but if you do the maths yourself, it’s charge for water supplies will be incurred easy enough to see that €15 per applicant this year. The Rubrics are the oldest buildings and student accommodation on campus. Photo: Martin McKenna

YOUR VIEW

WHAT DID YOU JULIE SHEERAN DONNOCHA CONWAY MICHAEL GALLEN ANDREW HOFFMAN NICHOLAS B. THINK OF THIS SF PSYCHOLOGY SF LAW SF CLASSICS, PHILOSOPHY ANCIENT HISTORY SF NATURAL SCIENCE

YEAR’S FRESHERS’ I didn’t really hear about much I was working a stand. There I actually didn’t go to any ENTS I was around in Freshers’ Week I went to the Freshers’ Ball down this year. I heard much more was a nice buzz. I only have one events. I saw all the posters but I had to deal with all the in Purty Kitchen. It was not bad. WEEK? about it last year though maybe Freshers’ Week to compare it to around College but the fi rst week paperwork around registration. I It was very full. I can tell you, its just because I’m in second but I enjoyed myself anyway. has just been a bit hectic. People went to the toga party on Friday. this year’s Freshers’ Week wasn’t year. I know who did go out enjoyed It wasn’t bad; I had to snatch great due to the weather. themselves though. someone else’s toga. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 NEWS 5 SHORT CUTS

CHAPLAIN NEWS THE GOSPEL BY SEX AND THE CITY

TRINITY’S CHAPLAINCY have taken a somewhat alternative approach to their method of preaching their message this college term by drawing upon the worlds of TV, movies and popular books as a basis for their sermons. Morgan Freeman, Harry Revellers at the Potter, Dermot Morgan and ENTS-organised Sarah Jessica Parker are just Foam Party in Citi some of the ‘prophets’ to be Bar during Fresh- reverently discussed at Sunday ers’ Week. The masses in the College Chapel foam was blasted over the coming weeks. out through a The clever ploy will see the cannon near the College Chaplains base Sunday dance fl oor at sermons on the likes of Father irregular intervals Ted, Desperate Housewives, and could be Superman, and The Shawshank directed. Ents Of- Redemption. College chaplain fi cer Nick Long- Darren McCallig says “We’re worth explained: doing things a bit differently… “It was pretty our faith may be 2000 years much pointing old, but our thinking isn’t”. straight at the DJ More information on College booth”. Photo: Noticeboards. Richard Conway (Brian Barry)

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS COOL ENTREPRENEURS Four-storey addition to Fellow’s Square MINISTER FOR Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Jimmy Devins has launched the By Niall O’Brien and a lift from Fellow’s Square. The The development also comprises ancillary The grant application has not been of the proposed building lay within the TCD Entrepreneurship Training underground corridor will be accessed works including the development of a without controversy. An Taisce wrote ‘Zone of Archaeological Constraint for Programme – an initiative to help through a new staircase at the west end new garden on the roof of the Edmund a letter of objection on 17th September, Recorded Monument’ and, therefore, was Trinity’s budding entrepreneurs. TRINITY COLLEGE has been granted of the Humanities Research building. Burke Theatre. arguing that the proposal affected protected under the National Monument The programme’s aim is to permission by Dublin City Council to build €5.8 million has been allocated by the the setting of a number of protected Act 1994. The report recommended no “assist entrepreneurs starting a new four storey Humanities Research The structure will Higher Education Authority to fund the structures. It insisted that the Planning construction or site preparation work and growing a high potential building between the Arts Building and tower 16.25m over project. After some initial concerns raised Authority, in their decision on the be carried out until all archaeological business”. There will be a the 1937 Reading Room. The proposed the space between by the Site and Facilities committee at proposal, show regard to the protected required by the City Archaeologist are series of workshops hosted by building, named the Long Room Hub, the Arts Building their meeting last July regarding who status of the structure and the need complied with and that an archaeological successful Irish and international overlooking Fellow’s Square, and will also and the 1937 would be responsible for any recurrent to protect its special character, the assessed be carried out before beginning entrepreneurs. Trinity based include an underground corridor linking Reading Room. costs, the Director of Buildings confi rmed proximity of the new structure to the any construction. the programme on expertise it to both the Edmund Burke theatre and that these costs would be met by the protected structure and the design of The Planning Authority approved gained from membership of the 1937 Reading Room. ‘Minor alterations’ are to be made to Schools involved in the Long Room Hub the new development, which an Taisce the proposal on 7th October with the CLUSTER Entreprenership The four storey building will stand at both the Edmund Burke theatre and the and maintenance costs would be met by felt should ‘relate to and complement some conditions, the most substantial Group – a pan-European 16.25m in height while the entrance level 1937 Reading Room in order to facilitate the current maintenance budget. The Site the special character of the protected condition being compliance with the entrepreneurial education of the new building will be 2.1m above the the new structure. These will include the and Facilities committee then decided to structure’. Furthermore, a departmental recommendation of the consultant programme. Minister Devins ground level of Fellow’s Square and will removal of the plantroom and parapet submit the planning application to Dublin report by the consultant archaeologist of archaeologist. The date for construction delcared “It has become cool to be accessible by both an open staircase wall, which project above the theatre. City Council. Dublin City Council noted that the site to start is as yet unconfi rmed. be an entrepreneur”.

Experience something Education Offi cer expresses new in the Old Library doubts over restructuring By Aislinn Lucheroni

STUDENT’S UNION Education Offi cer Hugh Sullivan appeared to criticise College restructuring initiatives this week in the Student Academic Diary that is handed out to every Trinity student. Mr Sullivan said he did not mean it is a criticism rather a statement that new restructuring may be confusing. Other sources within College have agreed with his viewpoint. The College has undergone a serious restructuring initiative in the past few years both fi nancially and administratively. After a long period of resistance, all of the individual schools have received their own budgets and the heads of schools are now

This year, the academic diary handed out to every student at registration has been combined with the Students’ Union’s own guidebook.

the budget holders. This was followed by the creation of three new faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social The Trinity Library Shop Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, Maths and Sciences and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The three deans of the new faculties have greater power than previously. One source within College says this will probably cause some contention over budget control between the heads of SU Education Offi cer Hugh Sullivan. Photo: Tom Gillespie The Library Shop opening hours are: schools and the deans. Finally, the most recent change was the to whom and who has responsibility for each of the over 15,000 students who appointment of Chief Academic Offi cer what; while everyone gets used to the registered, Hugh Sullivan, SU Education 9.30 – 5.00 Monday to Saturday (Vice Provost) and Chief Operating new academic structures.” Offi cer, said he did not realise that it Offi cer. One source within college has Although these offi ces were created sounded confusing. He assured Trinity described this as “a huge culture shock” as to update the internal structures of News that the uncertainties he predicted 12.00 – 4.30 Sundays previously there were only “vague lines of College, and in fact to make it clearer would not have any direct consequences reporting”. The positions were intended who should report to whom within for students of the University. “It as an effort by Trinity’s administration College, the SU’s confusing stance shouldn’t affect students’ day to day lives. Email:[email protected] to increase effi ciency and streamline the makes an administration which is It’s more to do with the management of College’s bureaucracy but Hugh Sullivan entirely unintelligible for the average college and there’ll be a period of people/ wrote on p193 of the academic diary student seem even more perplexing and committees finding their feet as new http://www.tcd.ie/Library/Shop “Look forward to a year where the water disorganised. Despite placing the quote committee structures etc. get established might get a bit muddy as to who reports in the 08/09 Academic Diary given to and worked out.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6 NEWS FEATURE October 14, 2008 Philanthropy: Trinity’s unseen revenue stream

In recent times, the role of philanthropy – often large donations made by individuals – has become a more and more important source of income to Trinity. But just who are these donors?

By Deirdre Lennon college.” News Features Editor The college is required to keep an account of all the donations that it receives hilanthropy is a relatively throughout the course of a year. In order new – yet increasingly vital - to do this the college must return a Donor word in the Irish lexicon. In Report to the government for sums that the United States however are both large, and more modest in size. it has long played a vital role The Donor Report must specify where Pin the funding of universities. With within the college the money was spent the emergence of large philanthropic and detail the specifi cs of what it was organisations, such as the Bill and spent on. The benefi ts to the College that Melinda Gates Foundation and the Sir result from the donations are documented Anthony O’ Reilly Foundation it could be in Trinity Today magazine that the said that we are witnessing the “coming Foundation publishes for the alumni. of age” of philanthropy. Philanthropy does not confi ne itself Philanthropic giving has for many to funding, according to John Dillon, the years been a way for the wealthy to Trinity Foundation’s Alumni Director. support their favoured causes. In the last He points out that many graduates sit year alone Cornell University attracted on the advisory boards, and are actively over $500 million in alumni donations. It involved in helping the college achieve is also a method of securing funding from its aims. He is keen to stress that the which Trinity has long benefi ted. Foundation is not merely concerned with Many sources of income contribute by the Trinity Foundation. 3,000 alumni life, such as in the societies, welfare and the fi nancial aid that alumni can give, but to Trinity College’s funding, including contributed, and €1.25 million was raised ATLANTIC PHILANTHROPIES research. It also includes support for also with alumni volunteering their time money that comes from government to clean the manuscripts and historic the Voluntary Tuition Programme, the and expertise. agencies and independent trusts. collection held within Trinity’s Old CHUCK FEENEY, an American years of economic growth, private Student Union Childcare Support and the However, without donations from Library. entrepreneur is, some would donors were keen to point the way Trinity Arts Festival to name just a few. PHILANTROPHY philanthropists and alumni the College’s The Trinity Foundation was established say, the modern forerunner of for other philanthropists to invest in John Dillon, the Alumni Director in the upkeep would be unsustainable. in order to foster Trinity’s involvement philanthropy. In two transactions, universities. Trinity Foundation, sees these endeavours • The Trinity Foundation deals Trinity’s private donors are varied with educational programmes in the fi elds fi rstly in 1984 and then 1997, he The success of Atlantic’s as extremely important examples of how with a network of over 60,000 and wide-ranging, including some from of both outreach and research. Within gave over his entire fortune of $3.5 methods do however raise the Foundation publicises the positive alumni and maintain regular the UK, Europe and several anonymous the Trinity Foundation itself there are billion to Atlantic Philanthropies, questions surrounding the leverage nature of the work it does. “We want to contact with these graduates ones from the US. One of the major seventeen members of staff, with seven a multinational organisation and conditions attached to such raise awareness about the good things who donate money to the donors to College, Martin Naughton, classifi ed as major fundraisers within the whose purpose is to distribute initiatives. Generally the monies that are going on in the college for college fund. an entrepreneur who founded Glen unit. these monies in an equitable, that Atlantic Philanthropies students while they’re here” he says. • The most relevant hands-on Electric in 1973, donated a signifi cant The other role of the Foundation is to accountable and productive distribute do come with Not only does the Foundation wish benefi ts of alumni donations sum to Trinity and subsequently had the communicate with alumni worldwide in fashion. accompanying preconditions to perpetuate its good image within the for current students are: Naughton Institute named after him upon order to inform them of future projects. Over the course of this period, in some form or another. Often student body, but also amongst the wider the Student Awards, Sports its completion in 2007. It also introduces networking schemes Feeney’s impact on the education though, these are intended merely community. It hopes that the newly Scholarships, the Financial This building demonstrates what for alumni working abroad. The number sector has been immense: in as a lever for procuring matching opened Science Gallery, which is now Hardship Fund and the TCD philanthropy can achieve and how it has of alumni within its “broad base” is over 1997, Atlantic Philanthropies funding and participation from the open to the public, will play an important Association and Trust Bursaries grown as a practice over the last two 60,000, and the Foundation aims to keep contributed £75 million to the government or other grant-making role in reaching this target. • The “Save the Treasures of decades. The Trinity Access Programme these graduates abreast of annual events Program for Research in Third Level bodies. These aspects of the Trinity the Long Room” initiative is another visible demonstration of the and reunions. Institutions – a sum which came Trinity’s links with Atlantic Foundation’s work are linked into the instigated by the Trinity power of philanthropic donations. The Trinity Foundation is a different bound by the condition that it be Philanthropies are strong. A Bank of Ireland Trinity Affi nity scheme, Foundation raised over As Trinity’s became more recognisable organisation to the TCD Association and matched by another £75 million former provost of the college, whereby Bank of Ireland donates €15 €1.25million euro to restore as an icon of a strong and prosperous Trust, as it is a registered charity that from the Irish Government. Despite Tom Mitchell, joined Atlantic’s to the College at the outset of a Trinity the manuscripts and historic Ireland, donors who were unconnected entitles the donors to tax breaks, whilst initial diffi culties, this amount was board 2002 after fi nishing his branded credit card application. This collection in the Old Library. to the college itself donated of large sums the TCD Association and Trust is the eventually procured. tenure. Mitchell has a strong programme, available to both current • Atlantic Philanthropies, to varied areas of interest, be it in the Arts original fundraising arm of the college, Atlantic Philanthropies has had pedigree within the world of students and graduates, is makes it easier founded by Chuck Feeney, and Humanities, Engineering, Science or established to provide administrative a major effect on the way people philanthropic foundations, as he for people to donate to Trinity whilst paved the way for other Business faculties. support for small project donations to the think about philanthropy as a was also responsible for setting up studying at the university, and also to philanthropic donations from Naturally, there are also individual betterment of college life. concept. During the last twenty the Trinity Foundation in 1994. continue once they’ve left. notable entrepreneurs in Irish alumni who have interests in specific The Trinity Foundation also plays a For every euro spent on the card society. areas and it is at their discretion as to important role in the student community itself, Bank of Ireland donates a certain • A Donor Report must be whether their donations are targeted and is actively involved in several student contribute to college life in an exceptional Hardship Fund gives assistance from the percentage to the college in order to submitted, detailing all at one particular project or dispersed projects within college, including the fashion. These students are awarded a Trinity Foundation to students faced with support various projects. The card donations, what they are spent around the college faculties in general. Student Awards, Sports Scholarships, grant of €2,000 by the college. fi nancial diffi culties during their time in appeal also lies in the fact that it comes on and which projects the The recent “Save the Treasures of the the Financial Hardship Fund and the Likewise, the Sports Scholarships college. with a picture of our beloved campanile, money raised goes. Long Room” project, launched in 2005, TCD Association and Trust Bursaries. are allocated to students who display The TCD Association and Trust for those who are particularly nostalgic is the most successful example to date The Student Awards recognise the excellence in various sports whilst Bursaries are concerned with supporting and promotes, as Dillon puts it, “the of a fundraising endeavour undertaken contribution of several students who representing the college and the Financial the most tangible aspects of student strong affi nity that alumni have with the W is for Writer. Be one.

www.trinitynews.ie/index.php/about-tn TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 7 NYT’s look at the future

of university Global Campus

Technology and student evaluations are the driving forces for change in today’s students’ daily lives in university ac- cording to the New York Times Magazines’ “The College Issue”. Why I left Trinity: By Kasia Mychajlowycz Oppenheimer, “knows that she belongs at International News Editor Wesleyan, which is why she’s especially sad that her students fi red her” by giving her a farewell from a THE NEW York Times Magazine evaluations that were good, but that did published “The College Issue” at not meet the administration’s benchmark the beginning of term, focusing on of 85% of the students marking her as transfer student innovations in – and problems with – either “Good” or “Outstanding”. Student teaching in American universities. Many evaluations, the article says, are based articles revolved around the question not only on how effectively a professor of student reviews, and how technology conveys their knowledge of the course By Emma Dorsey and a more competitive, business-driven materials, but on their looks, personality, Barnard College at Columbia University, New York university model are putting more power marking standards, or more insidiously, into the hands of a massive, sometimes their race or gender. One experiment THERE ARE MANY fi ckle, student body. conducted in 1973 by psychiatrist Donald differences between “The Tell-All Campus Tour” by Naftulin, where a hired actor to give Trinity and Columbia Jonathan Dee profi les Jordan Goldman a lecture. “The actor was a splendid University in New and his website Unigo.com, a website speaker”, writes Oppenheimer, “his York City. I can- that provides free, unedited reviews of talked fi lled with witticism and charming not unequivocally universities- in the form of videos, audio, asides- but also with ‘irrelevant, endorse one over the photos and essays- which are meant to confl icting and meaningless content’.” other. Columbia has give prospective students a more ‘real’ Disappointingly, students’, faculty’s and spectacular resources, picture of a university. The reviews range colleagues’ re views of the lecture were but it also requires all from terrible to insightful to bland, but all “highly laudatory”. Another anecdote students to fulfi l what the stress is on a review that is completely tells of a professor in danger of losing his can feel like irrelevant from a student’s perspective, and shows tenure at Carnegie Mellon University requirements outside the everyday existence of a student because of poor student evaluations, The cover photo Mac’s virtual space for podcasts from iTunesu (after the publication of “The of their majors. Trinity body, from a review focused entirely on who fi xed his problem not by improving of the NYTimes the world’s best universities. Once the College Issue”.) Cambridge and Oxford allows great indepen- someone’s favourite cheap restaurant his teaching skills (in fact he rebuked all Magazine: “It’s love of students but the bane of the recently launched their podcasts of dence of scholarship, close to campus, or a photo of a typical offers of help) but by infl ating his marks All About Teach- administration, writes Virginia Heffernan, lectures and admissions advice, joining but can be frustrat- dorm room. and telling his students that everyone was ing” “now a charisma-sensei [a Japanese Harvard, Columbia and other Ivy League ingly disorganized. In Though Goldman asserts that the getting an A right before they fi lled out expression for a charming professor]- universities that have been broadcasting stark contrast, while reason universities have declined to the evaluation. lucid, affable, groomed for “The Charlie lectures for years. Their simultaneous Trinity could hardly be participate in his website is because If students are messing with academy Rose Show”, - is all but a tenure shoo-in, launch gave way to speculation by bothered to send me “they really don’t know the immensity of more and more in the United States, an asset no blue-chip university can be some, including the Guardian, that it an acceptance letter and an annual bill, Columbia sent it”, and that administrations “should be a technology is their accomplice, and without.” was designed to start an iTunes “race” me what amounted to a care package, complete with bit scared by” a totally uncensored look not just because of student websites However much Heffernan bemoans between the two institutions, which have a novel by a recent alumna. at their performance, many American like Unigo.com, or RateMyProfessors. the decline of the grumpy, old and ugly been neck-in-neck in the competition Perhaps what is most important, however, is the universities have been using student com. “The Camera-Friendly, Perfectly professor, she reviews her “fi ve charisma- for best British university for 800 fact that members of the Columbia community, both reviews as a standard evaluation of Pixelated, Easily Downloadable Celebrity senseis that no online student should years. They will also have to battle with students and faculty, are held accountable for the work the teaching skills of their professors. Academic”, as the title indicates, looks at miss”, whose subjects cover physics, American universities for supremacy in the do (or fail to do). Between the university blogs, Mark Oppenheimer’s “Judgment Day” how, once again, the criteria for a good, ‘behavioural economics’, poetry and the virtual college, without the advantage professorial review websites like www.culpa.info, the chronicles the trials endured by professors tenured professor are changing, this Biblical exegesis. These fi ve top-ranking of experience, for once, and the infl uence daily newspaper, and the generally uppity (though who have failed to elicit praise- or enough time because of the allure for universities lecturers could be in jeopardy, however, of this new technology, and the American admittedly tiresome at times) student body, much is praise- from student-written reviews. of possessing a mini-celebrity, whose thanks to the simultaneous launch of system of student evaluation, may soon expected, and all that is expected is demanded. Stu- Professor Annemarie Bean, writes lectures are highest ranked on iTunesu, Oxford’s and Cambridge’s podcasts on be felt closer to Trinity. dents and faculty force one another on their toes, and the result is an environment of constructive, if copious, criticism. One incident stands out as a good example: a Bat Mitzvah is a Jewish rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood. You didn’t know that? Fine. That’s Report calls Topshop targeted by students entirely understandable. Your lecturer for The Anthro- pology of Gender didn’t know that? To my dismay, I found that my use of the Bat Mitzvah as an example of a gender-specifi c rite of passage in a paper showed for fees hike me just that. Professor Barbara Bradby, Trinity’s Head Lecturer of the Sociology Department, wrote in her critique of By Hugh Taylor my essay: “If your main argument is that rites of pas- sage are general to women as well as men, then it is strange that you pick the example of the Jewish Bar STUDENTS AT better universities should pay higher fees, a Mitzvah! (mis-spelt, incidentally) [sic]” In the interest of recent report from the London School of Economics concluded. full disclosure, I should explain that Dr. Bradby offered Analysing two decades of former students’ salaries, the report to remark my paper when I brought the error to her found that students from leading universities would earn attention. I never followed up, due to the fact that I £35,207 more over their professional lives than students from had by then made the decision to transfer to Columbia lower-ranked universities, despite earning the same marks for University, and my Trinity marks would not affect my the same degree, and coming from similar family backgrounds. degree. The report reads: “Such evidence suggests that there is some What I wanted was not a new mark, what I wanted justice in requiring graduates to contribute to the cost of their was some degree of accountability. I wanted the university education, and in allowing different universities system to acknowledge and correct whatever error it to charge different fees.” With professors at top universities is that allows such gaps in knowledge to occur without commanding higher salaries, the report reasons, as well as comment. What I found was an apology for which I the higher average earning power that comes with a top name had no use. My feelings were not under attack, my university degree, students should have to pay more to get education was. Nor was it under attack by Dr. Bradby more. individually, but rather by Trinity’s slothful and tremu- The Telegraph reported last week that Lord Patten, Oxford lous bureaucracy as a whole, one that inhibits student Chancellor, “called for the “intolerable” £3,000-a-year cap on feedback and professorial accountability, and favours tuition fees to be lifted.” The cap will be reviewed next year brushing problems under the mat to facing them head- by the Government, who is battling with Oxbridge to equalize on. the number of state school entrants with that of public school It was not that one incident that caused me to leave entrants, a objective with Lord Patten called in the article “a Trinity. Nor did any perceived discrepancy in quality of fool’s mission”. He continued: “Can there be a middle-class academics. Comparing the two universities is akin to objection to higher fees? It is surely a mad world in which parents Students, members of People and Planet, demonstrate outside Topshop in Edinburgh. comparing apples to oranges. Like almost all students or grandparents are prepared to shell out tens of thousands of of Trinity College Dublin, I respect and revere the hon- pounds to put their children through private schools to get them By Kasia Mychajlowycz spokesperson for Aracdia- Topshop’s including student discounts and student ourable tradition and stellar academics of the College. into universities, and then object to them paying a tuition fee of International News Editor parent company- released a statement shopping nights. Here I am arguing, however, that the university would more than £3,000 when they are there.” reading: On its website, the activist group be infi nitely better served if a portion of students’ rev- TOPSHOP CANCELLED an event at “Due to the reaction against the cite an article from the Times which erie were released in the form of justifi ed indignation. TOP UNIVERISTY FEES the University of Edinburgh following a Topman activity that was at Edinburgh investigated Topshop’s supply factories in Trinity students, lecturers, and administrators are protest by student organization People University the week before Topshop Mauritius, and found that workers were quick to grumble. My complaint is that more people Harvard: $47,215 and Planet at their Princes St. store, activity was scheduled, we took advice promised fi ve times higher than what need to grumble into a loudspeaker, a blog, Trinity Princeton: $45,575 just after it reopened after months of from the university and through our they received, and had to pay hundreds News, fi ght the system and hold it accountable for its Stanford: $12,010 refurbishment and expansion. university contacts and decided we didn’t of pounds- equivalent to seven months insuffi cient status quo. Have you ever been patronised Oxford and Cambridge: £3,140 (excluding room and An account of the demonstration was want to put our staff in any danger by of their wages- to be given the position. in a lecture? Have you ever been assigned a book that board) posted on People and Planet’s central continuing with the T-shirt printing part Another report, this time from BBC Two’s was impossible to locate in the library, or even in Dub- website (the Edinburgh chapter’s website of the activity.” Newsnight programme, links Topman to lin? Have you ever received an essay that was hardly In the United States, where private universities are free to has not been updated since 2007). People and Planet’s news release forced child labour in Uzbekistan, the skimmed, and then tagged with a seemingly arbitrary set their fees, the fi nancial crisis has caused panic with parents Protesters entered the store and spoke on the protest claimed that, far from world’s second largest exporter of cotton, mark? Perhaps you have made an appointment to see who have invested in the market to save money for college to employees and shoppers alike about endangering Topshop staff, “some of the and home to an authoritarian regime a professor, only for him or her to fail to show up. Or tuitions that can exceed $40,000. Harvard University’s price Topshop’s ethical policy. “After being staff themselves expressed full support which closes all schools during the cotton maybe you have even been scolded in a lecture for of admission this year, including room and board (which is discovered one by one and led out by the for the campaign.” Member Fiona harvest and forces the students into the giving negative feedback on an instructor evaluation. I compulsory in most American universities for at least part of shop management,” the report reads, Ranford told the Student Newspaper: fi elds. know that many—if not all—of you harbour some un- your degree), is $47,215, despite the fact that Harvard has the “they made a ‘human banner’ outside “We have been nothing but peaceful in Topshop has replied to these allegations derlying discontent. You have been disappointed and world’s largest university endowment. Many of the State’s most the shop saying “Get With The Trend, our approach to challenging Topshop’s by stating through a spokesperson: “We fi xing the problem didn’t seem possible, or “worth it.” expensive universities do operate on a needs-blind admissions Join The Ethical Trading Initiative” and supply chain practices.” The national make it clear at the beginning of our My plans to study and practice Law in the United policy, meaning that there is no cap on how many students who spoke to members of the public about the organization, which maintains chapters relationship with a supplier that we will States came heavily into play in my decision to transfer. qualify for subsidized fees in each year. Over 50% of Princeton issue.” in several universities in the UK, has not work with any factory that employs Trinity is a position to forge an enviable education, and University’s Class of 2011 received some form of fi nancial aid. People and Planet members also focused on Topshop in its “Redress child labour. We believe every worker Dublin is possibly the greatest city on earth. This letter Despite the gap in fees in the two nation’s top universities, defaced- or “subvertised” according to Fashion” campaign, which aims at has the right to join a trade union, we is not about Bat Mitzvahs or Bar Mitzvahs. This is cer- America’s Ivy League and Britain’s Oxbridge continually battle their website- a Topshop ad campaign on committing the company to its Ethical support the principle of a living wage and tainly not about Dr. Bradby. This is about you and your for fi rst place in university rankings lists, with little evidence campus with chalk. Trade Initiative. Topshop was chosen as with regards to the environment we have education. This is a plea to you to stand up and seize that either system defi nitively produces better students. As reported by Lee Bruce of the a primary target of the campaign because made signifi cant progress on a number of the education you deserve! Students: complain! university’s Student Newspaper, a of its heavy marketing towards students, fronts”. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8 NATIONAL NEWS October 14, 2008 UCC launches new PhD programme in cancer biology

By Kate O’Regan €18,000 per annum for four years plus in the following areas: key genes and cancer research and treatment in recent scientifi c priority. Since US President registration fees (at EU level). CANCER TODAY proteins associated with the genesis and years, the programme will also educate Nixon’s 1971 declaration of a “War on The new Cancer Biology programme progression of cancer; signalling systems, the PhD scholar in the approaches to Cancer,” over $200 billion has been RD OCTOBER 3 saw the inauguration of a in UCC has been designed to incorporate • The three most common cell interactions and tissue remodelling in screening, diagnosis, treatment and injected into cancer research. This type new PhD programme in Cancer Biology a broad fi eld of research. The programme cancers in Ireland are prostate, cancer; and novel therapeutic strategies management of different cancers that of research is multi-disciplinary, involving in University College Cork, the fi rst of will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, lung and bronchus and breast using clinically relevant models of have led to major increases in survival genetic, diet and environmental factors. its kind in the Republic. The programme including investigators from the College • Each year over 19,000 new tumour growth and spread. The fi rst year rates. Of the latter, tobacco has arguably rd was launched on Friday October 3 with of Science, Engineering and Food Science cancer cases develop and there is structured to include taught elements, Cancer has long been considered attracted the most attention. Tobacco a mini-symposium featuring addresses by and the College of Medicine and Health. are over 11,000 cancer deaths general scientifi c training and specifi c one of the world’s major health issues. smoke contains over 50 known three distinguished academics in the fi eld The primary aims of the PhD Scholars’ • The Eastern seaboard has a training in the biological and clinical It is a class of diseases in which a group carcinogens. Carcinogens are mutagens of cancer research. The keynote address Programme is to train the scholar in high rate of colorectal cancer, aspects of cancer. of cells display uncontrolled growth (substances that cause DNA mutations) was given by Prof Scott Lowe, deputy research methods and practices, through and the incidence in men is 1.5 In addition, each student will (division beyond the normal limits), that cause cancer. Ninety percent of director of the Cancer Centre at Cold high-quality research projects which times higher than in women. complete three laboratory rotations, and invasion (intrusion on and destruction lung cancers are associated with tobacco Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York. are considered to be at the forefront of • Between 1994 and 2000, the subsequently choose a project and mentor, of adjacent tissues), and sometimes smoking. Lung cancer death rates have The new course is the fi rst dedicated international research. incidence of prostate cancer under whose guidance they will conduct metastasis (spread to other parts of the mirrored smoking patterns. PhD-training programme in Cancer The programme hopes to train increased by 33% research for their thesis. Throughout body via lymph or blood). Most cancers However, the ‘tobacco epidemic’ Biology in the Republic. It is one of four eighteen scholars in Cancer Biology • For men, lung cancer is the the programme there will be research form a tumour, but some like leukaemia continues, with numbers of smokers structured-PhD programmes in Ireland over the next seven years. The fi rst fi ve leading cause of cancer-related seminars with international speakers (cancer of the blood or bone marrow) do worldwide increasing, despite the funded by the Health Research Board in of these scholars begin their training death and advanced training workshops. As not. It causes about 13% of all deaths, efforts of anti-smoking activists around 2007. Students will receive a stipend of this month. Scholars will be trained signifi cant advances have been made in and research into it is consequently a top the world.

Students march on Cork protesting SPECIAL REPORT reintroduction of fees

THOUSANDS OF students from the nine third-level institutions across Munster marched in Cork city on Thursday Eyre Square march a washout October 10th in opposition to Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe’s proposals to re-introduce fees. The demonstration began at Cork Kevin O’Connor, editor of NUIG stu- Institute of Technology in Bishopstown. From there, it extended noisily along dent newspaper, SIN, describes the College Road past UCC, then along the quays and up through Patrick Street to student protest against the re-intro- fi nish up on the Grand Parade. Students blew whistles, banged drums and chanted duction of fees which took place in slogans such as, “No way, we won’t pay!” Placards bore the mottos, “No to Eyre Square on October 2nd Batty policies” and “Batman is Robin Students.” By Kevin O’Connor Shane Kelly, president of the Union of Editor, SIN NUIG Students of Ireland, riled up the crowd saying the Minister thought students had MANY STUDENTS who gathered outside the College Bar on a spare €8,000 to pay for fees. Thursday, October 2nd, were disappointed when one of the UCC SU president Cal Dioliún said heaviest rainfalls Galway has seen since last January began to “We have demonstrated today that the fall. However, the mood was not dampened by the weather, students of Munster are a force to be with around a thousand students, veteran protestors and reckoned with. We are not going to take first years alike, looking forward to a demonstration of a size the reintroduction of fees lying down. unprecedented since the protests against the 2003 Iraq war Over the coming months, we have to keep protest or the registration fee hike. It is estimated that between the momentum going and, if there are any eight hundred and twelve hundred NUIG students massed in more protests, to join them,” he said. and around Áras na Mac Léinn in preparation for the march into - Una Geary Eyre Square where they were met by the same number again of GMIT students. The crowd was warmed up and organised by Students’ Union representatives handing out free t-shirts saying “No to fees” and placards bearing slogans such as “Batt O’Keeffe CIT SU President is = Education thief” and “Education is a right, not a privelage (sic). Many students also brought along their own home-made The scene at GMIT last Monday. Photo: Darragh Canning fi ned €400 for public placards for the occasion, including the obligatory “Down with this sort of thing” and “Careful now” and more militant slogans Kelly continued, “Today we send a very strong message to the crowd which lasted for almost a solid minute before being urination in pub such as “Resign Minister O’Keeffe” and “Fuck Fees.” the government, we tell them that they will not pickpocket us. calmed by the senator. “Listen please, this is important, his At 1:30pm, the crowd began their march from the College Students of Galway will stand with students of Dublin, Cork, claim is false, this plan is the thin edge of the wedge. We know AINDREAS DOYLE, president of Carlow Bar, in a single column walking along the path, herded by Union Athlone and everywhere.” Cheers erupted for every location from experience that if the floodgates of fees are opened, that IT Students’ Union, was brought before representatives in high visibility vests chanting slogans into mentioned, Kelly was interrupted by chants of “N-U-I-G, we this will only be the beginning. It will be middle income families Carlow District Court last week under megaphones. The GMIT and NUIG marches were well timed, won’t pay no fucking fees” until the crowd was hushed by the that will be targeted if fees come in. We have to say no to fees Section 6 of the Public Order Act. ensuring that the two masses met at almost exactly the same speaker who was gradually overcoming the struggle against the because this country needs an educated workforce.” In a display Inspector Gerry Cooney testifi ed that moment in front of the fountain in Eyre Square where a radio rain, coming down more heavily than ever. of appreciation for the senator on her ending note, there was an Mr. Doyle had urinated on the fl oor of microphone and a PA system were already set up in preparation “We will, today, with one voice, send a message to the eruption of applause that she has surely seldom heard outside a Leverett and Frye on Dublin Street on 11 for the speeches, the main focus of the demonstration. Minister – he can find his money somewhere else because we Fine Gael rally, with the whistles and drums starting up again, July 2008. The torrential rain only got heavier and heavier, meaning don’t have any. He won’t find the money in your pocket or mine. amplifying the cheers and applause. Mr. Doyle, former captain of the that plastic bags had to be placed over the speakers. The rain The only question is this: are we going to stand together and Green Party City Councillor Niall O’Brolcháin said on behalf Carlow Senior Men’s Football team, is a did not affect the numbers among the crowd however, with fight on?” This was followed again by uproars of mixed chants of his party, “I just want to say one thing, the Greens are graduate of Communications and Public some estimates from the Students’ Unions placing the numbers and slogans from the crowd. “This is a proud day for students. in the Government at the moment, and I can tell you for sure Relations. at up to three thousand protestors. However, the Irish Times We’re here to tell the minister that it’s not our fault that he that we do not support the reintroduction of fees.” O’Brolcháin His solicitor, Brendan O’Flaherty, said offered a more conservative estimate of two thousand, with the misspent his money, that it’s not our fault that some presidents continued after the crowd died down, “[the Green party] supports his client pleaded guilty to the offence and lowest estimate of “no more than three hundred” from a garda of Universities have butlers – they can pick up their own socks students, we need a vibrant economy and it’s an investment in that drink played a factor in the incident. who watched the protest from inside his van, one of the three and save a few quid. Let the message go forth that we as students education, not a taxing of it that is required.” He added, “The Mr Doyle admitted that he “had had a few police vehicles which maintained a subtle presence throughout will not be scapegoats and will not be bullied.” Greens represent a very academic, intellectual constituency, shorts that didn’t suit him at all.” the protest in case of trouble. Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames was on hand to accept the so we would like to make it clear that we are doing everything “It has had serious consequences However, the protest passed without even a hint of riotous microphone from Kelly to keep up the momentum which was possible to look after their needs. I was delighted to see so many for him,” Mr O’Flaherty said. ‘He has behaviour. Many students danced and chanted to the sounds of building among the crowd. “These are strange times,” began students coming out today, especially considering the weather. treated this very seriously. The following bongo drums and whistles, creating a carnival-type atmosphere Healy-Eames, the Fine Gael spokesperson for education. “We We need to be investing further in education, not against it. I day he was down and apologised for as the protestors kept themselves warm while waiting for the are here to stand in solidarity with you. As you know, we were hope the students keep up the fight because it is an important his behaviour.’ He added that his client sound system to be turned on. part of the government that abolished fees in the mid-nineties. issue.” was “ashamed and embarrassed” by his The President of the Union of Students of Ireland, Shane Since then, thousands of low income families can afford to After the protest, NUIG Students’ Union President act, which has made front page news in Kelly, set the tone for the event, by joining in with the rhyming finally send their kids to college, around twenty five per cent Muireann O’Dwyer was quoted as saying “A very strong local papers, and was conscious that it chants started by the GMIT students; “G-M-I-T, we won’t pay no more students were enabled to go to college because of the message was sent by the protest, to have so many was a black mark on his student union fucking fees!” before pleading for calm and beginning his speech; abolition of fees. students march through monsoon-like rains credentials. “We have experienced the biggest period of money wasting in She continued, “I am very concerned about the waste of and then to stand in the cold in Eyre Square to At the mid-September sitting of our education system ever, and Batt O’Keefe wants to tell you public money by this government; I hope your future isn’t at display their opposition to fees was a great sight to see. Carlow District Court, the initial charge that you have to pay fees because he misspent all his money. He risk. We are calling the seven heads of the universities in Ireland The whole crowd seemed to agree that it was just plain of urinating in public was struck out. wants to make you and your brothers and sisters scapegoats for before the education committee next Thursday to ask them to unreasonable to ask students to pay However, Judge William Harnett the way they have wasted money,” which resulted in bouts of account for their spending. Minister Batt O’Keeffe has said that even more for third level. Hopefully the convicted Mr Doyle on charges of spontaneous applause and cheers from the assembled crowd, his plan will only target higher earners…” the mention of the Minister will take heed of their worries, and we can soon see an “insulting behaviour” and fined him now huddled together for warmth facing the fountain. Minister’s name brought forth a tirade of booing and scorn from end to this hair-brained notion.” €400. - Una Geary Facebook to move international headquarters to Dublin

By Kate O’Regan networking site in the world. In less than have also chosen to base their operations that the world’s most successful online billions of dollars. An innovative company fi ve years, Facebook has seen its friend in Dublin. According to Facebook Chief FACE THE FACTS social networking site will attract a like Facebook can also be a dream job for list grow to over one hundred million, Operating Offi cer Sheryl Sandberg, one young and dynamic workforce. In the gifted computer engineers and product FACEBOOK HAS updated its status. making it the fourth most-trafficked of the main attractions of Dublin was the • Membership was originally US, where Facebook’s headquarters are designers. According to “Boz,” a current By the end of 2008 the international website in the world. It is a privately held top-class services and workforce available restricted to students of currently located, they have initiated a software engineer featured on the sites headquarters of the world’s largest online company, currently based in Palo Alto, in the area, “The talent pool in Dublin is Harvard University. It was recruitment drive targeting university jobs page, there is no limit to the new social networking site will have relocated California. world-class and recruiting local talent subsequently expanded to students. The company claims to offer inventions and ideas permitted, “Your to Dublin. The news was announced on will help us better understand the needs other Boston area schools, benefits and opportunities for career role is limited only by your energy, not by nd October 2 by Tánaiste and Minister Mark Zuckerberg of local users and the regional dynamics Stanford, and all Ivy League development along with the swiftly your title or your seniority. If you want to for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, founded that, in turn, can give us better insight schools within two months expanding company. They search for the create a new product, it is yours to build.” Mary Coughlan TD. Facebook in into what features matter most.” • On August 23, 2005, most talented and innovative students For those who want to play a role in the Ireland will now be the centre of Harvard in 2004. At present Facebook employs more Aboutface Corporation sold the and graduates for full-time jobs and development of the fourth most traffi cked Facebook’s international operations Forbes calls him than six hundred people, with up to domain name facebook.com to internships. website in the world, the opportunity in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “the youngest seventy jobs earmarked for the Dublin Facebook for $200,000 In this rapidly advancing software is only a click away. Facebook invites Ms. Coughlan praised the decision billionaire ever” site. Jobs in the legal counsel area are • The name of the site refers to industry, other companies such as budding computer engineers to try one of of Facebook directors to base their already being advertised on the Facebook the paper facebooks depicting Yahoo! and Google have had their their ‘puzzles’ found on the jobs webpage international services here, “As a growing According to Barry O’Leary, CEO of jobs page, as well as vacancies in sales members of the campus pick of the most outstanding students in order prove their worth and attract the global economy, this is an exciting IDA Ireland, it is a welcome endorsement operations and human resources. The community which US colleges of the computer generation. The attention of the company bosses. investment for our country to host the of the substantial benefits Ireland decision comes at a time when Irish and preparatory schools give unprecedented popularity of Facebook No information has been released leader in social networking.” provides to multinational companies industry and employment is in disarray to incoming students, faculty, can be compared to that of other Silicon yet as to the exact location of the The meteoric rise of Facebook since its located here. The move was infl uenced following the global stock market crisis. and staff. Valley successes such as Microsoft. The headquarters, but Facebook will have foundation in February 2004, by Harvard by the availability of a highly skilled local As of last week, Facebook were not • Facebook has over 500 pioneering employees of this computer- a ready network of friends with other student Mark Zuckerberg, has seen it workforce, and follows other successful forthcoming as to where they will be employees worldwide. age phenomenon enjoyed stakes in a leading online companies such as Google establish itself as the premier social online companies such as Google, who sourcing their employees, but it is likely company whose value has multiplied to and Yahoo! based in the city centre. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 SOCIETIES 9

EVENTS GUIDE Funny business at What’s on this DU Comedy Soc coming fortnight

October 14 October 20 song lyrics or screenplay or whatever else you can think of. And if you Comedy Society: Roller Disco in Theological Society: Three guest don’t fancy standing up and reading, association with SU Ents. It’ll be on speakers on the theme of ‘Women, you can just sit down, have a drink in Dandelion in Stephen’s Green Gender and Theology.’ Prof Linda and listen to fellow students reading. from 10pm and tickets are available Hogan, of the Irish School of 20:00 Chaplin’s Pub. for €8 from the SU Shop and DU Ecumenics, will be presenting on Comedy stands in the Arts Block and Feminist Theology, while Dr Mary Comedy Society: Jarlath Regan and Hamilton. Condren, from the Institute of Karl Spain live Women and Religion (and our own Jazz Society: Jazz improvisation Centre for Womens’ and Gender Philosophical society: Capitalism and theory lessons with established Studies) will present on the theme debate professional saxophonist Nick Roth, of goddesses. Finally Prof Brendan geared towards musicians who Leahy, Professor of Systematic October 24 – 27 can play their instrument (ie not Theology at St Patrick’s College just starting out) but are new or Maynooth, will give an insight on Jazz Society: Cork International PJ Gallagher performing live on the Sunday before Freshers’ Week in Trinity Hall. Photo: Eoin O Braoin relatively new to the world of Jazz. women in the Roman Catholic Jazz festival. Tickets secured to the These lessons are free for members tradition with reference to the future headlining gig to see Jazz superstars By Robert Kearns DU Comedy run an event every evening, three issues of it over this academic year. and will take place every Tuesday of state of women in the church. After Chick Corea and John McLaughlin Chair, DU Comedy Society including two free gigs (one featuring The magazine sets out to be the high Michaelmas Term, 6.30pm-8pm. the three short papers an informal playing together. Also included are PJ Gallagher, Aidan Bishop and the quality satirical magazine which Trinity discussion will be held amongst three nights accommodation in a THE STORY of the past eighteen months other featuring a host of top student students have always deserved but never October 16 attendees. 19:30, GMB hostel, transport and a tickets to a in the history of DU Comedy Society is comedians), Trinity’s fi rst Rock, Paper, received. The target launch date of the gig on Saturday night as well, all for one which has been reported in both this Scissors Championship, a sell-out gig fi rst issue is November 12th which means Literary Society: Donegal poet October 21 €95. Places are limited and issued paper and its local rival before, so it’s not with If.Comedy Award winner David that students who are interested in taking Matthew Sweeney will be reading his on a fi rst come fi rst served basis. worth dwelling on here. But, as a short O’Doherty and the biggest event of the part should get in touch now. We need work, talking about his career and History Society: . William Doyle from We will be taking deposits in the synopsis, jump back to April of 2007 as week – the O2 Headphone Disco. The designers, illustrators and writers and answering questions. 19:00 Room the University of Bristol, a specialist Arts block this week and next on three friends who have met through the 700 sign-ups of Freshers’ Week 2007 we’d encourage anyone with any interest 2041B in 18th century Europe, will be giving Wednesday and Thursday from 12 Students’ Union share a pint in a city were more than trebled to just over 2,500 to get in touch. You can fi nd out more by a lecture on ‘Napoleon, Women, and till 4. bar and discuss the events of the past and the current buzz around the society is e-mailing goldfi [email protected]. Afro-Carribbean Society: Afrocarib the French Revolution’. year. One of them is soon-to-be Comedy greater than anyone who took part in that Another big aim of ours this year is Flava 08 in 4 Dame Lane. October 29 Soc chair Eoin O Braoin, who shares corridor AGM could have ever imagined. to give our members a start in comedy, October 22 his plan to revive the society, which had The work now begins to take the through classes in comedy writing, Philosophical Society: Creationism Photography association: Class: been mostly inactive for the previous ten success of Freshers’ Week and build on stand-up and improv. We’ve managed to debate with reception to follow. Photography association: Camera handling. This class will years. it to bring a great year of activity to our attract some of the best teachers around 7.30, GMB. Introduction Lecture. Learn about explain the basics of camera His two colleagues divvy up the roles members. Already on the agenda are who have agreed to get involved and the our forthcoming events, our facilities handling, the anatomy of a camera of secretary and treasurer and they more huge gigs and some unique nights classes will begin during this term. Jazz Society: Every Thursday and discounts available to members. and its basic commands: aperture, set about recruiting a committee that out. Topping this all off, we’ll be running evening at 7.30-9 we hold our weekly 19:30 – 20:30 A5052, Arts Building shutter speed and focus. The can best develop the society. Just over In the immediate future, we have a a ‘King of Comedy’ competition to fi nd a Open Jam session in our Goldsmith concept of depth of fi eld will be a month later, they hold an AGM in a Roller Disco on Tuesday 14th October new comic talent in our midst and a ‘Best Hall rehearsal room/studio/jazz lair. October 23 briefl y introduced. Botany Bay corridor and start planning in Dandelion, at Stephen’s Green, an Comic Short’ competition, in association This is for musicians of all shapes what they hope to be a new life for the event which you probably won’t see the with DU Filmmakers. We will also be and sizes to come down and have Literary Society: Boob club - “Lucky November 5 society. Over 1,000 sign-ups, six huge like of again in your time in college. The hoping to build a strong community a tinkle, twang or toot and we try Jim” by Kingsley Amis. (The book gigs, one rather humourous magazine following week, on Wednesday 22nd, we within the society which can carry it to and get musicians with similar club meets once monthly, and the Photography association: Class: and some pretty wacky improv classes host one of the elder statesmen of Irish bigger and better things in future years. musical interests to form bands to Literary Society subsidise the cost Digital camera handling. This class follow in the coming year, which places comedy, Karl Spain, as he performs in a As you read this, the Comedy Soc fi ll our showcase bills. Very relaxed of each book for its members) 19:00 will explain the basics of digital the society as one of the bigger players on double-header with Jarlath Regan, a new committee is working on new ideas for atmosphere, welcoming to nervous House 6 Room 32 cameras including their anatomy and the College scene. comic star on the rise. In later gigs, we’ll how we can make your sides split with joy musicians (you don’t have to play if basic commands. The most common Fast forward to Freshers’ Week of be bringing in ‘Father Ted’ star Ardal and you can expect to hear much more you don’t want to). Literary Society: Open Readings are commands found in a digital point this year and the society, off the back of O’Hanlon and ‘The Panel’ mainstay over the coming months. For information a chance for you to come along and and shoot camera will be explained the deliverance of the previous year’s Andrew Maxwell, who sold out his Trinity on what we’re getting up to next, keep read some of your own work. Or and linked to the concepts of the committee, fi nds itself in much stronger gig in just 24 hours last year. your eye on www.ducomedy.com or come perhaps your favourite poem, story, camera handling class. stead to recruit members and to put on After the success of our magazine to one of our stands over the next few top quality events. Freshers’ Week saw ‘Goldfi sh’ last year, we’ll be producing weeks and join up. W is for Writer. Be one.

www.trinitynews.ie/index.php/about-tn TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10 FEATURE October 14, 2008

POLITICS CAPTAIN BOYCOTT

COCA-COLA HAS been offi cially off the menu at Manchester’s student union since March 2007. There’s no Pepsi at Cardiff, and Intimidation no Kit Kits in many places. What else has been boycotted, and why?

• Eminem – In 2001 Sheffi eld banned Eminem from the university radio station, and murder in citing his “misogynistic and homophobic lyrics” • Nestlé – Currently boycotted by 73 university Students’ Unions as a result of their aggressive marketing of powdered milk to mothers in Coca-Cola’s developing countries. • Bacardi – Sheffi eld banned Bacardi from its Student Union bar in 2001 in protest at the company’s support of the US embargo on Cuba • FHM – The magazine was Colombian banned by most of the Students’ Unions in Britain after it featured an article detailing how to commit suicide at university, and giving details of fi ve recent suicides factories • Pepsi – Cardiff University banned Pepsi in 1996 after it In an extract from his new book, activist Mark Thomas tells emerged that Pepsi operated in Burma. The boycott was of the dangers encountered by trade unionists in Colombia. lifted when Pepsi withdrew from the country.

DOWNTOWN BOGOTÁ may proclaim brother, Enrique. In the mornings, Enrique itself a modern city with skyscrapers travelled to work on the back of a friend’s and a financial centre, but the world of motorbike. Three men emerged from the COLOMBIA IN A NUT international commerce seems far away as side of the road and aimed guns at the bike, we pass old men selling cigarettes from trays forcing it to stop. Enrique was dragged off • Colombia has the 2nd largest and cramped shops with their stock spilling into the bushes. population of internally out on to the pavement. In minutes we move When Giraldo got to work, everyone was displaced persons in the from the morning havoc of the back streets talking about the kidnapping; soon, anxious world. into Teusaquillo, where the roads are slightly speculation turned to mourning. Another man • The Colombian government wider and the craters fewer. The well-to-do arriving had seen Enrique’s body dumped at maintains that there are no used to live here, but they moved on long the side of the road. longer paramilitary forces ago, leaving it to human rights lawyers, civic The Colombian paramilitary groups were operating in the country. groups and non-government organisations. spawned in the confl ict between the state However, the UN High We stop at a house with a low brick wall. and revolutionary guerillas. In 1982, offi cers Commissioner for Human The graffi ti that used to read “Death to under General Landazábal, the defence Rights in Colombia claims trade unionists!” has been painted over. Now minister, worked with multinationals and that paramilitary commanders there is nothing to announce that this ordinary cattle ranchers to organise and fund “defence continue to engage in house is home to Sinaltrainal (Sindicato groups”. Ostensibly they were to fi ght leftwing recruitment of troops and Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria insurgent groups, but increasingly the paras, criminal activity. de Alimentos — the National Union of Food as they are known, became entwined with • The National Labour School, a Industry Workers). This is the biggest trade the drug cartels and the army. They formed Colombian rights organisation union in the “Coca-Cola system” in Colombia, death squads, attacking and killing anyone has recorded over 2,500 representing more than half the organised considered to support the leftwing guerillas killings of trades unionists Coke workers — although after more than — basically anyone working in human rights since 1986 a decade of attacks and intimidations, the or trade unions. It is a common refrain among • In 2006 72 trades unionists membership is nothing like as big as it once the establishment and security forces that the were reported to have been was. Current membership in the Coca-Cola guerillas and trade unionists are one and the killed by paramilitary groups plants is down to 350. same. • The FARC and ELN guerilla This building is where we meet two men, Carlos Castaño, leader of the paras, claimed groups continue to engage Giraldo and Manco. They arrive on different that 70% of his organisation’s funding came in abuses against the civilian days and give their testimonies separately, but from the cocaine industry. But he was also population, including kidnap they tell the same story. Campaign posters in an ardent supporter of neo-liberal economic Downtown • The FARC engage the room where we talk demand boycotts policies and of multinational investment in Bogotá. in widespread use of and justice; the images are of handguns Colombia — so why shouldn’t national and Photo: antipersonnel mines, resulting painted in the company colours of red and international companies support them? In Juan Fe- in many civilian deaths. white. Pictures of dead trade unionists are a newspaper interview, Castaño maintained lipe Rubio everywhere. Giraldo and Manco knew these there was always a reason for the paras’ men, they were friends and relatives, and attacks. “Trade unionists, for example. They workers at the Carepa plant with no effective The remaining fi ve shots were fi red out of Diablo burst into the police station begging now they speak of how they died. stop the people from working. That’s why we union. So they began meeting in secret. “We spite or bravado. Another Coca-Cola union for protection and sanctuary. Oscar Alberto Giraldo Arango is 42, but kill them.” agreed to set up a new underground union,” leader had been disposed of. The police all but shrugged: “What can he carries a few more years on his shoulders. The International Trade Union Giraldo says. The president was Luis Hernán The two paras who killed him had arrived we do?” But they did escort El Diablo home, Colombia is the most dangerous place in Confederation (ITUC) puts the conviction Manco Monroy (Manco), whom I was to meet by motorbike and gone to the security hut by waited while his family packed and then the world for trade unionists — since 1986, rate of trade union murderers at 1%. Certainly in Bogotá a few days later. the main gates, where Isidro was working. drove them to the airport. The family went 2,500 of them have been killed. “To be a President Uribe has shown little inclination As president of the newly formed union Manco was working on a machine nearby. fi rst to Bogotá and then on to the US, where trade unionist in Colombia is to walk with a to rectify this situation. “There are no leadership, Manco helped draw up a proposed The manager had disappeared and was El Diablo lives today. gravestone on your back,” the two men told assassinations of workers in Colombia,” he collective agreement, and the union came out nowhere to be found. “The production line The morning had seen the murder of Isidro me the fi rst time we met — and they looked has stated, adding that there are “rotten into the open. “We informed Coca-Cola that stopped,” Manco said, “but we stayed there Gil, the afternoon the attempted abduction of as weary as if they had physically borne their apples” in the trade union movement. we had new leadership, so we started having in the afternoon because we were too scared El Diablo. That night, Sinaltrainal’s offi ces in stone. Giraldo has lived with the story of his meetings with the -management at the Coca- to leave... Not working, just waiting there.” Carepa were fi rebombed and burned to the Giraldo was raised in Carepa, Urabá, in brother’s murder for 14 years. No one has Cola plant.” Another trade union organiser, Adolfo ground. the north-west of the Colombian countryside been charged with Enrique’s murder. “There The manager at the time, they allege, Luis Cardona, nicknamed El Diablo, a local Manco had gone into hiding, but the near the Panama border. He started work for wasn’t very much of an investigation,” he knew and socialised with the paramilitaries. footballer of some renown, had also seen following day the para leader, Cepillo, sent Coca-Cola in 1984, at the Bebidas y Alimentos says. Almost a year to the day later, another On one occasion, Manco said, the manager sat Isidro killed. While his friends and workmates out messages that he wanted to talk. Manco de Urabá (Drinks & Foods of Urabá) Sinaltrainal leader working at the Coca-Cola drinking with the local commanders outside waited in the plant, he went to Carepa. The agreed. The meeting was held at an ice-cream bottling plant. When he told his friends, they plant in Carepa was killed. His name was the plant. “There was a meeting with Cepillo paras spotted him and called out that the local shop in Carepa. Two other union men arrived congratulated him for landing such a good Enrique Gómez Granado, and on April 23 and Caliche [the commanders] at the kiosk — para commander Cepillo wanted to see him — with Manco to fi nd Cepillo — a chubby man, job. And it was, too. The union had done 1995 he was shot on his doorstep in front of they were drinking with the plant manager, “Come, nothing will happen,” they said. “Get aged about 25 — at a table with a group of well for the men, securing bonuses, overtime his wife and children. and he said that if he wanted to end the union, in the lorry, we will drive you there.” El Diablo paras. “Cepillo said they had killed Isidro, and and health benefi ts. But this was not to last. When the surviving union leaders were it would be very easy.” Giraldo says they were made a fateful decision. He ran. He took off burned down the head-quarters. And they Graffi ti announced the paramilitaries’ arrival threatened and intimidated, it became not overly concerned at the time: “We didn’t down the village street, screaming, “Van a said the union was over, that the union was in Carepa in 1994: “We are here!” Shortly blindingly obvious that there was a campaign know how bad it would get.” They were soon matar a mí!” — they are going to kill me. He the guerrillas,” Manco said. The paras issued after the graffi ti appeared, so did the bodies. against the union at the Coca-Cola plant. to fi nd out. December 6 1996 was Carepa’s ran towards the police station four blocks their orders. At 9am the following morning, The first Coca-Cola worker and trade These men were followed as they left work, darkest day. away. Behind him, the paras gave chase, one all Sinaltrainal members were assembled at unionist in Carepa to be assassinated was José cards were delivered to their homes saying, on motorbike, the rest on foot. They were the Coca-Cola bottling plant. There the paras Eleazar Manco, in April 1994. The second was “Go now or face death!” The union leadership The body of Isidro Gil lay inside the plant. hunting him down in broad daylight. None made them sign letters resigning from the killed days later on April 20. He was Giraldo’s fled to Bogotá en masse, which left the The fi rst bullet had hit him between the eyes. of the onlookers in the street did anything. El union. The letters were apparently prepared by a man who worked for the company. The union in Carepa was smashed. The leadership was in hiding, exiled or dead. The members, cowed by guns, threats and intimidation, had signed away their rights. Meanwhile, the managers of the plant introduced a pay cut — according to Sinaltrainal, the wages dropped from between $380 to $450 a month for experienced workers to $130 a month: Colombia’s minimum wage. When asked about this drop, Coca-Cola failed to respond. In Bogotá, Manco and Giraldo tell how they lived for six months in the union offi ce — there was nowhere else for them to go. Eventually, Giraldo’s family came to join him in Bogotá and he moved out. He has not had a full-time job since. “I haven’t been able to earn much. I have just been doing odd jobs with three or four-month contracts... Sometimes days go by here where we have no food.” Manco says it’s horrible being forced to remain in Bogotá. “I lost my house, my family, everything.” His family stayed in Carepa.

“Serious charges demand a serious response,” said the Coca-Cola company CEO Neville Isdell, referring to allegations of abuse by the company’s Colombian bottlers. According to Sinaltrainal, the murders at the TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 FEATURE 11

Carepa plant were part of a countrywide the politics of a Queens Democrat, a campaign against the union. They claim: combination of liberalism on issues such as seven trade unionists have been killed immigration mixed with a strong populist by paramilitaries, the bottlers have streak. He has been a persistent critic of links with the paras, and the bottlers are the Coca-Cola Company since 2004. He accused of union-busting, intimidation worked with New York City’s pension fund and -harassment of workers. on how they might use their stockholding What was the Coca-Cola Company’s in Coke to infl uence the company, tabling response? Its website displays the only critical resolutions at shareholders’ public audit by the Coca-Cola Company meetings. He has spoken out against the into their bottlers in Colombia. This was company on US campuses, with students conducted in spring 2005, more than subsequently -boycotting Coke. eight years after Isidro Gil was shot dead. The councilman was introduced to Intriguingly, the audit conducted by Sinaltrainal’s officials in New York in the Cal Safety Compliance Corporation 2003 and found their tale compelling focuses on compliance issues: the report enough to help organise a delegation to notes several health and safety breaches, Colombia in 2004. “I wanted to know including the absence of a protective guard more.” he said. “At the very least it on a syrup container at one plant, the seemed to me there had to be some truth incorrect number of fi re extinguishers at in what the workers were telling me. two plants, and incorrect documentation That labour reps and workers were being for an employee at one plant. killed.” While planning for the delegation, I am happy to report that the Monserrate decided he ought to invite the appropriate remedial action has been Coca-Cola Company along, too. “We have taken to comply with health and safety to have some fairness. They could have regulations. Coca-Cola’s take on the Cal been a partner in this delegation. They Safety report is that it “confi rmed that refused.” workers in such plants enjoy...collective Monserrate’s 2004 report found a lack bargaining rights and a work atmosphere of action by the Coca-Cola Company and free of anti-union intimidation”. the bottlers, and an alarming laissez-faire From the outset, the company’s attitude. Although the delegation was Atlanta headquarters denied “any denied access to Coke’s bottling plants, bottlers; and in 2003 they initiated a call Sinaltrainal lawyers submitted an If the company was offering money, Meeting in Ed- connection to any human-rights Juan Manuel Alvarez and Juan Carlos for an international boycott of Coca-Cola appeal on both rulings on March 31 2008, what were the conditions attached to inburgh with the violations” and distanced itself from Dominguez, representatives of Coca-Cola products. and a result is expected by the lawyers in it? I spoke to Ed Potter, the Coca-Cola Colombia Soli- the bottlers saying, “The Coca-Cola Femsa (a huge bottling company operating The bottlers retaliated by taking the 2009. If successful, it means the case can Company’s global workplace rights darity Campaign Company does not own or operate any in several central and south American union to court, claiming that in bringing be heard and Sinaltrainal will have its day director, a man with intimate knowledge in 2005 with Juan bottling plants in Colombia.” This is the countries, including Colombia) did meet the US lawsuit the union had libelled and in court in the US with both the Coca-Cola of these negotiations. I said to him that the Carlos Galvis standard use of the “Coca-Cola system”, them. The delegation asked what they defamed them. The bottlers even went Company and their bottlers. company had history in this department: from Colombian operating as an entity but claiming no had done to investigate the allegations after 500m pesos in damages. In 2004, the “Financial settlements are reached, but union Sinaltrainal legal lines of accountability to the Coca- of ties between plant managers and case was dismissed as being without merit. Across the world, the Coca-Cola part of that fi nancial settlement is that (2nd from left). Cola Company. Coca-Cola does not own paramilitaries. At fi rst “these allegations According to Coca-Cola, over the years boycott met with mixed results. In you don’t criticise us again, you shut up, the bottling plants; the bottlers operate were vigorously denied”, the report states, the Coca-Cola bottlers have frequently Ireland, Trinity College and University in you go away.” Ed Potter replied, “All I under a franchise. But the case here is but it continues, “Alvarez and Dominguez and publicly denounced violence against Dublin voted to “Kick Coke off Campus” will say, as a general matter, is we’ve had similar to that of Gap and Nike in the 90s. acknowledged that Coke officials had union members. and refused to stock its products in several different resolutions... You’ve In these particular instances, the clothes never undertaken any internal or external Sinaltrainal’s lawsuit has had mixed student-run facilities, as did New York described one of them.” giants had outsourced their production investigations into these assertions, nor fortunes. It began in July 2001 when the University and Michigan University in the Sinaltrainal did not use the words to factories in the developing world that into any of the hundreds of human rights United Steelworkers of America union US. They were joined in the UK by Sussex, “fruitful and informative” to describe the operated sweatshop conditions. It was violations suffered by the company’s and the International Labor Rights Fund Manchester and Middlesex universities, talks. “We were in a process that lasted not Nike or Gap that forced the workers workers.” fi led an Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA) and London’s School of Oriental and almost a year and a half, where we talk to do long hours for poor pay, it was the Monserrate leans forward: “Isidro Gil suit on behalf of Sinaltrainal in the US African Studies. Even though the and talk and talk with them in order to contractors. However, campaigners was killed inside the bottling plant. That Federal Court in Miami. (The Act allows contracts with US universities are usually fi nd a solution to the confl ict — and it insisted the companies should have alone, to me, puts the onus on the Coca- for companies and individuals to be worth millions, kicking Coca-Cola off didn’t give us any result at all,” said Edgar enforceable human rights standards Cola Company…” He nods his head and taken to court in the US for complicity campuses is unlikely to dent the balance Paez, the union’s international offi cer. He applied throughout the supply chain, stares at me, as if he were Robert De Niro. in the crimes of kidnap, torture and sheet of a company that last year made is sitting in his offi ce, by the same table compelling the companies to take action. “There’s a causal relationship between murder committed outside the US.) The $5.98bn profi t. But the accompanying where Giraldo and Manco gave their The argument was then, and is now, that the trade unionists’ deaths and working suit, claiming $500m compensation for media attention, and headlines such as testimonies. The only reason Coca-Cola no matter where the human rights abuse at Coca-Cola. So, at the very least, the the plantiffs, alleges that the bottlers “Is Coke the new McDonald’s” in the negotiated, he believed, was “because occurred, if it’s your name on the label, company in Atlanta has an obligation Panamerican Beverages (Panamco) and Guardian, and the Nation calling Coke they don’t want us to keep reporting then you’re responsible for sorting it out. to try and get to the bottom of it... You Bebidas y Alimentos “contracted with or “the new Nike”, must surely be part of them [campaigning]... What the Company In the Coca-Cola Company’s case, can’t just chalk it up to the politics of the otherwise directed paramilitary security the reason Coca-Cola has seen its “brand wanted was to buy the silence of the the argument is made more compelling country. You’re Coca-Cola and your logo is forces that utilised extreme violence value” drop. Something had to be done. people involved. They give some money by the fact that although it franchised worldwide and it started here in America. and murdered, tortured, unlawfully (Brand value is what turns a sweet, to the victims in order not to denounce Coke production to Bebidas y Aliementos “I mean, we wouldn’t accept it in detained or otherwise silenced trade fi zzy brown liquid into a product that is the problem.” and Panamco, Coca-Cola held 24% of America. Could you imagine if, in a Coca- union leaders”, and that the Coca-Cola desirable and saleable around the world. The negotiations broke down in early Panamco’s shares — a controlling interest. Cola plant in the US, a worker was killed Company as the parent company bore In 2007, Coca-Cola’s brand value was 2008. Coca-Cola said “no fi nal resolution Which gives it considerable clout in how because he was part of the union — what indirect responsibility. The Colombian estimated by Business Week/Interbrand was possible. An impasse was reached the business is run. kind of outrage there would be.” Coca- bottlers deny the charges. at $65,324bn — $2.2bn less than it had and no further discussions are anticipated This view of the company’s Cola represents American capitalism, he The Coca-Cola Company argued been in 2005.) at this time.” Arguably, the impasse was a responsibilities is shared, in particular, by says. “And American capitalism should that the Colombian bottlers were Publicly, Coca-Cola increasingly result of the conditions of the settlement: Councilman Hiram Monserrate from New never be about allowing your workers to separate companies and so Coca-Cola described the lawsuit brought by Coke would pay millions of dollars, but York City. He represents a large Latino be subject to violence or death because had no case to answer, stating, “We Sinaltrainal as an “out of date” allegation anyone working for Coca-Cola/Femsa and community and became aware of the they are organising to defend their rights. deny any wrongdoing regarding human or “an old story”. But behind the scenes, involved in the lawsuit had to leave their situation through some of his constituents. What does it say about America?” rights or any other unlawful activities in it was involved in negotiations with jobs — they could no longer work at Coke. And so I visit New York for the fi rst time, The Carepa murders were the starting Colombia or anywhere else in the world”, the union to settle the case. Crucially, But more than this, they would be legally to talk to him. point of a new saga of violence and adding that, “The Coca-Cola Company Martinez’s 2006 decision was not at a bound never to criticise Coca-Cola again. Monserrate represents District 21 intimidation for the union. Sinaltrainal does not own or operate any bottling hearing of the case itself; instead, it was According to Paez, this would apply “not in Queens, across the East river from decided to take action. In July 2001, they plants in Colombia.” to decide if the US courts were the correct only in Colombia but everywhere in the Manhattan, where the houses and salaries brought a lawsuit in the US against the The union’s legal team argued that the venue for the trial. And once Martinez whole world. They wanted us to sign an are much smaller. An ex-marine, he has Coca-Cola Company and its Colombian Coca-Cola Company exerted control over decreed that the US courts did not have agreement that no one would denounce its bottlers by way of a legal agreement, jurisdiction, this left the union lawyers Coca-Cola any more, for the rest of their called “the bottlers’ agreement”. The free to launch their appeal, bringing the lives.” In effect, the agreement, if signed, VICTIMS OF THE CONFLICT argument went thus: the Coca-Cola company back into the dock. would prevent them from campaigning Company licences the production of its If the union lawyers were successful against any multinational that Coca-Cola drinks, it provides the syrup with which in their appeal, then the case would go had business with. From the moment to make them, and dictates the types to full trial and the Coca-Cola Company they signed until the day they died. of bottles, cans, industrial processes, would face the legal procedure of The end result of key members of the adverts and promotions that the bottlers disclosure, forcing it to hand over internal union leaving Coke — in effect, gagged are to use. Thus, it exerts a degree of legal documents detailing its relationship with — would mean the end of the union. and economic control. Furthermore, the the bottlers. I can’t speak for the company, Sinaltrainal would cease to exist in the Coca-Cola Company not only possessed but I would imagine this prospect was Coca-Cola plants. “a controlling 24% interest” in Panamco’s about as appealing as syphilis. Six weeks The money was on the table and all stock, but had two seats on Panamco’s before Martinez’s ruling, the Coca- Sinaltrainal had to do was agree and board. Cola Company began to negotiate with take it. So the men and women who had In a landmark ruling in March 2003, Sinaltrainal, on August 19 2006. fought for the right to be in a trade union District Court Judge Martinez ruled that When I asked Coca-Cola about these would become silent. For men such as the case against Panamco and Bebidas talks, it portrayed them as “fruitful and Giraldo and Manco, the prospect of y Alimentos could go ahead — the fi rst informative”. The purpose of the talks, compensation was money they literally time a US judge has allowed a case the company said, was “to assess whether could only dream of. against a company for alleged human a mediated resolution of the parties’ The union refused to sign. They rights violations committed overseas to differences could be achieved”. In short, refused to be silent. Leaving the Coca- be heard under the ATCA. But the judge it was looking to settle out of court, and Cola Company with an “old story” that dismissed the case against the Coca- with a settlement such as this comes would not go away. Cola Company on the grounds that the money — a lot of money. How much? A “bottlers’ agreement” did not give the barrowful. Although I cannot disclose © Mark Thomas 2008 company explicit control of labour issues the exact sum offered to Sinaltrainal This is an edited extract from Belching over the bottler. and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, it is my Out The Devil: Global Adventures Neville Isdell, Coca-Cola chief understanding that it had six noughts at With Coca-Cola, by Mark Thomas, executive officer from 2004–2008, the end of a dollar sign and a couple of published by Ebury Press and current chairman of the board of digits in between. directors, told the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders, “there are no threats or attempts by management to attack or MARK THOMAS PROFILE intimidate workers for being affi liated with a union… The people employed by BORN IN South London in 1963 to a midwife oversees weapons exports, the House of our Colombian bottling partners work in and a builder, Thomas is a comedian and Commons Quadripartite Select Committee, facilities where their labour and human political activist. commended him for his undercover work, rights are respected and protected.” It was He won a scholarship to Christ’s Hospital which led to offi cial warning letters being noteworthy that the CEO of the world’s School. He went on to earn a degree in issued to a number of companies. His work in most popular brand felt compelled to Theatre Arts at Bretton Hall College. this area is covered in his fi rst book, “As Used These six men defend the company, which also says Thomas is best known for ‘The Mark Thomas on the Famous Nelson Mandela: Underground are some of that it meets regularly with Colombian Comedy Product’ but before that he was the Adventures in the Arms and Torture Trade”. the former government ministers in an effort to stamp resident stand-up comic on Saturday Zoo, The book chronicles his experiences trade union ac- out violence directed at union organisers. a Channel 4 comedy series fi rst screened undercover, his political activism and his tivists killed by In 2006, Judge Martinez reversed his in 1993. Amongst other things, he is a projects designed to fi nd and report loopholes paramilitaries previous decision and dismissed the case founding member of the London Comedy in arms trading laws, which culminated in a in order to in- against the bottlers, now arguing that Store’s ‘Cutting Edge’ show. His political controversial unbroadcast Newsnight article dimidate other the case could not be brought in the US comedy shows have earned him criticism from about the Hinduja brothers. trade union- because of “lack of...jurisdiction”. politicians but many see them as a crucial Whilst he was promoting that book, ists. Clockwise investigative tool. Thomas was also organising Mass Lone from top left: He is the Chairman of the Ilısu Dam Demonstrations, in protest at the Serious Alejandro Her- Campaign; a campaign which was successful Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, which nandez; Alvaro in temporarily blocking the development of prevents any demonstrations around London’s Realpe; ; Jesus a large-scale hydroelectric dam in southeast Parliament Square without prior police Agreda; Gomez Turkey, that campaigners claim will lead to the approval. The last event attracted over 100 Rozo; Toribio displacement of up to 78,000 people, mostly ‘lone protesters’ at the same time. In 2006 he de la Hoz Es- Kurds, without adequate compensation or was added to the Guinness Book of Records corcia; Antonio consultation. for most demonstrations held on one day, 20 Arias. The Parliamentary committee which individual protests in 20 different locations. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 12 WORLD REVIEW October 14, 2008

of Bush again in 2004, this time by only RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE ’08 11,400 votes or 0.4% of the vote. By any standard the margins are tight in the “Cheese Head” state, whose population is a million higher than that of Ireland. When a few thousand votes separate the candidates, the 42,000 odd students of UW, Madison become a voting goldmine with an infl uential role in determining which way the state swings. Each vote is being chased energetically Swinging the and voter registration is the fi rst step. Smiling, silver-haired Carl Silverman tells me that he is one of 500 volunteers on the streets of Madison getting people to register to vote. The streets teem with volunteers just like him, mainly retirees and students, making it diffi cult not to be registered in a state with some of the blues in the most liberal voting laws in the country. Supporting Obama seems a given on the campus which melds fl awlessly into the city. I’m only in town a day when I’m invited to several Obama events and given free pins and stickers. With the nearest Republican offi ce fi ve miles south of campus in Fitchburg, it’s almost Midwest US as though the Republicans feel liberal Midwestern towns like Madison, with both its hordes of students and fair share Traditionally Republican territory, the Midwest of the US of old hippies, are already sewn up. Obama’s association with youth and has seen a recent push from red towards blue. Madison, WI his campaign for “change” certainly dominate the mood on campus. When is one of the cities changing the electoral landscape Michelle Obama comes to town, Jackson Five and U2 blare out from speakers and By Alice Ryan has held a strong Democrat majority in “Barrack and Roll” pins are fl aunted. Madison, USA recent years. Not surprisingly there is an element of In the Midwest, which was once a HOME OF the Green Bay Packers football Republican gimme where, as recently In recent years team and best known as the dairy state, as 1984, all but one of 12 states voted Wisconsin is a typical flat-lying, flag- Republican, strong enclaves of Democrat Wisconsin has been fl ying Midwestern state. Wisconsinites blue are forming, helping narrowly to a savage political say “aboot” for “about,” add cheese to swing elections. almost every meal and have without Landing in the leafy college town battleground, with nail- doubt always seen the last Packers game. of Madison, Wisconsin, a Democrat However unlike most Midwestern states, stronghold in the heart of the Republican bitingly close calls in the whose identities are characterized by Midwest, it is diffi cult to see evidence of last two elections traditional Republican values, Wisconsin, those red roots, which run deep in this like some of its fellow breakaway Western state. In 1854, the first meeting took Great Lakes states, has voted Democrat place in Ripon, Wisconsin of what was Republican cynicism towards the rock in the last fi ve Presidential elections. to become the Republican Party. The star element of Obama’s campaign. Sara The media twister that has followed formation of the party was based on Mikolajczak, the UW College Republicans Republican vice-presidential nominee opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act chairperson, told the university Sarah Palin since her surprise of that same year which aimed to allow newspaper, The Badger Herald, that nomination has electrified an already the spread of slavery into the western it was a “fad”, adding, “A lot of people buzzing presidential election. American territories. Subsequent meetings led to are simply for Barack Obama because TV cannot get enough of the moose- the party’s offi cial formation and in 1860 it’s cool right now”. A hand painted sign shooting, lipstick-wearing Alaskan the US saw its fi rst Republican president hangs from a fl yover saying “Students governor and Saturday Night Live can’t when Abraham Lincoln was elected to with Brains 4 McCain”. write skits fast enough. While New the White House. The few thousand votes separating York and California laugh off the media A giant statue of Honest Abe himself Abraham Lin- blue from red may be difficult for hype, chants of “Sarah, Sarah, Sarah!” sits high on Bascom Hill in the heart of coln, father of McCain to secure in Madison or urban emanate from the Republican Midwest. the University Of Wisconsin, Madison the Republican Milwaukee, but are plentiful in rural Strong on religion, against high taxes and (UW). The Republican forefather seems party, surveys and suburban areas of the state. Like traditional in values, Republicans have blissfully unaware of the hue of Democrat the UW campus the rest of the country it is Wisconsin’s long been favoured in the low-lying heart blue surrounding this liberal Midwest on Bascom Hill, small town religious enclaves, big on of America. The Midwest prairie states town. What turned the capital of the state Madison. Ironi- guns and hostile towards abortion, which of Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and at the forefront of the foundation of the cally for Honest hold huge promise for the Vietnam War South Dakota have voted red in all but one Republican Party rogue? Abe, the campus veteran. Acutely aware of the importance election since 1948. Indiana, Michigan, Straight down Bascom Hill is State and its surrounds of this northern swing state, McCain Ohio and Pennsylvania are toss-ups Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, are now mostly made a visit to the city of Cedarburg near traditionally favouring Republicans but which leads to the Capitol building. Odd populated by Milwaukee straight after the Republican throwing out more blue results in recent smells of Kali Ma, Jaya Durga and offbeat supporters of the National Convention in Minneapolis. years. These four states loosely defi ne incense drift out of several State Street Democratic Party. With the failing American economy the ‘Rust Belt’, so-called because of the stores, all displaying the Obama sunrise Photo: Adam now centre stage as the kings of capitalism dominance of the steel industry and heavy logo. Fagen play with the free market, the election manufacturing in the area. Stepping inside, Quartz rocks from battle intensifies with voters looking The traditionally red North Central Orange River South Africa, DVDs of the All the way down State Street, In the 60s the UW, Madison 1960s and the strength of its young for a Roosevelt-esque “New Deal”. Flat states of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin Dali Lama and books entitled “Happy for shopfront after shopfront adorned with campus became an important liberal student population continue to shape and screens fl ash updates on the economic are becoming more and more blue as No Reason” could make you think you’d peace signs clarify the strong liberal mind- enclave holding strong protests against infl uence the politics of the state capital. crisis while students do shots at Brats, they cling to minimal differences in poll fallen into the set of “That 70s Show”. set of the city, displaying notices such as conscription and the use of Napalm in the Claire Rydell, chair of the University of a student bar on State Street. At night, results, often decided by a decimal place. An old hippy in sandals, jeans and “Madison supports its Gay, Lesbian and Vietnam War. Wisconsin College Democrats, describes ‘Yes we can!’ becomes a chant. Obama Minnesota, a Rust Belter losing its tinge, an oversized Obama ‘08 hat meets and Bi community”. This is the old hippy core Orthodox wisdom has it that the the Madison campus as crucial in her stickers shimmer in shop windows and is a fi ercely contested swing state that greets. Obama badges, t-shirts, hats, of blue Madison. A UW student explains bastions of Democratic support lie on the party’s fi ght to win the state. In recent coloured chalk on pavements smudges just scraped a victory for Democrat John posters, lawn fl ags and pens make way that many of these incense-burning, East and West coasts, in educated urban years Wisconsin has been a savage under stilettos in the birthplace Kerry in the 2004 elections while scoring for the predictable John Lennon-fronted organic food shopping Dems were part centres, blue-collar unionised cities and political battleground, with nail-bitingly of the Republican Party. It may well be the highest turnout (77.2%) of any state. “give peace a chance” posters and the of the liberal movement of the 1960s university towns — and this still rings close calls in the last two elections. In that these touch-and-go Midwest states, With its huge urban centre of Chicago occasional satirical bumper sticker that stemmed from the Madison campus, true. The liberal past of this university 2000 Al Gore won Wisconsin by 0.2% of where traditional Republicanism collides it is no surprise that their neighbouring proclaiming “Cheney-Satan ‘08,” or often referred to as the “Berkeley of the town explains its obvious Obamania. the vote, beating George Bush by a mere with growing Democrat enclaves, will North Central Midwest state of Illinois “Republican’t Balance the Budget!” Midwest”. In Madison, the liberal activities of the 5,700 votes. John Kerry edged in front decide America’s fate come November. Ukraine’s Orange Revolution fi nally comes full circle

she intended to cosy up to the Kremlin. We have known and celebrated approval rating now stands at below 10%, Russian hegemony. Since Viktor Yuschenko’s election to power in The president pulled his “Our Ukraine“ Tymoshenko as the face of a budding, while Tymoshenko and Yanukovych each An ambition to oust the Russian Black bloc out of the governing coalition, and optimistic Eastern European democracy enjoy popularity ratings of 20%. The “gas Sea Fleet from its home port in Crimea has 2004, infi ghting, coupled with Russian inter- the coalition was soon dissolved, followed since the Orange Revolution. princess” may be reneging on the original been riding the anti-Russian wave since by the parliament itself. One month on, Though she and Yushchenko have goals of the Revolution, but at least the the Orange Revolution. Russia’s twenty- ference, has caused governmental collapse all the dissolving has left the political been uneasy bedfellows for some time, President could keep her in check while year lease on the port of Sevastopol runs arena in a watery mess and snap elections in coalition with her. The coming election out in 2017, and Yushchenko has said he By Aaron Mulvihill Dissolving the Verkhovna Rada was the scheduled for 7 December are likely to Yuschenko went looks certain to return a pro-Russian won’t renew it. It is diffi cult to separate World Review Editor last in a series of legal steps to dismantle mop up the country’s nascent pro-EU so far as to call coalition of some kind, and the past four the two issues of Nato membership the government. The spiral towards the political force. Tymoshenko, left, years’ progress towards democracy and and Russia’s naval presence on the THE UKRAINIAN president, Viktor current crisis was set in motion at the Tymoshenko is more than just a a “traitor to the closer ties with the European Union is in peninsula - keeping the ships anchored Yushchenko, dissolved his country’s beginning of September, when Prime symbolic hairdo or a pretty face behind revolution” dire jeopardy. to a Nato member would be like basing parliament and called snap elections on Minister Tymoshenko supported a bill the democratic movement. She is a A Moscow-orientated government in an American warship in St. Petersburg October 8 and with that gave the kiss authored by the pro-Russian opposition shrewd businesswoman who made her the prospect of her fl irting with the pro- Kiev would bring with it some serious harbour. If Yanukovych returns to the of death to Ukraine’s developing pro- Party of Regions to limit the president’s fortune in gas and metals in suspect Moscow Party of Regions is a crushing policy changes, the most important of cabinet he will scuttle both plans, and European democracy. powers. The bill wasn’t passed, but it dealings during the early chaotic days blow to Europe’s hope for the maturing which being Ukraine’s position on the moves towards European integration will It was the final nail in the orange doesn’t take a Kremlinologist to realise of Ukrainian capitalism. Her political democracy. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation almost certainly reverse. coalition’s coffi n, and the death knell for the signifi cance of the move — this is the bloc (the multitude of parties in Ukraine Yushchenko, as well as much of Europe, (Nato). Russia is vehemently opposed to Yushchenko has squandered his a short-lived pro-European democracy party that many say was behind the near- typically organise themselves into voting saw his ally’s actions as a betrayal of what Ukraine’s membership of the military country’s chance for a real pro-European in the former Soviet state. Morbid fatal dioxin poisoning of Tymoshenko’s blocs in Parliament) was the second they had fought for together in 2004 alliance, and accuses the organisation of democracy and put a personal vendetta metaphors come easy when describing former comrade-in-arms. largest in Parliament, and looks likely – he went so far as to call her a “traitor attempting to encircle it. Calls to admit before Ukraine’s best interests. An the bleak crisis brought to a head by To add insult to injury, Tymoshenko to hold that position after the elections. to the Revolution”. But his personal and Ukraine grew louder recently as the argument about “who should be the horse Ukraine’s fi rst pro-Western leader, who was summoned to give evidence on the She has featured on the cover of as many bitter decision to seek a political divorce Georgia-Ossetia confl ict spooked former and who the jockey” is how he summarised was almost killed when he was poisoned poisoning case, which remains unsolved, women’s magazines as political journals. was not the right move for Ukraine. His Soviet satellites who fear a creeping his confl ict with Tymoshenko, but in a during his election campaign in 2004, and she echoed suggestions prevalent country so sectionally split, one leader leaving him with a pockmarked face in in Russia that it may in fact not have can hardly expect to be able to ‘ride’ the testament. A rigged election then handed been a poisoning at all. Before the Prime YUSHCHENKO: WAS HE POISONED? other. A dogged hostility to compromise Russian-backed Viktor Yanukovych the Minster’s shocking comments, the seems to have been the downfall of every presidency but hundreds of thousands theory that the politician was the victim In September 2004, Yushchenko substance was between one and revolution from 1789, and a ‘people’s of cheated citizens marched the frosty of a particularity violent skin disease fell violently ill, necessitating a six thousand times normal. These revolution’ is perhaps no different. The streets in protest, waving the orange fl ags that he managed to turn into a political visit to a private clinic in Vienna facts point to poisoning, and many president has actually encouraged citizens of Yushchenko’s party. weapon was the preserve of pro-Russian where he was diagnosed with acute sources have linked Yushchenko’s to welcome this latest election as en The Orange Revolution spurred a fair extremists. pancreatitis, a sudden swelling of the illness with a dinner he attended essential part of democracy: “Democracy election in which Yushchenko secured Yushchenko offered a final olive pancreas. Doctors blamed ingestion with the chairman of the Ukrainian is like a lady who has an answer to any the top job, and his feisty blonde ally branch to his erstwhile partner during of dioxins, a type of compound Security Services (FSB.) This has question,” he enthused on the day he Yulia Tymoshenko was promised the the Georgian-Ossetian confl ict. Condemn which are severely carcinogenic caused a confl ict of interests, as announced the polling date. Yushchenko premiership. Now their alliance is in Russia, he proposed, and we can return and rarely found in food or the the FSB happen to be the agency himself has a lot to answer for. Can jaded tatters and the Orange Revolution looks to the negotiating table. But Tymoshenko natural environment. It was claimed responsible for investigation of the voters, compelled to cast their third ballot set to come full circle and restore a pro- refused to criticise Russia’s actions in that the concentration of the alleged poisoning. in as many years, be expected to remain Moscow government to power. Georgia, sending a fi nal clear signal that enthusiastic about democracy? TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 WORLD REVIEW 13 Spare some sympathy for jobless bankers

The public has found one comfortable scape- goat for the current economic situation: fat cat bankers. But could it really be that every one of these fi nancial workers deserve our scorn?

By Emily Monk losing value and the payment date for their kids’ private school fees looms. For ninety-fi ve percent of the Western HERE IS a common world, fee-paying schools and second conception of the rogues homes aren’t even an option. So why from the banking world and should we feel sorry for those who have their equally unfavourable been knocked from their sky-high stools brothers from the hedge to the perfectly comfortable cushions on Tfund community as gaudy, arrogant, and the fl oor like the rest of us? “Capitalism overpaid. All are credited with a well has got its comeuppance,” Jarvis Cocker established ability to go spectacularly said the other day. And he is certainly astray in markets of their own invention, not alone in his derision. Nick Clegg, the lend money that doesn’t exist and refuse British Liberal Democrat leader, basked to accept responsibility for damage in applause after pouring contempt on wrought on the wider community – all the “City boys” who had made more vices fuelled by an appetite, come what money than him. The public is gripped by may, for gross personal rewards. But it’s a gleeful and ugly schadenfreude. getting boring arguing with ostensibly sensible friends who laugh that it is good Lehman Bros’ news that many of Lehman Brothers’ head of mergers 25,000 have lost their jobs overnight and and aquisititions no jobs in the fi nancial sector are safe. I Steve don’t think that’s funny, and it’s painful Schwarzman to watch. A friend was standing outside Costa For one, it is these bankers who are on London’s Kings Road last month. She largely responsible for turning Britain, recalls the literally wailing women in amongst others, into a global economic Chanel coats clutching keys to Mercedes power. They filled the restaurants, Benz. They are watching breaking news funded the academies, bought the art on the corner television and dropping and employed the builders. For the last their super slim chai tea lattes in chorus; two decades investment banking has it has just been announced that Lehman attracted the cream of business graduates. forget the cleaners, secretaries, post- into stocks and shares in the hope of a money was tied up in share options… Brothers is no more. Their husbands The brightest, most ambitious and room men and drivers who are in an reasonable return. which dissolved to basically nothing. It’s and sons, sisters and daughters are – hardworking students left top universities equally unstable position and who have An ex-Lehman Brothers worker told very sad.” were – investment bankers. They notice and entered the City. Since then, their never enjoyed stratospheric salaries and me yesterday of the “absolute shock” It seems to me very short sighted for the fi rst time that the price of their weeks have merged together and their daily liquid lunches. of his former employer’s bankruptcy: to revel in a delicious retribution. The coffee is over three euros. At fi rst it is wives and children have traded weekend I am not condoning banks’ excesses. “We were expecting it to be taken over!” majority of these people were just doing hard to sympathise. But their friends and trips and family meals for deeper pockets. Lloyd Blankfein’s (of Goldman Sachs) Though she blames the CEO, Dick Fuld their jobs. Perhaps it is the direction relatives have suddenly joined Europe’s It is the greed of just a few unscrupulous There are literally $68.5 million earnings last year were for the collapse of the bank, she said “it is and method of investment that needs to increasing number of highly skilled cowboys, who feverishly grasped at even tens of thousands of completely ridiculous and I don’t doubt the subprime mortgage stuff that started change. unemployed, with bleak job prospects higher short-term profi ts and who lent there should be a far more transparent the current crisis”. A few ravenous managers gambled for the near future. Worse still is that for so unwisely, which has left so many high hardworking individuals correlation between performance and She only took a role in the fi rm because at unprecedented stakes, often with the many, every penny earned in the last ten and dry. John O’Hagan, a Professor of within banking, who are bonuses. But we should remember why her colleagues during her internship personal security of a plump corporate or twenty years of sixteen-hour days in Economics here in Trinity, commented these banks originated. They are there were “so likeable, just really, really pension should things take a turn for the offi ce was reinvested into the fi rms’ that “there are tens of thousands of in no way responsible, to make profi ts for investors, most of great, hardworking, intelligent people”. the worst. We should return to the days now worthless shares. The houses in hardworking individuals within banking, whom are not the demons they are made Most of whom are now struggling to of low-risk betting, with more modest Chelsea and chalets in St Moritz, their who are in no way responsible, but could but could suffer with the out to be but ordinary workers who fi nd replacement jobs, are married with profi ts but less chance of the economic investments as well as luxuries, are fast suffer with their jobs”. And let’s not loss of their jobs choose to put their surplus family income children and mortgages and “lots of their disaster we fi nd ourselves victim to now. W is for Writer. Be one.

www.trinitynews.ie/index.php/about-tn TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 14 OPINION October 14, 2008 Easy access to information is dumbing down students

poor brains distended with unprocessed you need and lugging them home takes Internet has changed how I think. I used With access to the opinions of millions, other people’s words are better than your information. time and effort. Expanding all that effort to be the bookish sort, happy to curl up you can lose confi dence in your own. It own, that other people’s opinions are We watch prisoners dancing to on fi nding your sources makes you value reading anything and everything. doesn’t take too long to fi nd someone on more valid than your own and that even “Thriller” in the Philippines, while at the them more. The easier something is to Within fi ve minutes I’d be immersed the Internet who has read more than you, a bastardised version of someone else’s AOIFE same time half-reading about celebrity do, the less your brain enjoys it. in whatever was being described in the or can write better than you, or just seems thought is better than an original thought dogs and searching for funny quotes In September, Scientific American pages, be it prose or merely prosaic. to be far more intelligent than you. of your own. CROWLEY from fi lms, so that we will seem funny by Mind magazine linked the ease and Those days are gone. Now, I fi nd it more It can be easy to take other people’s The Tailor believed that the place for association. convenience of modern life to the rising diffi cult to focus; my mind wanders. opinions at face value in lieu of considering learning and wisdom was in the head, not We do not engage with any of this rates of depression. We are wired to If my book were a website, I’d navigate the facts on your own. The plagiarism in a book or a website. So absorb what “THERE IS too much learning in books information. If something does not feel satisfaction and happiness when away in search of bigger thrills. It takes epidemic that the Internet has facilitated you read. Engage. The Internet has made these days, and too little in the head.” prove to be entertaining in the fi rst thirty we produce something tangible and gargantuan effort to engage with the is obviously rooted in laziness and a lack it very easy to fi nd out about anything This was the opinion expressed by The seconds, it’s discarded, never to be given meaningful through physical effort. story. But I don’t like effort, I want of understanding of intellectual property that takes your fancy, but knowing things Tailor in The Tailor and Ansty way back a second chance. The click of a button is not as satisfying instant gratifi cation. I want links and rights, but there is more to it. is not the same as wisdom. Any idiot in the 1930s. If it was bad back then, it This ease of access to information mentally as the physical search for pictures and video-clips and comments Students don’t see the point in even can know things. It’s what you do with has reached new heights nowadays. is contrary to how our minds work. information. from other people telling me what they trying when they can see all that is the information available to you that is Our trigger-happy googling has left our Trekking out to library, fi nding the books I know from experience that using the think I should think. already out there. There is a feeling that important.

IN PROFILE For business or for pleasure?

Declan Ganley emerged as a key player in the Lisbon Treaty debate, but questions about his honesty, his methods of funding Libertas and his American connections have become more and more insistent, says Aoife Crowley

SELF-MADE multi- the idea of a superstate. He is quoted as millionaire, Ganley is no saying “I saw how a society is retarded stranger to hard work. A by an elite cut off from its citizens. I consummate businessman, witnessed how inherently undemocratic he admits to being a socialism was and that is why I don’t want ABlackberry addict and sleeping for only an overweening EU. It’s just another form three to four hours a night. of state interference.” Born in Watford to Irish parents, he Ganley then turned to moved back to Ireland at the age of 12. telecommunications. He founded a He considers himself to be very much an Europe-wide telecom company called Irishman, saying, “I was brought up in the Broadnet, which he sold for €50 million. UK and went to school there but every After the September 11th attacks, Ganley holiday, every school break was spent saw the US military’s need for emergency in the west of Ireland. We were raised response systems. He set up Rivada surrounded by traditional music and Irish Networks in response to that need, and culture. I take pride in my Irishness. It is gained a contract with the US defence fundamental to me, to how I am.” forces. He left school with his Leaving Ganley came to prominence in the Certificate and began working Irish media due to his involvement with immediately, initially following his father the Libertas “No to Lisbon” campaign. into the building industry. He took on a large portion of the funding Believing in the American ideal that himself, admitting to giving Libertas a through hard work and determination it €200,000 loan from his own money, as is possible to better oneself, he worked well as large donations. his way up from the position of gofer in an On a recent appearance on the insurance company to running a hugely Late Late Show, Ganley said that he successful business shipping aluminium had started reading the treaty as a from Russia to Rotterdam. He considers businessman looking for opportunities, himself to be an entrepreneur, and is not but had fi nished it as a father of four fazed by what his opponents say about worried about his children’s future. He him, stating that “Ireland is becoming believes that the treaty would promote not just accepting, but supportive, of an undemocratic Europe, with unelected entrepreneurs, but obviously some people representatives running things without There have been concerns Fine Gael’s Lucinda Creighton BIOGRAPHY haven’t moved with the times. Some having to answer to the people that they surrounding the funding of Libertas remarked back in April that “the idea of people fi nd the new wealth threatening represent. He says “we want a European and whether Ganley is being honest a politically strong EU, acting as a check or alien or even shady in a sonic way. Union that’s credible but we’re sick of the about his motivations for setting up the or counterbalance on the US, does not sit » In March 2006, CNBC’s European Business magazine There’s nothing mysterious about it. It’s failure of this Brussels elite to bring the organisation. Although Ganley denies well with our transatlantic friends.” suggested he was worth around €300 million, and just the product of hard work. That was people with them - it almost seems like being a neoconservative, he has written She went on to remark that Ganley’s could be a billionaire by his fortieth birthday. the way I was brought up”. some sect of secular cardinals who think articles for the Foreign Policy Research close links to the US military could » His highest qualifi cation is the Leaving Certifi cate, Ganley initially made his fortune in the they know better than us.” Institute, a Philadelphia based think tank be behind his motivation to derail the 1987. former Eastern Bloc. As well as running Ganley has ridiculed the suggestion in with strong neocon leanings. process. » His company Rivada had contracts with the US De- his successful aluminium business, he was that Ireland would have to vote again as Several of Rivada’s key personnel have Ganley has laughed at allegations that partment of Defence, the Department of Homeland appointed as the foreign affairs advisor to “re-mockracy” in the making. In his view, previously held high-ranking positions he is back by US interests such as the CIA, Security and individual American states. Latvia in 1992, where in 1997 he set up a Brussels’ response to Ireland’s no vote in the US military or intelligence saying, “Apparently, I’m being backed by » The Future of Freedom by Fareed Zakaria is his forestry business. It was during this time vindicates his belief that Brussels has sectors. Rivada’s top level includes Lt. the CIA, UKIP and the American military. favourite book. that Ganley says he began to distrust become less and less democratic. General Dennis M. McCarthy, who was What’s next? I’m working for Martians? I » He was behind the high-profi le jewellery website Commander of Marine Forces North until get advice from lizards?” Adornis.com, which collapsed in the technology his resignation in 2005, Admiral James It is believed that the Standards in downturn losing him about €9 million. Apparently, I’m being backed by the M. Loy, who was the Deputy Secretary Public Offi ce Commission is investigating » Ganley has been a director of the Irish Chamber of Homeland Security 2003-05, and Don the source of the money used by Libertas Orchestra. His hobbies include jazz, classical and tra- CIA. What’s next? I’m working for N. De Marino, who helped assess various during the referendum. However, ditional Irish music, Army Reserves and international operations in Iraq for the U.S. Secretary they have refused to comment on this politics. Martians? of Defence in 2004. allegation. » He is married with four children. Irish boozing habits will not be changed by restrictive laws

pints in an afternoon and he’s done. An refuelling. Any excuse will do. bomb, something sharp and surgical, not To tackle the problem we need more Gardaí on Irish guy would be only warming up at DRINKING GAMES It’s a mindset, a mentality. Irish a nuke that will take out all the rest of us that stage. teenagers are still among the worst bingers along with it. the streets, not nanny-state legistlation, writes You see the same in other countries. » Alcoholic disorders accounted in Europe. It has survived generation And in my honest opinion, our drink The Frenchmen are fond of their wine, for 15 percent of fi rst admis- after generation. And something with laws are fi ne the way they are. What we Peadar Donnelly but they drink while eating. The Irishman sions to psychiatric hospitals that much force and survivability behind need is more manpower. Numbers is our eats after a night of drinking, seeing the in Ireland in 2003. Admissions it isn’t going to stop anytime soon. answer and more of them. THE IRISH are known all over the week than its total income since the place food as a “soakage” used to prevent the were highest in the 25-44 age Michael McDowell fancied trying A greater Gardaí presence on our world for their drinking culture. We are opened. dreaded hangover. Pierre stays healthy groups. himself against this beast, only to stop roads is needed and a permanent one seen as “those crazy Irish”, a fun-loving Whist discussing the Irish attitude to while Paddy succumbs to liver failure. » Alcohol problems are calcu- when his Cafe-Bar plan crashed and too, not a glorifi ed bank-holiday crack- bunch who can’t get enough of the craic. alcohol, a German friend who had spent The English man… gets plastered. But lated to cost the country €2.4 burned. A recent development in the down that will last until the Gardaí get Alternatively, we have been seen as a year in Ireland commented that she had they probably picked it up from us. billion per annum in lost pro- crackdown on the monumental Irish lazy again. We need this presence nation- “those drunken Irish”, a nation sodden been amazed by how much boozing went The Irish are pissed, and proud. We ductivity, health related costs binge is not allowing alcohol to be sold in wide, not just in the cities but in towns in vodka and cheap beer. I noticed this in on in her college. I suggested that seven would drink European lightweights right of direct alcohol damage, car off-licenses after ten at night. and villages too, often the areas worst Australia, a place where the Hibernians the strait-laced Germans are fond of their under the table. It is a national habit, and accidents, violence, crime and What’s that going to change? I can’t affected by vandalism and crime. who migrate each summer are either alcohol. They have a whole festival in is somewhat frowned upon by the rest of direct treatment costs. enjoy a quiet drink at home in order to It’s very simple. The more Gardaí on loved or hated. October dedicated to beer where they get the World. It’s like picking your nose in » Irish people are 3 times more prevent a few teeny-boppers from getting the streets, the less likely you are to get We spent our fi rst week in Melbourne, hammered for three whole weeks. I told front of all the other countries, a guilty likely than the EU average to their naggins. How many intoxicated away with being drunk and disorderly. where we frequented a local waterhole her that Europeans probably drink just as little indulgence when you hope that no binge drink. drivers will that pull off our roads? How Easy, mathematical logic. You don’t need called the “Rosstown”. much as we do. “Nein,” she replied, “der one else is looking. But they always are. » Ireland’s per capita litre con- many teenage girls won’t get pregnant at a super genius theoretical physicist to tell While I won’t say the place went out stereotypes are true.” People in other nations drink too, you sumption of pure alcohol has some crazy house party? you that, who’s probably in no state to do of business when we departed for Sydney, And that’s the thing. She is right. When say. That’s true, but they don’t do it nearly increased from 7.0 in 1970 to Punishing the rest of us isn’t going to so anyway, being as he is face down on it’s safe to say that its profits spiked it comes to drinking, the Irish sure as hell as much as we do. Or as often. 13.5 in 2004, according to the solve anything. When all is said and done, the carpet in Doyles. Until then, the Irish during our week’s stay. It might even be don’t hold back. Even during Oktoberfest Any occasion, any wedding, funeral, World Health Organisation. Ireland has a problem that needs to be will drink until their livers turn to naan- possible that it made more money in that your average Kraut only drinks three and its straight off to Corcoran’s for tackled intelligently. We need a smart- bread. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 OPINION 15

ANNA STEIN Is there a crisis in maths “Republicans are education, or not? misrepresenting with Irish, mathematics is the only subject that importance of both. has a Foundation level course. Both also share the Whether we like it or not, the best way to place dubious distinction of having fewer candidates at emphasis on a topic is to examine it rigorously. I feminist positions” higher level than they have at ordinary level. still believe that such a splitting of the programme So, is the Leaving Certifi cate mathematics offers a way forward. It is perhaps useful to look BRENDAN programme the root of problem? Recently it at the various reports by the Chief Examiners seems we have shifted the blame, with many over the years. A typical comment occurs on the IT SEEMS that women have never had it so good. At certain GOLDSMITH commentators now blaming the inadequacy of 2005 Leaving Certifi cate (Higher Paper) Report: points during this year it seemed likely that the US was on the preparation at primary level. No doubt the next “Firstly, foundation skills in mathematics were verge of selecting its fi rst-ever female presidential candidate. ON THE morning that this year’s Leaving shift will pass the blame to the parents, who often not up to the standard required. ... Secondly, There is still the possibility of ending up with a female president Certifi cate results were published, there was will, in turn, blame the secondary teachers who weaknesses continue to stem from inadequate by default. a headline in one of the free Dublin papers taught them – and so we will develop an infi nite understanding of mathematical concepts and In terms of getting women in to positions of power, the battle proclaiming that more than 20 percent of loop with nobody to blame at the end. underdeveloped problem-solving and decision- has been won. Those crusading feminist relics from the 1970s students had failed mathematics. I was certainly Fortunately, there has been some more making skills.” Many such reports are available can hang up their placards and, like Rosie Boycott, founding aware that we had problems with mathematics in serious refl ection and three primary issues have but little has changed – the new Project Maths editor of Spare Rib and sometime feminist activist, repair to the Ireland, but surely it couldn’t be that bad? been identifi ed. Firstly the existence of multiple initiative may be a worthy one, but how long can countryside and enter an Arcadian twilight fi lled with chutney- A quick read revealed that it wasn’t. The goals for mathematical education, secondly, the we wait to begin tackling the really serious issues making and organic alpaca-rearing. correct failure rate was 10.2 percent, but the error so-called “new” mathematics with its emphasis on a truly national basis? With women breaking into positions of such power, surely it made by the journalist, and presumably approved on abstraction which has dominated secondary Aside from the natural inertia of a bureaucratic can only mean that the lot of women in society will only improve? by the editor, was perhaps more revealing about teaching since the 1960s and fi nally, the fact system, we also have a problem with the teaching Sadly, the reality is far removed, a situation aggravated by the the true position of mathematics nationally. They that mathematics is taught with relatively little of mathematics. At primary level, many teachers complacency of the former activists; their silence on the subject reasoned that since 4.5 percent of students had emphasis on problem solving. are themselves uncomfortable with mathematics has ceded ground to those who seek to distort and undermine failed the higher level paper, 5.7 percent had The fi rst point is a serious issue and one and at secondary level many teachers of the the feminist argument. failed the foundation level and 12.3 percent had that has been, I believe, somewhat neglected. subject have little background in the subject. The truth of this assertion can clearly be seen in all of failed the ordinary level paper, it must follow Mathematics as a scientifi c discipline is built They are thrown in at the deep-end and struggle. its glorious simplicity when observing the US presidential that 4.5 + 5.7 + 12.3 = 22.5 percent of students upon a ‘pyramid of knowledge’ and, somewhat How many honours mathematical graduates race. The Republican Party, never previously known for its had failed mathematics. The enormity of such akin to music, it needs people to be technically enter the teaching profession each year? I don’t progressive stance on women’s issues, is now proclaiming itself an error and its ability to reach the front page profi cient before one can even begin the process have access to offi cial fi gures, and indeed, the the defender of American womanhood. In order to demonstrate illustrates clearly that many of us are functionally of approaching the real core of the subject. Thus, Department of Education & Science may not their new-found solidarity with womankind, Republicans have innumerate. the key skills of numeracy, algebraic manipulation have such fi gures, but I would wager the number chosen Sarah Palin to stand as John McCain’s running mate. In Is there a crisis in mathematics education, or and the other basics need to be learned early and is very small indeed. so doing they proclaim that they, unlike the Democrats, have not? A good starting place to examine this might must become second nature. There is, however, another factor that is not so taken on board the wishes of the 18 million people who voted to be the OECD Programme for International Fortunately, these too are part of the skills- openly discussed. As I mentioned in the opening select Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential candidate. Student Assessment, or PISA. Mathematics set needed for most citizens, who interpret the paragraph, we seem to be rather innumerate as a This, in their eyes, performance of 15 year-old students across the world around them using basic numeracy, data nation. But worse than this, we seem proud of it. marks them out as the range of OECD countries was measured in a interpretation and problem solving. Advocates Quite distinguished academics have often told me But it would be too “feminist” choice. detailed study in 2003 and in a shorter follow-up of the foundation level programme may argue that they were “useless” at mathematics. It seems The arrogance in 2006. A comparison of our performance at that this is precisely the purpose of such a course that in Ireland it is perfectly acceptable to boast easy to dismiss Palin behind this policy the highest level shows us struggling, with only but, unfortunately, this seems not to be true. If that one was a mathematical failure; contrast this direction is staggering. 1.6 percent of Irish students reaching this level it were, everyone would be obliged to take the with the likely fate of anyone who dared to even as a “trophy” candi- It suggests that compared to the OECD average of 3.3 percent. programme and at a much earlier age. hint that “X is illiterate”! If children’s diffi culties Clinton’s 18 million PISA may not be foolproof, but such a mediocre In the 1980s I tried to argue that the in mathematics are met with a collective response date, whose only elec- supporters were performance cannot be easily dismissed, mathematics curriculum should be split right “don’t worry, I was useless at mathematics and it motivated solely by particularly when one looks at our current social from the beginning of second-level education, never did me any harm”, is it any wonder that toral asset is her gen- the fact that she could and economic aspirations. with one part focussing on the basic skills and we continue to languish behind in mathematical provide the recipe for Another obvious source of information on the the other on the deeper, more abstract ideas. I performance? der. the ultimate chocolate state of our mathematical health is the Leaving wasn’t advocating that students take only one cookies, rather than Certifi cate results. Even a casual glance at the half of the programme, which would be a recipe Professor Brendan Goldsmith is research by her grasp of world economic issues. Moreover, the inherent statistics will show that something is amiss: along for disaster, but I was trying to emphasise the director and former President, DIT misrepresentation of the feminist position would be risible if it wasn’t so pernicious and damaging. The Republicans have appropriated the feminist demand that the best person for the job, regardless of gender, be appointed, and have instead inverted it. Instead, they present a candidate whose only qualifi cation is the appeal of her gender, and ask people to vote for them on the basis of it. But it would be too easy to dismiss Palin as a “trophy” candidate, whose only electoral asset is her gender. Who, once she had been successful in snaring the coveted “hocky-mom” vote, would sit quietly in the corner and let the real politicians get It’s easy being green in today’s market down to business. The true danger implicit in Palin’s nomination lies in the fact that she is extremely vocal and bombastic about her ultra-conservative beliefs. It is her rhetoric whilst on the stump that reveals the true threat underlying the Republicans’ appropriation of feminism, and lays bear the very real obstacles that women in public life still face. of Fairtrade and vegetarianism Sarah Palin is emblematic of the wave of anti-intellectualism that is all-pervasive in public discourse, and reaches an hysterical pitch when applied to women in the public view. Contrast Palin’s unthreatening “aw gee shucks” debating style with by cows is responsible for approximately 20 tendencies. With this information before you, going Hillary Clinton’s calm, assured and business-like discussion. per cent of all methane in the atmosphere. If you have ever gone to a green green starts to make sense. It is something Michelle Obama, an educated, intelligent woman has had to As a study in “New Scientist” magazine reception, you might have noticed that that everyone can incorporate into their fi ght accusations that she is an “Angry Black Woman”. These explained it, a kilogram of beef is responsible the chocolate, tea, coffee and wine were everyday lives, and even benefit from accusations are partly founded on the subject of her undergraduate CIARA for the equivalent of the amount of carbon all ‘Fairtrade’ and wondered what it was personally. You can choose you own level d i s s e r t a t i o n , dioxide emitted by the average European all about. The Fairtrade revolution is of commitment. It takes very little effort which dealt with Palin sidesteps the FINLAY car every 250 kilometres, and burns something that is rapidly taking over our to eat less red meat and even less effort the alienation of enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for shops, with Fairtrade products being sold to choose a Fairtrade bar of chocolate African-Americans usual vitriol poured on nearly 20 days. In addition to this, you in over 55,000 supermarkets all over over another from the SU shop. As for the i n h i g h e r need to factor in the level of energy Europe. These Fairtrade products are easily more enthusiastic supporters of the Green education. to women who dare consumption, which is accrued in a c c e s s i b l e to Trinity movement, they can often be found in Both Clinton raising and slaughtering cattle. Front Square dressed as an organic apple and Obama have to raise their heads This information has lead or in the Young Greens room. If you want c o n s i s t e n t l y to the rise of ‘green’ to join them I’m certain they would be glad been accused of vegetarianism, with to have your support. neglecting their above the parapet countless people families, being taking red meat ruthless and,-greatest of sins- being unlady-like. Sarah Palin on out of their diet the other hand, the only one of the trio who, if asked to skin a or in the case of moose would have the faintest idea of how to set about it and the the less committed only one who has ever been pictured holding an assault rifl e, has environmentalists, cutting emerged unscathed from criticism of this sort. down their level of consumption by Any queries that were raised as to how she would continue not eating red meat one or two days to care for a large and ever-expanding family whilst holding a a week. job of such importance were quickly stifl ed. Her predilection Buying a bike might be the next step for spending weekends infl icting carnage on the fauna of her that you are advised to take. The benefi ts native Alaska have been cited with pride by those sections of of cycling are more obvious, plus cycling can the US electorate, presumably also responsible for the election Nowadays, save you a lot of time. For Trinity students of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who hanker after action heroes everywhere living in Halls, it takes less than 15 minutes in positions of high offi ce. Lastly, her insistence that both you turn it to cycle from there to the front square. If students evolutionism and creationism merit teaching in classrooms has seems your like many Trinity students you live along the as they are sold been positively welcomed by some. carbon footprint bus route of the 46A, it can take as little as in the Oxfam shop opposite Herein lies the crux of the matter: Palin neatly sidesteps the is looming after 25 minutes to cycle from the Stillorgan St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, usual vitriol poured on to those women who dare to raise their you. Notices in shopping centre to Front Square, Tesco, Marks & Spencers, as well as the heads above the parapet, and who refuse to deny or apologise trendy shops tell i n c l u d i n g SU shop, which sells a number of Fairtrade for their intelligence because she is not of their ilk. A former you which products to time to snacks. beauty queen who cannot name a single paper that she reads, buy so that you can be a The popularity of this movement is mostly her value lies not in her intelligence, insight or experience. It responsible consumer, while due to the fact that Fairtrade operates on does not lie in what she as a thinking, rational person can bring signs on the back of buses ask the basis of fair terms of trade, fair prices to the table in a time of economic crisis, but only in her gender. drivers if they really needed to drive for farmers and promoting sustainable Those poor, misguided souls who were intending to vote for today. Everyone is telling you how to be development. It also encourages workplace Clinton, but will now vote for Palin are damaging the very cause ‘green’, but does being ‘green’ really make democracy. With sustainable development they profess to support. When a woman is appointed because a difference, or are those do-gooders simply standing at the heart of the green ideology, of her gender, because of the non-threatening nature of her full of manure? it is unsurprising that their receptions are anti-intellectualism, she further harms the prospects of those One of the fi rst things that they will stop usually Fairtrade, but they aren’t the only women who fi ght so that their intelligence, ability and drive will recommend you do is to stop eating beef, a t t h e ones to step up and support Fairtrade. be recognised and rewarded. as the effect of cows ‘passing-gas’ is one of t r a f f i c lights. During Freshers’ week the Phil provided If, in November, the female vote is mobilised in favour of the largest contributors to global warming. This means that you free breakfast to all its members, including Palin, and in favour of the reactionary, small-minded world-view This statement is exemplary of the eyebrow- can get a bit of a lie-in and that you won’t tea, coffee, and chocolate, all of which was that she represents, there will be more at stake for women than raising suggestions that you’ll be given as fi nd yourself getting stuck in endless traffi c Fairtrade and from Amnesty International. the right to choose an abortion. It will send out a clear message examples of how to combat climate change. jams, but these are only the personal perks. Going Fairtrade is one of the simplest ways that this world will make room for a woman, but only as long as But when you analyse the data regarding When you cycle the only energy that is of adopting green practices as you are she does not present herself as the intellectual equal of the men livestock, the proposal begins to make consumed is your own energy. There is no guaranteed that the producers are paid a that surround her, and does not seek to fundamentally challenge sense. The fi gure that shocks people the pollution caused by cycling, so it is an ideal fair price and the products themselves are the status quo. How feminist is that?! most is the fact that the methane released mode of transport for anyone with green of a notably superior quality. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 16 OPINION October 14, 2008

ROUND-UP Sound of a bell drowns out the death rattle of a Celtic tiger

Seán Fitzpatrick McCarthyism”’. Fitzpatrick had gone on A letter in the Independent declares “it is banks with taxpayers’ money. In the economy and society demand that we take Climate Change Propaganda Chairman of AIB, Seán Fitzpatrick, to say that it was “time to shout stop. The not the kind of programming one would Irish Times, Noel Whelan writes that immediate action when the banks are in In The Irish Times, John Gormley spoke recommended this week that the tide of regulation has gone far enough . . expect in a theocracy, and serves only to ‘the Cowen government finally came trouble, “but why, oh why, is that never of his efforts to cut Ireland’s carbon government’s budget should reduce . our wealth creators should be rewarded remind non-Christians that they are on of age this week.’ He commends the the case when we talk about poverty? emissions under the Kyoto Agreement. corporation tax and tackle the “sacred and admired, not subjected to levels of the margins.” government on their handling of the Could it be that when all is said and done, He identifi ed two key areas of “cars and cow” of universal child benefit, state scrutiny which convicted criminals would In the same paper, a Jewish contributor banking crisis, favourably comparing the poor, the old and the handicapped cows” as those with worryingly expanding pensions and medical cards for the over- rightly find intrusive.” Now with the declares that this is not the case. Rather it to the Americans’ efforts. He writes, don’t matter as much as the banks and emissions rates. 70s. In the Irish Times letters page, Seán benefi t of hindsight, it would seem that than fi nding the bells offensive, their ‘the Paulson rescue plan got bogged their richer customers do?” In the Examiner, Ultan Murphy and Roisín Whelan think it a bit rich that the so-called “wealth creators” would familiar sound is reassuring, dividing down in congressional bargaining as the Meanwhile, David Walsh is of the dismisses the Minister’s claim that cows “a man who is paid in excess of EUR have benefi ted from a far higher level of the day into the constituent parts of our national interest played second place to opinion that while the taxpayer is footing produce damaging amounts of methane 600,000 a year should be suggesting that surveillance. lives: morning, afternoon and evening. localised political considerations’. Not so the bill, they should also reap of the as “climate change propaganda”. He universal provision for those a lot less The letter goes on to say, “please leave the Irish plan, which was “decisive” and rewards. points out that “during the course of wealthy than himself should be subject Angelus this tradition alone, so that perhaps for “prompt”. He suggests that “all the corporate bovine husbandry, grains and grasses to means testing.” It was suggested this week that the a fl eeting moment the sound of a bell A contributor to the Examiner muses boxes from Croke Park to Cheltenham in are cultivated to absorb carbon from the As Fitzpatrick now calls on the broadcast of the Angelus on RTE will drown out the price of a share or the on this promptness. He wonders why, the possession of the six banks should be atmosphere and only a fraction of that government to bail out the banking sector, gives non-Christian people a feeling of death rattle of a Celtic tiger”. when the banks are in trouble, we must “nationalised” for the period covered by carbon is released back by the animal in John Gibbons of the Irish Times recalls exclusion, and should be stopped. The “act, and act now”, while the crises in the guarantee. the form of methane.” In his view, carbon Fitzpatrick’s comments from last year. practise was accused of being partisan, Government’s Guarantee to Banks health, education and disability services Seats in these boxes could then be taxes are “economic expansion fi nes”. He writes, “the same Fitzpatrick ridiculed representing “the superiority of the Opinion has been divided over the are allowed to languish on indefi nitely. raffl ed among interested taxpayers”. An Irish politicians for their “corporate Christian/Catholic faith in this country”. government’s backing of the Irish He says that the interests of the wider interesting thought. - As read by Aoife Crowley

HEAD TO HEAD: VIVISECTION RECOGNISE SENTIENT ANIMAL RESEARCH NON-HUMANS’ RIGHTS CRUCIAL TO PROGRESS

benefi t others, and since it is clear that the most of such research; many surgical techniques such valid data comes from research on the species as heart and kidney transplants, and advanced intended to benefi t, the logic of vivisection is to diagnosis methods like MRI and CT scanning, use human beings as its experimental ‘models’. have been developed with the help of animals. “ As rights philosopher and law professor Gary You might wonder how we can learn Francione explains; anything about ourselves from a mouse. In ROGER YATES “Data gained from experiments with TOM HOLDER fact, we share over 95% of our DNA with these animals requires extrapolation to humans in rodents. Mice have the same organs, performing order to be useful at all, and extrapolation the same functions in more or less the same way. ANIMAL RIGHTS advocates face what appears is a most inexact science under the best of ANIMAL RESEARCH plays a crucial role in Mice suffer from many of the same or equivalent to be a mammoth task. We want people to circumstances. If we want data that will be the development and safety testing of the many pathologies, and genetic modifi cation presents go vegan, to recognise sentient non-human useful in fi nding cures for human diseases, we medicines we take for granted everyday. The opportunities to make them even more like us. individuals as rights-holders, accept the validity would be better advised to use humans.” discovery of older medicines, such as Penicillin, Recently, GM mice were given the common of the claim that the use of non-human animals Of course, we don’t advocate researching on Insulin, and the Polio vaccine, all relied on cold, something previously only possible in is a rights violation, and help bring down the unconsenting humans, because we think that animal research and have gone on to save higher animals such as primates, giving hope for bastion of cultural speciesism. A big task, without they have rights that cannot be overridden even millions of lives. new treatments to help fi ght rhinoviruses which doubt. Animal rights advocates, of course, want if it benefi ts general welfare to do so. We also do More recently, research using monkeys with can trigger asthma attacks, and acute attacks the abolition of animal experimentation. not research on human beings who themselves experimentally induced parkinsonism has led of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of There are at least two major problems about show little or no respect for the rights of others. to a treatment that has alleviated the tremors which kill many people in the UK and Ireland. non-human animal experimentation. Firstly, Now, vivisectors themselves, that’s another and pains of tens of thousands of Parkinson’s The use of GM animals also allows the the practice is immoral, and secondly, it does issue entirely. They claim research on ‘whole patients around the world. Looking to the future, evaluation of gene therapy and RNAi approaches not do what it says on the tin. These problems mammalian systems’ is vital; they support animal models of genetically inherited diseases to treating disease. These potentially powerful are articulated by two positions: the animal animal experimentation; they want it, and they such as cystic fi brosis and Huntington’s disease and dangerous new techniques need to be rights position and the scientifi c anti-vivisection say their number one priority is the general are enabling the development of treatments that carefully studied in living animals before they position. health of the whole of humanity. They should offer hope to millions of people. can be considered for trials in humans. Although the two stances are often combined, clearly research, therefore, on themselves. Just this week, work on the link between Animal research is strictly regulated in both there are tensions between them. Some scientifi c Indeed, there is a long, impressive and well- the human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical Ireland and the UK, with new projects having anti-vivisectionists are opposed to rights-based documented history of self-experimentation cancer, as well as the discovery of the human to pass ethics committees to ensure that the thinking about human-non-human relations, dating back to the 19th century. immunodefi ciency virus (HIV), have brought potential benefi t to humans outweighs the cost and tend to consider most human beings selfi sh The pro-vivisection side will suggest that three scientists Nobel Prizes. Although their to the animals involved. Underpinning the high animals, who act only in self-interest or in the animal rights advocates regard the health of work did not directly involve the use of animals, welfare standards are the 3Rs; replacement of interests of near-kin. The animal rights position a mouse higher than that of a human being. work on vaccines and treatments for both animal methods with alternatives wherever is much more positive, assuming that most This is not true, even though there is a greater diseases have relied heavily on animal research. possible, reducing the number of animals used, human beings are potentially moral agents probability that the mouse will be a vegan. What Recently two new HPV vaccines were brought to and refi ning our care for animals by ensuring who can conceive of, and abide by, ethical we say is that it is the values of speciesism that the market after an extensive development stage suitable enrichment activities. principles. automatically declares non-humans “lesser- in dogs, rabbits and cows. Overall, while animal research may account Because the animal rights position regards than” in every case, and we oppose speciesism Animal testing to assess toxicity and for only a fraction of the overall medical sentient non-human and human animals as and the rights abuses that fl ow from it. We pharmacokinetics played a key role in the research effort, it is crucial to medical progress. rights bearers, experimentation on those who are not opposed to medical research that development of anti-HIV drugs, but is not limited It is highly regulated to ensure animal welfare is do not consent, in this view, is a gross violation does not violate rights. We are very much in to this. Studies with simian immunodefi ciency a top priority. The development of cutting edge of rights. The animal rights position argues favour of preventative research and practice. virus (SIV) infected monkeys provided the medicines to fi ght cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s, that non-human animals cannot be viewed as If researchers really value human health, we first evidence that Tenofovir is effective at Alzheimer’s and other life threatening or property, so just holding them in cages violates suggest that they pool their expertise and preventing infection after exposure to the virus, debilitating diseases depends on it. their rights. Rights-based animal advocates knowledge. We are sceptical of health and and is now widely used for post-exposure disease Finally, it is currently irreplaceable. Although tend not to separate animal use issues, instead research systems in which profi t and personal prevention. Its ability to prevent mother-to- we may find replacements for individual adopting an abolitionist approach. Therefore, gain are principal motivating factors. These are child transmission of SIV in monkeys has lead to areas of research, in general, methods such as most animal experimenters will also be violating surely not needed within a community whose promising early results in clinical trials. computer modelling and in vitro testing are animals’ rights by eating meat and wearing number one priority is the general health of all With over 70% of Nobel Prizes in physiology not so much replacement methods as they are leather. of humanity. or medicine going to those who have used complementary ones, useful when being used Animal experimenters are speciesists whose animals in their research, it is little wonder alongside the animal research. speciesism is highlighted in specifi c ways. For – Roger Yates is spokesman for Alliance that scientists believe that such methods are example, since vivisection involves systematically for Animal Rights still crucial in helping treat and cure modern – Tom Holder is spokesman for Speaking overriding the rights of some individuals to diseases. Medicines are not the only end product of Research Protest group

Trinity’s world ranking has risen, but the system is fl awed

By John Lavelle This volatility has its root in the subjects – notably medicine, science and is told which academics and recruiters the quality of the research underlying the objectives is “to claim” a place among rankings’ most important indicator – graduate-level business. The “citations” are surveyed, what subjects they teach, results. the top 50 universities in the world”. ‘peer review’. Five thousand academics indicator only takes account of academic where they come from or how they are The other leading university league This raises questions about how world WHEN HE saw the Times Higher worldwide are emailed a survey asking journals; research in arts, humanities and selected. This makes it diffi cult to assess table, compiled by China’s Shanghai Jiao rankings are infl uencing the College’s Education Supplement on Thursday them to name the top 30 universities social science is often published in books Tong University, is also defi cient. These direction. morning, John Hegarty must have been a in their area of expertise. The measure and therefore ignored. rankings are more objective than the The past decade has seen a shift in happy man. Trinity College rose to 49th accounts for 40% of a university’s score. Science-focused universities also tend THES UNIVERSITY RANKINGS THES. But they concentrate solely on Trinity’s priorities, from undergraduate in the world in the newspaper’s annual But new academics respond to the survey to score highly on the “staff-student research, ignoring universities’ teaching teaching – the quality of which is diffi cult university rankings – its highest ever each year, causing large inconsistencies ratio” indicator, because small classes COMPILED BY an the Times standards. Colleges are rewarded for to measure – to research – which is the position. between annual rankings. are essential. And the survey of recruiters Higher Education Supplment, historical achievements, such as Nobel most important factor in university It has broken into the top 50 for the Trinity is 49th now. It could easily be (with a weighting of ten per cent) gives an the THES rankings have been Prizes – the fact that Samuel Beckett rankings. Is this development due solely fi rst time with a rapid climb from 111th 149th in 2009. advantage to colleges with strong MBA considered among the top two played cricket here for a few years before to changing perspectives on the role of in 2005. Trinity now outranks such Second, the rankings appear strongly programmes. university league tables since wandering off to Paris keeps Trinity in a university? Or has the new fascination prestigious institutions as Dartmouth biased in favour of universities in certain This helps explain why world-leading their inception in 2004. the top 300. with rankings reinforced the strategic College, St Andrew’s University and the regions – specifi cally Britain, Australia social science schools, such as LSE, fare Dubious as they may be, doing well in shift? London School of Economics (LSE). and China. Four of the world’s top ten so badly. The THES world rankings university league tables is still important Is the growth of international staff and But before he invites UCD President universities are in England, according Fourth, there is no obvious reason score universities on the to universities. As Hugh Brady, President student numbers an attempt to increase Hugh Brady round to number one for to the THES. Six of the top fi fty are in why the THES bases ten per cent of a following indicators (weightings of UCD put it, rankings are “seen as diversity and quality? Or is the boost to celebratory champagne, the Provost Australia while none are in Germany. university’s score on its proportion of in brackets): a measure of how we are performing. the university’s league table position part should pause to consider the serious fl aws Again, the problem arises because foreign staff and students. The number . . whether we like it or not”. Rising up of the attraction? of the THES rankings. of the way academics are surveyed. of international students and staff at a • Peer Review (40%) the THES table will enhance Trinity’s Are more lecturers being hired on First, university’s positions are Professors from English-speaking university is due mostly to the location, • Recruiter Review (10%) reputation, attracting better students, a part-time basis because of fi nancial extremely volatile. Trinity is a case in countries where the THES is widely language and government policy. It is a • Citations per faculty smarter academics and more money. necessity? Or is it a convenient way of point. It began in 88th place in 2004, known are far more likely to respond. poor indicator of quality. member (20%) Yet around the world, there is a manipulating the College’s staff-student dropped to 111th in 2005, climbed back The rankings are further skewed against Fifth, the objectivity of the rankings • Faculty members per rising concern that the growing fi xation ratio? to 78th in 2006 before moving up to 53rd non-English language universities by the is dubious – half of a university’s score is student (20%) with league tables can actually damage If league tables were just a chance to last year. In 2007, LSE fell from 17th to “citation per faculty member” indicator determined by the subjective assessment • International Faculty (5%) university education. boost egos and pick up some favourable 59th and University College London rose – the journals taken into account are of academics and employers. Perception • International Students (5%) And Trinity, more than most, has press coverage, their methodological from 25th to 9th. Universities simply almost all in English. is more important than reality. become preoccupied with moving up the fl aws wouldn’t matter so much. But more don’t change enough from year to year to Third, the league tables favour Finally, the methodology used by world pecking order. According to its and more, it seems, they are dictating justify these huge jumps and falls. universities which are strong in certain the THES is strikingly opaque. Nobody Strategic Plan, one the College’s main how universities are run. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 EDITORIAL 17

UCD MED DAY INVASION TRINITY NEWS Issue 2, Volume 55 Tuesday, 14 September 2008 6 Trinity College, Dublin 2 www.trinitynews.ie ACADEMIC FREEDOM

principle is, by one defi ntion, something that is unhelpful in practice but obligatory in theory. Academic freedom is one such principle that must be defended vigorously Aand constantly. The recent debate around the use of animals in research, including that on these pages, reminds us of this. The participants in the debate have focused on the details and examples of use of animals in science, and our co-existence with “non-humans”, to use the Alliance for Animal Rights’ term, in general. It is worthwhile however to look at this issue in the context of all the activities carried out in a university. A university must be a place where academics be allowed to perform the research they deem necessary, and that especially includes unpopular, controversial or maverick research. Society grants academics this privilege since they are the leaders in their fi elds who devote their working lives to those fi elds, and for that reason we trust that they will use this privilege responsibility. To cherry-pick and judge their chosen course of research from the sidelines is to violate this implicit agreement. Medicine students from UCD invade Front Square during A situation in which academics can only work under duress or Freshers’ Week. Photo: Conor fear would represent a most grave tradegy. Research and teaching O’Kelly. are the two bedrocks of a university and without academic freedom, research becomes a meaningless veener and with time so too will teaching as there won’t be anything new to teach. It is recognised that this principle will be unhelpful in practice. Academic freedom creates the perfect arena for immovable Statutory rights Weary cynics cranks. Evil people will attempt to abuse academic freedom for LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I hate to sound like a cranky old man, but what I could not agree more with your weary and their own nefarious purposes. Idiots will persue hopeless trains of has happened to the much mooted Matteo anonymous cynic in their Real Guide to Society Letters to the Editor should be thought and pointless avenues of research with academic freedom. Matturba memorial that was promised to the Life (TN Volume 55, Issue 1.) That nobody cares sent to [email protected]. The But these risks are worth the benefi ts. Successful research by students, staff and alumni of Trinity College, about the “activities of these ‘paper-reading’ Editor reserves the right to edit Dublin? societies” is evidenced by the fact that you used a submissions for style and length. academics is the driving force for the enrichment and facilitation As a new generation of students begin their picture of Luke Ryder, ex-Phil Registrar taking a Opinions expressed are not neces- of our daily lives. This is what academics give back to society academic journey within our hallowed walls, it day off his real-world job to run a public-speaking sarily those of Trinity News, its staff saddens, disappoints and enrages me that these workshop for secondary school children, many of or its Editor. in return for the trust we place in them to carry out their work students are ignorant of such an important fi gure whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds unfettered. “Academic freedom” need not preclude vigilance: in Trinity’s historical heritage. and participated in the event with the assistance “trust, but verify” is the principle of security that applies in this It strikes me that all of the promises made of of the Trinity Access Programme. The Hist also commemoration made in Trinity term last year do something similar with their work in their College’s “Green” policy case too. were no more than political expediency – mere Leinster Schools’ Competition. Might I suggest History is littered with examples of maverick genuises who were words, signifying nothing. that the next time an unnamed correspondent College makes a great deal of fuss about energy at best ignored or at worst distrusted and hated for their ideas. We For those of us who experienced first hand takes the time to complain about the GMB effi ciency, and more generally about College Matt’s love – conveyed through silent gestures Societies failing to do “more things for the being environmentally friendly; and I would take great comfort in the status quo and we will not be able to learn and affectionate-walking-stick pokes – it is truly students and their members instead of just presume that this has taken on a new signifi cance from the examples in the past of and of thinkers mistreated. This sad that others bereft of this experience will not themselves”, you use a stock photo less likely to with the recent surge in Oil Prices. Nevertheless even understand what they have missed. embarrass him or her? some shocking examples of waste are still to be is merely human nature. We are no doubt currently mistreating What I suggest is this: a statue, that when you found. Everyone remembers the massive diesel some maverick somewhere who in a hundred years’ time will be walk past, swings at you with a stick, and gets in Brendan Curran generators, spewing massive amounts of fumes fi rst-year undergraduate material. To mitigate this part of human your way on the house 6 stairs. Honorary Secretary, 324th Session into the air, that were dotted round campus Only then will the students of tomorrow learn University Philosophical Society during “Green” week last year. nature, we institute an environment of free research in universities. about the legends of yesteryear. And, in some residences in New Square, some Those who seek to unjustly impede free research are indirectly Perhaps during this current economic climate, apartments have large, uninsulated, heating pipes seeking to unseat this most basic of principles of any university. college authorities do not feel they can fund such Sunday sermon running through them; prompting a massive a project. waste of energy as residents leave windows Those who value the contribution that universities provide to If so, I personally demand the re-introduction I note that the library is no longer open on open to expel the excess heat. Meanwhile others society must recognise this and resist these attacks accordingly. of fees to finance worthy and enlightening Sundays. Is there any point in us having a are left freezing and waste yet more energy in endeavours such as these. Students’ Union? employing their own heaters.

Cormac Walsh Kieran Fitzgibbon Conor Sullivan OUR “CIVIL SERVICE” JS Civil Engineering SS Theology Studies JS Economics

his College can be thought of as a sort of mini-state, complete with elected representatives (the Students’ Union), a civil service (the College authorities), a police THE PAST has a lot to offer the present, and This left the restorationist of 2008 with a force (the stewards), a populous of students and a Trinity’s past is a storeroom fi lled with valuable dilemma: was the initiative of 1963 an organic T traditions. A lesson is always learned from development, carried out in a spirit of continuity fi gurehead leader in the provost. All these bodies are important any excursion into history, as history’s vast OLD TRINITY with the past? Would Pope Benedict, the great to the daily life of students, but the College offi cials – the “civil accumulation of knowledge and wisdom far by PETER HENRY proponent of the hermeneutic of continuity, service” – have a tight involvement in the adminstrative details outweighs the whims and fashions of the present. approve of such a move? Chesterton wrote that tradition is the democracy Archaeologism triumphed, and this year the of students’ interaction with College. Even those students who of the dead, and here at Trinity we should always original tie saw the light once again, sans shields. do not directly perceive the effects and work of these offi cials are try to give our predecessors their vote. The Phil’s pretty lady members, the remnant This lofty vision of the glories of the past of the old DU Elizabethan Society, are taking unquestionably affected by their decisions and running of their applies to the great things of the academy: law, one might think. But not quite: some old Phil advantage of the society’s new scarf, which is in respective offi ces. medicine, science, theology and the other great members have produced from their wardrobes wool and made in the colours of the tie. For that reason, it is important that students examine the way disciplines of learning. But it also applies to the a black tie, with the stripes as described in 1953, And so the University Philosophical Society simple, and the simple is often more interesting but with the addition of a repeating pattern of is like the householder of Matthew, “who brings these offi ces work. These bodies and personas are there to serve than the grandiose. And so I direct my attention the University of Dublin arms: a quartered shield out of his treasure what is new and what is old”. and facilitate the students’ interactions with College – not the to one of the simplest things of all: one man’s with a crowned harp, an open book and a blazing Make sure to commend Barry Devlin and his other way round. Students and staff equally should remember necktie. castle. predecessor, Ruth, when you see them, on their The president of the University Philosophical This is an oddity: the University of Dublin’s brave reinvigoration of tradition. this. Some students have perhaps not yet quite realised it at all. Society has a new tie. It is black, and stripes in arms were not granted until 1882, after both of This should be remedied in order to ensure that the correct red, pale blue and royal blue are repeated at the Phil’s alleged founding years. This could be CONTINUITY is pursued in the Phil, but a delination exists between those students and the offi ces there intervals. The Phil has rescued a simple piece of forgiven, as confusions abound when it comes venerated part of our university has made a major its own tradition from near effacement, and its to the use of the arms of the college and the break with tradition this year. The University of to serve them. president and members now proudly wear the university. But the Phil has always used the Dublin Calendar was, for most of its existence, Further, much like global warming, descriptions of our funding Phil tie when receiving distinguished guests to college arms – the familiar harp, lion, book the Dublin University Calendar. That change the Graduates’ Memorial Building. and castle – on its medals and stationary, so an barely scandalised a single pedant in, I think, the crisis have been thoroughly hammered home. In these times, it The design of Phil’s tie may have been lost explanation is demanded. 1980s. is essential to examine the effi ciency and return on investment forever if a sharp graduate – William John This newspaper may hold the reason. In But this year, for the first time since its that all aspects of College provide – especially these offi ces. Cuts White, LLB 1942 – had not committed to paper June of 1963, an article on the heraldry of our inception in 1833, the Calendar has been printed the provenance of this piece of silk in the alumni institution was published in Trinity News, and the in a sans serif font. This change from Times will have to be made across the board and savings implemented. yearly of the time, Trinity: An Annual Record, author was upset about the confusion between to what appears to be Arial or Arial MT ought No part of College can be allowed to hide behind a status quo. back in 1953. the college and the university. He mused on the to be condemned: a pointless and miserable These kind of offi ces should be fi rst on the list of scrutiny since (The Phil celebrated its centenary that year, college’s ties, writing: innovation. although it has since revised its origin backward, “The sports clubs which describe themselves their’s are the offi ces where bureaucracy mounts up most – and from 1853 to 1684. A big jump, and one which as Dublin University clubs correctly use the harp MY PRESUMPTUOUSNESS has been where most bureaucracy can accordingly be eliminated. the editor of this year’s Calendar clearly doesn’t surmounted by crown on their ties. The College highlighted: spraoi may be Irish for “fun”, but agree with: 1684 has vanished from beside the Historical Society also uses it on its ties, but it does not “hardly need to be said” (as I wrote Our current fi nancial climate will mean uncomfortable times University Philosophical Society’s entry in this the University Philosophical Society for some in the last Trinity News) that the word for a for all concerned. It is no use ignoring the realities that down- year’s DU Calendar!) unknown reason does not.” college party, or spree, derives from the Irish. scaling is inevitable, nor is it any use to say that cuts can be made The Trinity periodical preserved a description A progressive modernist in the Phil, drunk A Scotsman himself, Dominic Esler, BA 2008, of the Phil’s tie for posterity. The Phil, it said, with the spirit of the 1960s, must have decided wrote to point out the Scots origin of the word. A “somewhere else”. The sooner we start evaluating all aspects “has made up, to some extent, for the absence of to deface the ten-year-old Phil tie with a logo not consultation of the dictionary shows that “spree” of our interaction with College with such practical concerns in a ‘student’ tie in College by bringing out its own its own, all in response to one sentence in this first appeared in Scotland in the early 19th mind, the better. tie – a handsome piece of poplin (designed by newspaper! He even got it wrong: the Hist and century to mean “a lively outing” or “a drinking Atkinson’s) in black with narrow red, pale blue many of the DU clubs use the crowned harp, but bout”. Thank you, Dominic. and royal blue stripes.” not the full shield as found on these later Phil Quod erat demonstrandum, a tradition revived, ties. [email protected] TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 18 BUSINESS & CAREERS October 14, 2008 Economics’ go-to guy

Careers Week on the radio IT MIGHT seem too early in the year to be thinking about the next step after College. However, the reason that Careers Week is held in week 2 of Newstalk 106’s Economics Editor Mark Michealmas term is to publicise upcoming closing dates for both recruitment and postgraduate study. Coleman speaks to Grace Walsh about the Trinity students return to their studies later than most Irish colleges, and therefore don’t have as economic challenges heading our way much time to get settled before making these important applications. The week- long programme TODAY IS budget day. It is the fi rst time indicated that tens if not hundreds of of events is mainly targeted at Sophister and in living memory that the budget has millions of euro a year is being wasted postgraduate students. Students from Freshman been brought forward by two months in government spending. By not acting years are also welcomed. to October. It may be an attempt by to end this waste but at the same time The Careers Advisory Service will be running a the government to look as though they borrowing for current purposes the series of workshops and presentations throughout are dealing with the current economic government is infl icting an unnecessary the week. These workshops will be covering CVs, crisis or it may be to increase tax levels. burden on the taxpayer and that is only interview skills, application forms, career planning for Trinity News asked Marc Coleman what the tip of iceberg. Structural reforms of mature students, entering the legal profession and tricks the government may have up their public service, in the form of targeted cuts many more. sleeves. and useful public spending could release Presentations will be given by employers such “I expect strong cuts in expenditure, in billions of euro back into the economy.” as Microsoft, JP Morgan, Deloitte, Accenture, recent years government spending has On the topic of recession and the Google, HSBC bank plc, Boston Consulting Group exceeded justifi ed levels in comparison collapse of the global stock market and Goldman Sachs International. Many of these to the relatively low output of the public Coleman refuses to go overboard and fi rms actively recruit in Trinity and run internships service. This waste must be eliminated.” adapts a moderate, realistic viewpoint. throughout the summer. Recently in the media there has been “The market crash is the direct result The Careers Service are also running Career much coverage of the inefficient and of 10 years loose monetary policy- too low Sector talks which aim to give students an insight bloated public service. There has been interest rates- weak regulation of banks into areas which are unlikely to be represented at the much speculation that the public service and poor credit rating. As a result growth Graduate Employer Fair in the RDS. is to experience a severe wake –up call in the world economy in recent years Graduates who have been successful in sectors in the form of reducing everything from has been more fat than muscle. Recent such as journalism, the public service, translation, expenditure to personnel to bonuses in increases in interest rates since 2005 development and science return to speak of their have revealed this to the markets and Mark Coleman 1993 but it won’t be as tough as 1993. that university fees were never a barrier professional experiences. Many speakers work they are now reacting. If the government graduated from If everybody holds their nerve the to poor people going to college because in organisations such RTE, Google, The Sunday can restore confi dence in the banking Trinity in the economy should be back to its previous as I know from my own case the fees of Tribune, the National Gallery, The European “If you learn to swim system and if media can be constructive time of fees, and steady state by 2010. For some doing under-privileged students were paid. Commission and Wyeth. against the tide you in not talking down economy then asset supports their a Masters degree or some other form It is the inability of students to fund Speakers have always been very generous with prices and economic activity generally re-introduction. of other post graduate work could be a their day to day living expenses in today’s their time and advice. In the past, many speakers will be a much stronger should begin next year to stabilize. Asset Illustration: Alex good strategy over next year or so. But high cost economy that has prevented have spoken individually to students and have prices should stabilize where they were in Mathers anybody who wants to jump into the job low income families from sending their even given their contact details for further support. swimmer when tide turns 2003/2004 and global economic activity market should not be afraid of plunging kids to college. That problem needs to be Attending presentations provides students with an in your favor.” should grow weekly from 2009. in - if you learn to swim against the tide tackled by an imaginative combination of excellent opportunity to gather vital insight into the However in this country we are dealing you will be a much stronger swimmer loans and grants. The tax payer cannot be career of their choice, to make valuable contacts and with the excessive overhang of SSIAs and when tide turns in your favor. expected to bear the burden of sending discover life after college. credit growth which artifi cially infl ated Regarding the US Presidential election other children to university when they Tuesday the 14th of October sees the turn an attempt to cull the gross wasting of the economy between 2005 and 2007. Coleman is of the opinion that John cannot afford to send their own. of larger employers at the Dublin Graduate taxpayer’s money. As most of this growth was illusory we McCain is better for Ireland’s economy Reintroducing university fees is also Employment fair, taking place in the RDS from 11am “I am not anticipating tax increases should expect the economy to wash it out given that Barack Obama intends to make needed to provide funding for research to 5pm. This will include over 150 national and but we can expect an increase in non- of its system during the next 18 months. it more diffi cult for countries like Ireland excellence. Universities must compliment international employers demonstrating thousands indexated tax bands and thresholds [such Economic activity should stabilize at the with low corporate tax rates, to leverage their very solid core of postgraduate of jobs on offer. The event is organised by Trinity as VAT and Excise Duties] which will level attained in 2007 sometime during tax rates to attract US multinationals. lecturers with an equally valued core of Careers Advisory Service and other Dublin colleges effectively act as a tax increase.” the year 2010. This adjustment is perfectly “Generally speaking both candidates lecturers with professional experience in partnership with GTI Ireland. “Also I expect to see an increase in natural and healthy. It must be managed appear to be just as capable if not more in market driven disciplines. University The full list of attending companies is available on Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), and carefully by the government by keeping capable [of handling the economy] than sectors must become research driven as the website www.thegraduatecareersfair.ie hopefully the end of the apartheid system the lid on taxation and dealing effectively the administration we have at present well as student driven.” It is advised to register on the website to avoid in which the private sector is obliged to with public spending. If government -in fact either would be an improvement, the inevitable queues. This is a unique opportunity pay PRSI whilst the public sector, as part makes mistakes on taxes and spending However the Bush Administration is not for students to meet with potential employers in a of their contract, does not.” 0 that’s another matter.” entirely to blame for the present crisis- relaxed atmosphere, to ask questions and to really The European Commission will “There is a lot of fear out there at the phenomena of sub prime mortgage IN PROFILE gain some important knowledge of what to expect have to scrutinize the budget from a the moment. I would like to think that lending has its origins in the Clinton when you graduate. macroeconomic point of view, however people like me, Newstalk and the Sunday regime of 1990s.” MARC COLEMAN is one of Other events this week include the Law Careers the Minister’s budget is unlikely to be Independent are doing their best to On a more controversial issue Newstalk’ Ireland’s leading economic Fair taking place in the Atrium on Thursday 16th of constrained by the Commission. This provide balance on the negative and Economics Editor is unambiguously in commentators. He is an author, October and the Computing Careers Event. year the budget is likely to breach the 3% positive factors of the economy. This favor of the return of college fees. as well as being a columnist This week there’s something for everyone! defi cit limit by a substantial margin.” It is (sense of balance) is less evident in other “My Trinity degree was funded by the with The Sunday Independent, rumored that the government may have media outlets which are perhaps immune tax payer through a local authority grant Economics Editor with Newstalk to borrow up to the European maximum to many consequences of the downturn.” system which worked well. Third level 106, and a lecturer in economics TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER level of 60% of GDP. As unlikely as it Unemployment has become, education differs from fi rst and second on the MBA programme at UCD’s seems “This is a good thing, the economy for the first time in years, a serious level education, both are mandatory Smurfi t Business School. Graduate Careers Fair (RDS) is having difficulty breathing so it is worry for graduates. “However and necessary, therefore state has an important for the government to loosen gradates need to remember that obligation to provide it for free. He is former Economics Editor the belt and tie. Provided current taxes unemployment is increasing in sectors Third level education is lifestyle choice, of The Irish Times. Marc has also WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER broadly meet current standing the where graduate skills are not as important people who go into work straight from held positions with the European government should be happy to borrow such as construction, hotels and retail. school are funding those in university. Central Bank and the Department up to 9 billion.” Students must remember that there are This is unjust as university graduates of Finance. 9.30-11.50 Career Planning for Mature Students “However borrowing for current 2.1 million jobs in economy so there no earn much more later on in their (GMB - please sign up in advance) purposes is unacceptable. The Controller real cause for concern just yet. It will be professional lives. Any honest appraisal (GMB)* and Auditor General’s Report has the toughest year for graduates since of unequal opportunity in Ireland shows 12 noon CVs, Application and Assessment Centres (facilitated by Deloitte Consulting, GMB) 1pm Postgraduate Research and Funding (GMB) 2pm Applying for Teacher Training Graduate job market prospects bleak (Primary and Secondary in Ireland and UK) (GMB) 3pm Museums Galleries and Arts Administration (GMB) By Aisling Deng from their jobs worldwide. The graduates may be forced to look The healthcare industry has the need for redundancies. 4pm Translation, Interpreting Careers in Deputy Buiness & Careers Editor affects of these events will slowly abroad for job opportunities. to date been little affected by the Graduate prospects are not Ireland, European Commission and fi lter down to the Irish job market Those with arts or communications recession. The employment of all doom and gloom however UN (GMB) AS WE return to another academic which as of yet has remained largely degrees are in the most vulnerable doctors and in particular nurses has depressing the future may seem. 7pm Entering the Legal Profession (Arts year, horror stories of a collapsing unaffected by recent events in the position. During a recession there remained high due to the opening Graduate Careers Ireland found Block, RM 3074) global economy dominate the fi nancial markets. A major concern is a contraction in the service of Centers of Excellence around that 71% of the 211 employers fi nancial news. to Irish business is the rising cost industries where many of these the country. However the closure it questioned said they expect THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER AIG, Freddie Mac and Fannie of production. We have seen many graduates will end up. of wards in many hospitals has to recruit the same number of Mae have been taken over by the US fi rms close such as Tyco in Cork On the other hand for everybody caused employment to fl uctuate. graduates this year as in 2007. 9-11am Law Careers Fair (the Atrium) Federal Reserve. Lehman Brothers citing high wage costs and costs of down in the Hamilton things don’t Unemployment rates for healthcare However just 2% said they planned 11am Interview Skills (GMB) have fi led for bankruptcy whilst production as reason for closure. look so bad. Powerful industries professionals are exceedingly low to increase graduate recruitment 12 noon PR, Marketing and Advertising (GMB) Merril Lynch has been bought out Mixed news prevails for business such as alternative fuel sources, at 0.2%. levels this year. Many fi rms suffered 1pm Careers in the Public Sector - Civil by the Central Bank of America. students. Accountancy remains bio and medical technologies, ICT Small businesses though more with a talent dry-spell during the Service Commission and European This overhaul of the fi nancial among the top recruiting sectors and pharmaceuticals are quickly vulnerable to market fl uctuations recruitment freeze of 2001 and so Commission (GMB) system has sent shockwaves in the country with the big four gathering momentum. The high may become a more attractive will continue to hire graduates to 2pm Preparing your CV (GMB) throughout our globalized economy. accounting fi rms alone planning demand for fuel, the fact that oil option to graduates. As the ensure a consistent fl ow of talent 3pm NGO and Development (GMB) And so the question arises how to recruit over 1000 graduates in is a fi nite resource and a drive Federation of Small Businesses when the market picks up. 4pm Completing Application forms (GMB) does all of this affect graduate 2008. Whilst the banking sector for a cleaner environment has (FSB) Chairman John Wright The Graduate Market Report 5pm Journalism: Newspaper, Magazines careers? is expected to reduce its graduate boosted investment and research commented on the publication 2008 is reporting more of the same. and broadcasting (GMB) According to the Central recruitment by 15% this year. in alternative fuel sources. Exxon of the latest FSB survey: “Small It claims graduate vacancies will rise 6pm Pharmaceutical, Medical Statistics Offi ce (CSO) the economy Graduates stemming from Mobil has invested $20 billion this business owners know their greatest by 16.4% with fi nance based fi rms Devices and BioIndustry sector contracted by 0.8% in the second computer science, arts and media year alone into researching new asset is their staff…By having a planning to take on 14.7% fewer (Maxwell Theatre, Hamilton Building) quarter of this year compared studies face a more challenging sources of energy. Environmental committed and loyal workforce… graduates. The report also shows with 2007, which means that the future. Unemployment rates for engineering is also a developing [Even] the smallest business that almost half of the organizations FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER economy is technically in a recession these sectors range from 8% to 10% industry with great prospects. has a big advantage.” Although featured in The Times Top 100 for the fi rst time since 1983. for the year 2007. Dell is planning Also science graduates are often smaller enterprises may have Graduate Employers plan to expand 11-1pm Assessment Centres (facilitated by In the fi nancial sector we are a contraction of its production recruited by fi nancial fi rms due to fewer vacancies they may be more their graduate programmes this Bank of Scotland (Ireland)) (GMB)* due to see some great upheaval. base here in Ireland; Hewlett their high analytical skills. supportive of individual needs and year. According to Irelands Leading 2.15-4.30 drop in appointments with Careers The merger of Halifax Bank of Packard plans to cut its global Graduates from a career specifi c suggestions. As smaller enterprises Graduate Employers Report, the Advisers, East Chapel Scotland with Lloyds TSB has been workforce by 7.5% whilst many course such as medicine, dentistry, tend to be more fl exible, they can top ten fi rms are Price-Water- rumored to be axing more than technological fi rms have defected and engineering have very low rapidly shift their focus to adapt Coopers, KPMG, Google, Deloitte, * - limited places, advance booking necessary 3,000 jobs both here and in the UK. to Eastern Europe and India. With unemployment rates. Many fi nd a to changing circumstances. They AIB Group, Bank of Ireland, Civil More details www.tcd.ie/careers/events The recent turmoil in Wall Street “conservatism in IT spending” job within the fi rst six months of are able to respond quickly to any Service, Ernst & Young, Accenture is expected to oust 40,000 people rife throughout the industry many graduating. market fl uctuation thereby reducing and Intel. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 SCIENCE 19 The general IN BRIEF LUKE MAISHMAN

PHARMACEUTICALS public, the LOST PENGUINS AIRLIFTED TO SAFETY BY KIND BRAZILIANS

HUNDREDS OF penguins were airlifted back to their native territory in the South Atlantic by the Brazilian air force this year new lab rat? while more still were brought in a Navy vessel. Every year penguins make their way north in search of food, but this year at least 1,000 washed up on Recently rescued from fi nancial crisis, our Brazilian beaches, even in the far north of the country. Experts Science Gallery now hosts an exhibit that, say that this indicates a problem whilst entertaining and informative, also with the penguins’ food supply. collects data from the audience for use in RESEARCH research by the Institute of Neuroscience. FLY USES REMOTE CONTROL CAR FOR FLIGHT RESEARCH

By Ronan Lyne is clearly understood. But Brennan, HOW DOES a fl y fl y? Roboticist Brad Nelson and Deputy Science editor O’Connell and Robertson were all equally his colleagues in the Swiss Federal Institute, Zurich, enthusiastic about the possibilities of are trying to fi nd out by allowing fruit fl ies, a long- THE SCIENCE Gallery, Trinity’s engaging undergraduates and members studied “model organism” in biology, to “drive” a financially controversial sexed-up of the public alike. In fact, even for an remote controlled car. The fl y is tethered but tries science venue, is currently running its extreme skeptic of Science Gallery, to fl y according to the images it sees on the LED Pay Attention: Lab in the Gallery exhibit. it’s hard not to be taken in by the buzz “simulator” surrounding it. Sensors that detect the Actual scientifi c research is being carried around the current exhibition. People fl y’s fl ight direct the car. out in front of and on the public. It has are genuinely fascinated, and it’s easy been drawing a constant stream of to understand why. Unlike the largely fascinated visitors. But is it a waste of passive Lightwave and Pills exhibits, INVENTION PUBLISHED 10 0CT 08 IN ‘SCIENCE’ money? Or is it just a cheap way of doing visitors to Lab in the Gallery are engaged research? by mediators from the moment they step UNITED STATES CHEMISTS The Lab in the Gallery concept was inside the space, and are invited to play the brainchild of Michael John Gorman, Mindball while they wait for their stint MAKE NANOTUBE GECKO GLUE the director of Science Gallery. He at their chosen research booth. Brennan approached various laboratories in highlights the biggest difference: “Lab GECKOS HAVE long inspired in the Gallery allows the audience to scientists with their ability interact, engage and converse with the to scamper up vertical walls scientists so they have more control over and cling to ceilings. Now US Even as an extreme their learning experience.” chemists claim to have made a skeptic of Science Lab’s unique selling point is that material based on nanotubes it is actual research being conducted that is ten times stickier than Gallery, it’s hard not publicly. O’Connell believes that, given In the Science Robertson, Brennan and O’Connell medical treatment, or go back to medieval some gecko feet. Stuck to glass, taxpayers’ contribution to research, Gallery’s lat- are all involved in the Trinity College medicine, because it’s impossible to a dot of the material about ¼ to be taken in by the they have a right to observe. He goes as est exhibition, Institute of Neuroscience, which uses do medical research without using the size of a drawing-pin head buzz around the current far as to suggest that “all labs should be actual scientifi c rats in neurophysiology experiments. animals.” (4mmx4mm) can support over able to justify their research to a public research is being When asked if research schemes such as The Science Gallery has suffered 1.6 kilograms when pulled exhibition audience.” But is this audience more of a carried out on Pay Attention’s would pave the way for financial woes since its launch, and parallel to the surface. liability than expected? Especially when the visiting pub- less use of animal models, O’Connell was needed a big bailout from the Wellcome Trinity, asking them if they could carry considering the effect of observation on lic. Photo: Ernest adamant that the two were very separate Trust this summer. O’Connell says this out research in the gallery space. He participants’ reactions? O’Connell claims Figueras areas of research. Brennan admitted that exhibition has been run quite frugally, and SURPRISING SPECIES found his answer in Ian Robertson, the booths have been designed so as she did not enjoy the thought of killing that it may not have even used its entire now the curator of this exhibit, and his to minimise distraction, and adds that animals for research purposes, but budget as all the equipment belongs to MEXICAN FREE-TAILED BAT research team, who could feasibly work the experiment designs have factored realised the necessity of it. She suggested Robertson’s lab. in the space available. Robertson, as well in their location in the Gallery. He also that wasting/throwing out uneaten meat The remaining question is: if Lab in One of the most abundant as two members of his team - Sabina maintains that “most attention-requiring is a far greater crime. “If John Banville the Gallery is successful, will we see more mammals in North Brennan and Redmond O’Connell – was tasks are already carried out with normal has ever thrown out a steak, then that research being conducted in public? America, this bat roosts in kind enough to offer insiders’ perspectives distraction levels, so one could argue that animal has suffered for nothing. At Robertson is cautious “This exhibition is caves and urban locations. on the exhibit, which they have been a controlled lab setting is actually less least the animals used in Trinity have a world fi rst, and is a learning experience, Like all true bats they use planning since May. representative of everyday life than Lab contributed to scientifi c research, and but has been extremely successful so far echolocation to “see.” Up Youth appeal is central to Science in the Gallery.” with less suffering involved.” Robertson … There are limits to the types of research to 50 times per second Gallery’s ethos and branding, and talking In the wake of John Banville’s believes that Banville is misguided, and that can be done publicly. But I hope a muscle in the bat’s ear to the curatorial team, it becomes clear comments, the use of animals in research that if he truly objected to animal testing, that it will be the fi rst of several such contracts, muting its sensitive ears to stop the that the Gallery’s mission statement has come under scrutiny by the public. “ethically Banville should refuse any endeavors.” loud “screech” deafening it.

EGGHEAD OF THE ISSUE Poka-Yoke: The Guardian Angel of Design WILLEBRORD SNELLIUS WILLEBRORD SNELLIUS, Dutch astronomer and By Luke Maishman THE LINGO user is kept waiting while returning card fi t into a petrol car’s fi lling inset. The breakaway of the hose coupling also shuts mathematician, is famous Science Editor to wallet, before getting the sought-after user is warned before the fl ow of diesel off the fl ow of petrol to reduce fi re risk. for the law of refraction: SHIGEO notes and heading off for more shopping/ has even begun. The lowly bathroom sink is also an Snell’s Law, which ‘POKA-YOKE’. NO, not a new kind of SHINGO was drinking! illustration of poka-yoke: You know describes the bending of video-game dreamed up by Nintendo but a Japanese The term Poka-yoke is Japanese and that little hole under the taps? It stops light as it goes from air to in fact a concept behind the technology industrial originates from the efforts of Dr Shigeo The feckless driver fl ooding. Ingenious. another clear material. The law explains why that surrounds us. Quite literally it means engineer Shino who was instrumental in developing The window in business envelopes is people in water seem to have short legs. The mistake-proofi ng or fail-safi ng in design. who dis- it into a technique. This week I took a look who sets off with the not only a time-saver for address-writers. moon crater “Snellius” is also named after him. It is those little things that we take for tinguished at some of the more interesting cases . . . pump nozzle still in It also prevents mix-ups of contents to granted but sorely miss in their absence. himself as I wonder whether anyone doesn’t recipients, ensuring that that a client’s To take just one example, think about one of the know at least one person who has made their vehicle isn’t pulled private statement is not sent to the ON THIS DAY… ATM’s. Relatively commonplace, these world’s the mistake of putting the wrong fuel in Christmas prizewinner! generally take a card, dispense cash leading their car? It is an annoying and common around in a circle to Airport luggage carts are great for » IN 1947, Chuck Yeager was the fi rst human to and return the card. Or do they? I had experts on mistake, often requiring the entire tank crash into one of the racing. The momentum of an over-laden fl y faster than the speed of sound in a rocket- never even considered the importance manufactur- to be drained and even damaging the cart can be an almost unstoppable force, powered airplane. of the order of these rather mundane ing practice. engine permanently. other pumps ploughing through the crowds of would-be » IN 1968, the fi rst live telecast from outer space events until my visit to Asia this summer. He studied But Poka-yoke prevents against the fl yers and causing injury and destruction was beamed from the orbiting satellite Apollo Certainly in India, the order is card in, the Toyota worst possible mistake: Using diesel in But perhaps the most exciting petrol left right and center. The poka-yoke VII. cash, card back. And I came so close to Production a petrol engine may destroy the engine’s station design is the fact that the hoses answer? The brakes of the trolley are » IN 1863, Alfred Nobel was granted his losing my debit card on many an occasion, System and catalytic converter, causing thousands from the pumps are designed to tear off applied whenever the handle is not being fi rst patent in Sweden for the preparation of yet back home I had never had any trouble coined the of euro in damage. How is it that we’re with a strong pull. So the feckless driver pressed to slow the cart once it has been nitroglycerin. Later, in 1868, Nobel patented remembering the card. The secret is of term poka- not all broke already? The nozzle on the who sets off with the pump nozzle still in released. This also prevents against more dynamite as a form for safer handling. course that in Ireland the card is returned yoke. diesel pumps at garages is slightly larger their vehicle isn’t pulled around in a circle sensible dangers like unattended carts before the cash, so that the cash-hungry than the petrol nozzle, meaning it won’t to crash into one of the other pumps. The rolling away.

COMPETITION THEY ARE CALLED “incidental” fi ndings, some way. The ICOB is headed by Dr Erin of genetic study has generally avoided but for the volunteers involved they could SCIENCE WITH O’Shea of Harvard University. issuing subject data unless left with no WIN A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION be the opposite. Accidental discoveries One fear held of genetic scans is choice because of the administrative during research on human volunteers the health insurance and employment diffi culties and costs involved. TO NEW SCIENTIST MAGAZINE can bring to light serious implications for A CONSCIENCE implications of getting bad news. But Indeed many scientists are against the subjects’ health, but in the past the this project has these bases covered – as passing on information to subjects because TO WIN this great prize, submit around 300 words of norm has been not to tell volunteers. This outlined on its website, in New Jersey it they believe the costs involved will make your own writing for the Science with a Conscience is particularly crucial in human genetics is illegal to discriminate based on genetic research ineffective, and also note that panel. Articles should describe a person or group in research which can show a life-threatening information for either employment research scientists are not physicians and the scientifi c community who displays an inspiring predisposition to disease, for example or health insurance purposes. “This do not have the same duty of care. consideration for ethics or moral concerns. where a chromosomal deletion confers a protective New Jersey law applies to all Rules: Email entries as an attachment to risk for a dangerous heart arrhythmia. In a participants… regardless of where the [email protected]. Entries will be situation like this, seeing a heart specialist Compiled by Luke Maishman participant resides.” judged both on content could save the volunteer’s life. In addition to all of this the project is and journalistic quality. A pioneering project by the Corriell willing to help volunteers understand Applicants must be Institute for Medical Research in New point mutations in the? genome and the their results. Although the project advises registered students of Jersey is breaking the mould in volunteer risk of common conditions such as heart consulting with a GP fi rst and foremost Trinity and must not be part care in research. The project aims to recruit disease. in the event of a risk being discovered, it of Trinity News’ editorial 10,000 volunteers before the end of 2009, In addition to this an external oversight does offer free advice from one of two full staff. Entries from students whose genomes (genetic sequences) board, the Informed Cohort Oversight time genetic counsellors. who have not written for will be scanned using Single Nucleotide Board (ICOB), will review findings of As the website of the project notes, Trinity News before will be Polymorphism (SNP) chips. The research medical relevance and inform the subject “This research-study is a forward-thinking, Researchers at work on genome analysis in viewed favourably. Closing aims to uncover links between single- if it feels that harm can be alleviated in collaborative effort.” Until now, this kind Coriell Genotyping and Microarray Centre. date: 12 December, 2008. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 20 TRAVEL October 14, 2008

International Festivals Adventure, Snow wonders adrenaline China’s biggest ice sculpture festival is a sight to behold

Derek Larney and elves Travel Editor HARBIN IS a large city in Heilongjiang Province; located further north than Vladivostok in Siberia, it suffers bitterly It’s a long way to the South Island of New cold winters which sees the mercury regularly shrivelling down past the -25°C Zealand but for those who make the trip, the mark. With this comes a blanket of ice and snow, which is put to good use every world capital of adrenaline awaits. Queenstown winter as a mass of over six hundred sculptors descend on the city to compete is an adventurer’s nirvana. in the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpting Festival. Its popularity increases year-on- Derek Larney strapped to your back sounds like fun, year and is now recognised as one of the Travel Editor then there’s no better place to try it than top tourist attractions in China, currently here. 45 seconds of 200km/h freefall attracting over one million tourists over THERE’S ALWAYS been a hint of is followed by a gentle descent with its one month run. adventure about New Zealand. Crazy some awesome scenery to take in from The festival has been running since Kiwis have pushed the limits in adventure your bird’s eye view. There are a few 1963 despite an interlude of several years sports ever since Edmund Hillary’s fi rst different outfi ts in town, all of which offer during Mao’s Cultural Revolution before ascent of Everest. There has always skydive instruction courses and one even being resumed in 1985. Since then the been something in the national psyche offers a 16,000ft oxygen assisted jump. festival has gained that strives to challenge sanity and do i n t e r n a t i o n a l extraordinary things. The adventurer’s White-Water Rafting r e c o g n i t i o n Mecca is Queenstown, a small alpine Queenstown gets good dumps of snow in and now ranks hideaway which is home to more the winter and all that fl uffy stuff has to alongside similar adventure sports than France has got end up somewhere. Spring is the best time festivals in vineyards. of the year for rafting and the Kawarau Montréal, Canada Queenstown is a tremendously scenic and Shotover Rivers offer the best New and Saporro in area, lying as it does on Lake Wakitipu Zealand has to offer. Also available is the Japan. and surrounded by no less than three locally invented sport of river surfi ng- The festival mountain ranges which collectively make surfers hop into rapids and attempt to takes place in up just a small portion of the Southern catch the waves on a body board. two of Harbin’s Alps. The town itself has a population of main parks: Zaolin Park and Snow Park. less than 10,000 and this gives it a vibe Zaolin Park showcases ice lanterns that cannot be found in larger resorts. NEW ZEALAND: GETTING THERE which are made by freezing water inside But what really makes Queenstown come For those heading straight to various vessels and then carving the alive is the myriad activities that can be Queenstown, USIT offer return ice into many different formations to found in the town and the surrounding fl ights from Dublin to South create dazzling illuminated displays. The valleys and canyons. Here we go through Island’s Christchurch International lanterns on display at the festival have just a select few, indeed a whole book Airport for €661. The airport is come a long way from the locals’ simple could be written on the attractions to be about seven hours’ drive from creations before the festival’s inception. found in this gem of an alpine hamlet and Queenstown itself in a rented car. Recent festivals have seen all manner of weeks could be spent throwing yourself There is also a scenic coach tour sculptures lit up at night in an amazing from all manner of ledges, bridges and available for NZ$78, which leaves array of colour – creations such as lions, airplanes. daily at 8:30. tigers, dragons, flowers and even ice waterfalls have featured, as have Thai Those who want to take in the Bungee Jumping temples and even suspension bridges. North Island as well can fl y This was invented in Queenstown by AJ Dozens of installations serve to make the Dublin-Auckland from €591 Hackett, famous for his pioneering jump Skydiving in Queenstown. Photo: Dave Scriven park look like a fairytale city at night-time return, also with USIT. from the Eiffel Tower in 1987 which and the throngs of tourists who arrive to ultimately led to his arrest. Queenstown Edmund Hillary as “the most beautiful plane,) jet boating, kayaking, quad view this spectacle are also entertained now has eight of them to choose from- walk in the world.” The Milford Track Snowsports biking and paragliding. Queenstown by nightly fi reworks. the world’s fi rst ever bungee jump at the Yacht Racing takes four days to complete and ends at Luckily, Kiwis generally have a “She’ll be is also a favoured spot for Europeans Over at the Snow Park in Harbin, 42m high Kawarau Bridge still operates The waters of Lake Wakitipu have an some of New Zealand’s most stunning right” attitude to safety which means heli- to go to in order to complete their pilot’s competitions in snow sculpting take place. to this day. The largest jump in town abundance of pleasure craft seeking scenery at Milford Sound. Having done skiing/boarding is legal here, unlike many license in either helicopters or planes — Most works of art span at least 50m and is the Nevis, a terrifying 134m descent your custom. From the TSS Earnslaw, this walk a few years back I can indeed European countries that ban the fl ying of a few outfi ts offer courses which are made many more scale heights rivalling their into a deep gorge. There used to be a a 19th century steamship, to paragliding share Hillary’s enthusiasm, it’s almost helicopters near mountains due to the attractive by the exchange rate. subjects. The Egyptian Pyramids, the higher jump, dropping over 300m but operations, there’s a vessel to suit like walking inside a postcard for four risks of turbulence. Plenty of companies After all these adventures get the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben have all featured unfortunately the Health & Safety brigade everyone. The only way to do it with real days. can take you to the backcountry to adrenaline pumping you’ll probably need in past competitions. Also on offer at the managed to get it shut down. This might style and speed, however, is to hop on an sample some virgin powder.If you can’t a few calming beverages. Queenstown Snow Park are giant snow mazes as well have something to do with the fact that Americas Cup racing yacht. Trips leave Lord of the Rings Tours afford it, then there are four different is a real party town and pumps until as ice climbing for anyone keen to try it. it was a bungee out of a helicopter and it twice daily from the pier and you can Fans of the Academy Award-winning ski resortswithin an hour’s drive of the 6am every night. Many small bars offer For those willing to brave the freezing was feared that an unlucky jumper might either sit back and relax or get to grips fi lms can adventure through the scenery town — The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, excellent local DJs spinning out temperatures and long nights the Harbin bounce back up into the rotor blades on with the sails yourself. that Peter Jackson used to bring Middle Cardrona and Treble Cone. These are everything from drum & bass to trance. Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival holds a windy day! Earth alive. Tours are run in jeeps, micro- no more than a smattering of the many If you’ve any energy left the next day take something quite extraordinary, these Trekking light planes or both. The Queenstown activities on offer in this picturesque a hike (or the gondola) up to the top of temporary exhibitions of snow and ice Skydiving Hikes abound in the area, but for area was the setting for Lothlorien, Amon mountain town. Also available are Queenstown Hill, sample the excellent serve to amaze visitors at every turning If jumping out of a plane at 12,000ft something a bit special, perhaps head Hen, Amon Lhaw, the Fort of Bruinen as hang-gliding, a luge, mountain biking, buffets and appreciate the fi ne view from and the wintertime atmosphere of this with nothing more than a piece of canvas to the Milford Track, once described by well as Gandalf’s journey to Isengard. parapenting (riding shotgun in a stunt the restaurant window. spectacle is truly memorable. Going Underground in London: Scene and The City

are the over-eager bouncers and the £15 When you’re bored of Big Ben and you’ve been entry fee — those on a budget may want to take a rain check. After a tiring night for a spin on the London Eye, look under the in Fabric there’s only one thing you need carpet for the real London LONDON: GETTING THERE If you want to make a day of it, By Paul McDonnell One artist who seems to be adopted at you could take the HSS ferry from Deputy Travel Editor the Camden Market is the now critically acclaimed “Banksy.” His graffi ti makes Dún Laoghaire. A bundle “Sail LONDON IS the eternal misfi t’s paradise. unique use of stencils, and his work and Rail” ticket costs €44 each Beyond the suits of Canary Wharf and adorns walls on many of London’s streets. way, or you can bring a carful the plentiful attractions brimming with In many ways the artist personifi es the then drive from Holyhead to tourists lies a road less traveled. The alternative aspect of London; his use of London for about €100 each. alternative scene in London sets the an alias and his belligerent resistance The obvious alternative is to fl y: global standards of cool and unique. to authority (he once hung his version if you book in advance, a ticket The desire to be different transcends the of the Mona Lisa, complete with smiley to Heathrow from Dublin can boundaries of music and style to everyday face in the Louvre) epitomise the rebel cost as little as €5 (less taxes and life, art, performances, nightlife and food. spirit of many Londoners. One of London charges.) Pioneered in the seventies by punk-rock Walks’ walking tours is an ideal way to outfits like the Sex Pistols and The see his work which can also be viewed at Decadent Persians who want Rolling Stones the thirst to go against the the Lazarides Gallery on Greek Street in to fl y almost directly to the city grain has never been more visible than in Soho. centre can fl y to London City modern day London. airport, but the privilege will cost The place to go for all things indie is BANKSY: IN PROFILE you up to €200. undoubtedly Camden Town. Thriving Some of Bansky’s work in Green Park. Photo: Gareth TT IF YOU really want to get to know with hippies, rockers, skaters and every Banksy, you’ll have to ask his other social group imaginable, Camden frantically sprint through the neo-classical mum, as the graffi ti artist keeps in secret locations such as Juno Bar in Bloomsbury, where you can check out for breakfast, Egg. Voted “Best London emits an aura of common acceptance. A sculpture galleries at 30-second intervals a notoriously low profi le. Rumour Shoreditch. The winner receives £500, London’s superstar DJs. Although tricky club” in its fi rst year, Egg opens from trip to the renowned market is a must; mixed intermittently with 30 seconds to suggests that he was born in a foosball table and a Sega Mega Drive… to fi nd, The End is well worth the trek for 4am on Saturday night and closes at witty t-shirts and kooky sunglasses can be appreciate the exhibitions. Described 1974 in Bristol and trained to be a only in London. a true London Underground experience. 2pm on Sunday afternoon. With a much yours at a steal if you’re willing to haggle by the Tate director as ‘reassessing a butcher before fi nding his calling. Nightlife in the city is the jewel in Next stop is the infamous Fabric smaller capacity, as well as hammocks with the Del Boy-esque vendors. The mundane activity’. The 2001 Turner His works are frequently highly Alternative London’s crown. For a where hordes of youths clad in neon let and beanbags galore, Egg is the ideal end food quarter is the battleground where Prize winner has produced a thoroughly political in both their subjects true rock n’ roll experience Astoria 2, loose, still a bit peeved that they were to a frantic day. vendors of many and varied nationalities enjoyable and exhilarating experience and their media, including peace- conveniently located on Charing Cross born at the conservative end of the 80s. London is the world’s biggest college thrust samples to unsuspecting passersby for participants as well as a great way to themed work on the West Bank Road, is a no frills metal venue. Buy your Its three rooms vary from Techno to Indie campus. Grasp the opportunity to in an attempt to gain custom. The spend a bizarre afternoon. Security Wall. cans in there (who needs glasses?) and to RnB, with Room 1 featuring the unique languish in the bohemian spirit and let offerings are usually quite generous and Approaching evening time in London rest content in the knowledge that you’re “Bodysonic Floor” which emits the yourself go — only in London can one appetising so for those on a budget a quick On the subject of weird and wonderful one encounters a vast array of shows standing where Nirvana, Radiohead, thumping bass of the playing track. This experience such a vast array of cultures. lap of the stalls results in a cheap lunch. art disrupting the accepted status quo is and gigs. Secret Wars, which pits two David Bowie and Black Sabbath have is a revellers’ nirvana and is guaranteed In Banksy’s immortal words: “Think Camden is a shockingly colourful town Martin Creed’s Work No.850, exhibited graffi ti artists against each other in 90- all played. Another option to see to satisfy frenzied party-goers into the outside the box, collapse the box, and and art meets the eye at every corner. in the Tate Britain. The concept is to minute master classes, are held regularly music legends is The End nightclub in wee hours. The inevitable downsides take a fucking sharp knife to it.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 SPORT 21 SPECIAL REPORT Stepping out of Netball players hope for a revival in history’s shadow DUBC’s Irish Championship win recalls the a sport with its best days behind it glory days of old and ranks alongside the club’s greatest past achievments, writes Peter Henry

By Conor James McKinney A BIG WIN demands a big celebration, Co Wicklow. Coached by Robin Tamplin, Sport Editor and on Friday week Dublin University DUBC beat UCD and Garda Síochána to Boat Club will mark the senior eight’s win, and the entire eight were selected to ON ANY list of Things That Your Average Person momentous victory in the Irish race for Ireland at the Home International Doesn’t Really Care About, netball would rank championships with a celebration to – as were two of the 2008 winning crew, quite high. You could be excused for not knowing remember. Peter Heverin and Eoin MacDomhnaill. what netball is, let alone that it’s played in Trinity, The club will be taking over the Dining A drought ensued, with UCD and the given its spectacular unpopularity in this country. Hall on the night of Friday, October 24, Gardaí the fastest crews in the country So, at the risk of regurgitating Wikipedia-standard in what promises to be its largest get- for the next decade. But Trinity had big information, it may be worth noting that netball together in living memory. As many as plans, and by 1976 had claimed another developed as a sort of female basketball in the late 260 people, students and graduates, championship win. This was the year 19th century. It is, nowadays, quite different to that will attend the drinks reception and before the pinnacle of the 20th century: sport, in that dribbling the ball has faded out and dinner, which will also celebrate the win at Henley Royal. An almost players can only move within their own area or zone 1998 captain James Lindsay-Fynn’s identical crew lifted the Big Pot in 1976 of the court. It may not have the same bite as hockey World Championship gold medal win. and the Ladies’ Plate in 1977. or camogie, where there’s at least a fair chance of But why is the 2008 senior eight’s Some people wondered if a Trinity someone getting smashed with a big stick to sustain win – which occurred back in July – so student eight could ever do it again. It the spectators’ interest, but it undoubtedly has its important? Why is it not just another seemed as if the universities were out charms. You get to play indoors, for one thing, and victory among the determined Boat of contention as the standard of rowing with global warming still not pulling its weight that’s Club’s many? in Ireland increased and increased. Big a major advantage of an Irish winter’s evening. Still, The Irish senior eights championship Pot-winning crews had Henley winners it’s fair to say that if basketball hasn’t made much has been a big deal for every Irish club and Irish internationals on board. The of an impact here, its less glamorous little sister has since it was instituted in 1912. Oarsmen students were out of their league. fared even worse. The grassroots don’t look too healthy. Only around half a dozen schools still play in the Republic, and the most well-known of those, Mount Anville, will cease its participation at the end of this year. Netball’s profi le is pretty much non-existent, making it hard to attract new players, and women’s sports generally get a raw deal in terms of coverage (clearly not a bias refl ected in this newspaper). Given the challenge facing her beloved discipline, it’s surprising to see just how enthusiastic the Trinity netball captain, Sarah Green, comes across. Even more unexpected is the revelation that this year saw record numbers signing up to play, with over 50 players turning out to the club’s first training session. “The girls coming up from school have a real passion for the game and are trying to keep it alive”, says Green. Not that there’s much help forthcoming from the college authorities, who didn’t see fi t to include netball markings on the new indoor court in the sports centre. In any case, such a level of interest can’t be accommodated within the confi nes of the hall; in common with other indoor pursuits which of all clubs and backgrounds will declare But they did it in 1981. The nine men attract good numbers during Freshers’ Week, the that it represents the peak of rowing who won the championship that year club fi nds that the severe overcrowding means that success in this county. This year, for the celebrated the 25th anniversary of their new recruits are hard to hang on to. “There’s just fi rst time since 1981, the Big Pot – as it’s triumph last year. Indeed, “will this be no space”, says Green. “We’ve never had proper called – is back with the men in black and the new 1981?” is one of the questions the facilities, anyone who’s inter or beginner doesn’t white. oarsmen in the black blazers have asked get the attention and they just leave. At one point The tradition of championship success themselves every year since. It had been we were actually looking to rent space in UCD”. did not begin for Trinity until 1922. a preternatural hope: verbally expressed Her frustration is understandable, given that Indeed, for the fi rst years of the event, but doubted within. Could it really ever the club won promotion into Division Two of the DUBC were in the fi nal only once. The happen? Netball Ireland league last year. That success was impact of the Great War on the university As 1981 faded into the past, it seemed down to the talent and committment of a few was felt among Trinity’s sports clubs, less and less likely that a student eight players, but with increased numbers and a revised with education and athletic endeavour from any Irish university could win the training schedule Green says that there is increased the least of many young men’s worries at Big Pot again. One of Trinity’s apparent competition for places within the ranks, which the time. drawbacks was its focus on Henley. With should improve the overall standard. The club will Bow man Bobby Steen was fi rst over very little time to prepare on their return fi eld three competitive sides in the forthcoming the line in 1922, and again for Trinity’s to Ireland, the senior championship was season. Members will not be forced to go cap in second win in 1925. In 1926 a win came often an afterthought. hand to Belfi eld, however, as Rathdown school – DUBC’s way yet again, won by the hosts When DUBC won the intermediate one of the few still playing netball – have made their at Trinity Regatta. The decade marked a eights championship in 2006, it was facilities available. tentative beginning to Trinity’s eventual rightfully lauded as a great win for the dominance. Trin’s fi rst eight. But it was felt that this etball is still relatively strong in England, In the 1930s the event belonged to the was as far as a student eight could go. New Zealand and Australia, with a men in black and white, who had adopted After all, other Trinity clubs have to go presence in other former colonies in the new Fairbairn style of rowing. It was outside of College to recruit members in NAfrica and the Caribbean. It is now the decline in interest here. “In a team of seven, we don’t have a court to play on, the matches will have an uplifting string of triumphs: 1932, order to stay competitive at the highest a fixture in the Commonwealth Games, and could have fi ve English and two Irish”, says Green. to be played in UCD. 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938 all saw level – surely students couldn’t go it alone according to the sport’s governing body has been In recognition of the small pool of opposition Green rejects the charge that netball is just a the Big Pot come home to old Trinity. in rowing, the most demanding sport of a “recognised Olympic Sport” since 1995. Quite around these days, the club is seeking to arrange less exciting version of basketball, noting that it is all? why this is an achievement without netball actually some friendly matches against schools for the “a sport requiring a high degree of co-ordination”, DUBC can trace its DUBC was sticking to its own rules being played in the Olympics, nobody knows, but beginner and intermediate sides, as well as lining often played by female rugby players in the southern origins back to the – full-time Trinity students only – and the popularity of the game in the crucible of Empire out against some British opposition; University hemisphere to enhance their technical skills. “It’s foundation of the paying the price. seems solid: last week, a former English netball College London will cross the pond around regarded as a female sport in the British Isles but if Pembroke Club in But it can be done, and it has been international was even appointed to the House of Halloween. The intervarsity against Queen’s, held you go to South Africa or New Zealand you’ll fi nd 1836. done. They did it this year, defeating Lords. A good proportion of Trinity’s players come up in Belfast last year, will come to Trinity this time guys playing as well – if they’re man enough”. Point crews fi lled with Oxford blues and Irish from the mother country, which is just as well given around – but only in spirit. As Trinity, disgracefully, taken. The 1935 championship on the Suir in internationals. It was the 23rd time Waterford was the most dramatic of the DUBC had won the event, and the fi rst decade: in Trinity’s heat, both Shannon time in 26 years. and Neptune had to be rescued as their The senior eights championship is boats went under. The lucky DUBC crew a big deal, and Trinity were up to the drifted over the line as their own boat challenge of beating the best. And so Boat sank. Club men of all ages will come to college LADIES HOCKEY MEN’S HOCKEY Trinity’s longest winning streak in next week to celebrate the greatest win THE DULHC fi rst XI were the history of the race took place while of the generation. It’s going to be a great comprehensively defeated in their the world was at war, with the DU eight night. fi rst league outing of the season, winning every year from 1941 to 1946. The Any current or old Boat Club members shipping eight goals against FIXTURES FIXTURES UCD club put a stop to this catalogue of who have not been contacted about the defending champions Hermes to go glory, as they had previously done to the event and are interested in attending down 8-2 at home. A second defeat 04/10/08: Trinity College 2 Hermes 8 1930s wins. The universities dominated should write to the club c/o DU Central away to Loreto, in a match which saw 11/10/08: Loreto 2 Trinity College 0 11/10/08: Dublin University 8 Navan 0 those years: it was either Trinity or UCD Athletic Club, or send an email to dubc@ the students squander a number of 16/10/08: UCD v Trinity College 18/10/08: Dublin University v Skerries fi rst past the line from 1935 to 1951. tcd.ie. chances, consigned the Trinity ladies 18/10/08: Trinity College v Bray 26-28/10/08: Intervarsities 1949 was another memorable win, to the bottom of the division ahead 26-28/10/08: Intervarsities the Trinity students beating National at of the trip to Belfi eld next week. Galway Regatta. Robin Tamplin, who VICTORIES PAST & PRESENT became president of DUBC in 2006, was Pos Team P W D L F A Pts Pos Team P W D L F A Pts sitting in the seven seat that year. He was Past wins for DUBC in the senior eights championship: 1. Skerries 2 2 0 0 10 1 6 in the stroke seat for the following year 1. Railway Union 3 3 0 0 9 0 9 when the eight left UCD and Neptune 1922, 1925, 1926, 1932, 1933, 2. Dublin University 1 1 0 0 8 0 3 behind them in New Ross. 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 2. Pembroke Wanderers 3 2 1 0 5 2 7 3. Clontarf 1 1 0 0 6 1 3 But the years of Trinity’s dominance were over. Dublin University would no 1949, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1967, 3. Hermes 3 2 0 1 10 3 6 4. Suttonians 2 1 0 1 7 4 3 longer dominate Irish waters. Subsequent 1976, 1981, 2008. 5. Bray 1 1 0 0 4 2 3 wins were glorious but sporadic. The UCD 4. Loreto 3 1 2 0 4 2 5 6. Avoca 2 1 0 1 4 3 3 club had come to maturity, and Queen’s were looking for their share of the silver. 2008 winning crew: 5. UCD 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 7. Weston 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 Two very tight races were won from Bow Robert Swift 8. Naas 2 0 0 2 1 13 0 behind to take the Big Pot in 1954. The 2 Peter Heverin 6. Glenanne 3 1 1 1 3 5 4 next win, in 1958, was a close one. After 3 Paul Laird 9. Navan 2 0 0 2 0 13 0 being knocked out on the fi rst day of 4 Alexander Floyd 7. Old Alexandra 3 1 0 2 4 7 3 Henley by Christ’s Cambridge, four days of 5 Henry Tindal banter ensued. Preparation for the senior 6 Eoghan Kerlin 8. Bray 3 0 1 2 2 7 1 eights championship in Dublin involved a 7 Eoin MacDomhnaill stroll in the Wicklow mountains. A very Stroke Seán Osborne 9. Corinthian 3 0 0 3 1 7 0 lucky Trinity beat Garda Síochána by a Cox Gabriel Magee third of a length that year. 10. Trinity College 2 0 0 2 2 10 0 It was 1967 before the next win came Trinity’s way, this time in Blessington, SIMONA LAMANTIA, TRIPLE JUMP

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT KIND OF STRENGTH AT NIKEWOMEN.COM TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 October 14, 2008 SPORT 23 Tennis team more than a match for European titans

the day though, the Italian pairing of A strong showing on clay from a DULTC selec- came out on top after an epic battle of top-class tennis. tion wasn’t quite good enough to bring home Following this, the Men’s and Ladies fi nalists took to the courts. In the Men’s The the trophy, but the experience will stand to all Singles fi nal, Crowley faced a diffi cult match-up against an experienced Commentary Boxx the players involved, writes Cilian J White. opponent. It was evident from the start that the Italian was a seasoned clay court THERE IT stood, so tantalizingly close. challenges of both teams, making their player, and on this occasion got the better As Trinity tried to solve Bocconi, an way to a spot in the fi nal. Meanwhile, of Trinity’s No. 1. It was a steep learning Italian University, in the HEC European the identity of their opponents was being curve for the Senior Freshman, who Conor James McKinney Clay Court Tournament final, the resolved in the other pool, as the Italians commented that “it was tough, but I’ve fi nalists’ silver sparkled in the sun behind from Bocconi stealthily made their way to been strong, and I made my way there… a baseline, 10 feet overhead. Superb the showdown. that gives me a great feeling, you know, a against their opponents in the preliminary great satisfaction”. rounds, Trinity succumbed to Bocconi at “This was amazing. Kellie O’Flynn, a Trinity Sports College sport is a tough gig, in many ways. In most of the Paris, one win short of a Roland Garros Scholar, took on the challenge of the major sports it acts as a vital link between school competition title, but our players did not go down I still didn’t believe it Ladies Singles. Composing herself well, and the professional or top level of the game. While in some without a battle. Kellie started off the stronger player and disciplines children or teenagers can emerge from the The 3rd HEC European Clay Court could happen. I think never looked back, posting a 6-1, 6-1 win chrysalis ready to take on the world, generally speaking the Tournament, organised by École des in her match. “This was amazing. I still agea between 18-24 are crucial in a player’s development – Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) de we both played well, didn’t believe it could happen,” O’Flynn but a period in which many are needlessly let slip through Paris, hosted six European Universities said in a courtside interview. “I think we the cracks. at this year’s September event. Those had lots of chances both played well, had lots of chances and The trouble with sending would-be athletes through the invited to fi ght it out with two local French I am just happy I kept my composure college is the potential for distraction. It must be hard to focus clubs on the courts of Roland Garros and I am just happy I throughout.” on your training with the siren call of nights out with two euro were University of Zurich (Swizerland), The event was an aberration of sorts, drinks, guaranteed absolutely savage, ringing in your ears. Esade Business School (Spain), Bocconi kept my composure not because Trinity is demonstrably Any commitments with a society or, heaven forbid, getting University (Italy), and Trinity College playing surprisingly good tennis, but entangled in a publication of some sort will make demands Dublin (Ireland). because the players are doing it in the on your time. Lectures traditionally fall low on the list of The team from Trinity College Dublin throughout.” 16th arrondissement on clay, a surface priorities in a student’s fi rst couple of years, but anyone with for this two-day event was made up of 6 that rarely has been graced by the feet of serious sporting ambitions will fi nd even the holy grail of the dedicated players, Mark Crowley (Men’s these players. This showing will further bare minimum a lot to handle. Singles), Kellie O’Flynn (Ladies Singles), Courts were swept and watered, and drive the already strong vision for the Anyway, that’s not really the point, because as this column Hannah Kirk & Kei Fujiwara (Mixed the nets inspected and adjusted - fi nals day development of tennis in Trinity. To has previously pointed out, the chances of us producing many Doubles) and Joanna Smyth & Cilian at Roland Garros, Paris. The sun shone partake in such a high-quality tournament elite athletes aren’t all that high anyway. Chaps like Leinster’s White. At the tournament’s opening from blue skies overhead, the setting was was fantastic, but to reach the fi nal was Jamie Heaslip and the cricketer Ed Joyce are generally the ceremony, the six University teams were idyllic - it doesn’t come much better than the icing on the cake. exception that proves the rule, and developed most of their divided into two pools, dubbed “Federer” this in University tennis. Umpires from skills outside these walls. Put another way, they would very and “Nadal”. If the intention was to Roland Garros oversaw each of the fi nal If you are interested in joining the likely have succeeded without ever having come to Trinity provide the players with some inspiration, games, with Hannah and Kei taking on tennis club, please see our website at – we cannot be said it certainly worked for the Irish side. the mixed doubles fi rst. After two wins www.tennis.tcdlife.ie, or email us at to have “produced” It doesn’t matter, Drawn against Esade and HEC, the from the preliminary rounds, they felt [email protected] for further details. them in the same Trinity players fearlessly fought off the confi dent of a strong performance. On way that a club, and should never academy or better- equipped university matter, how atro- does. No, the major RUGBY problem with college cious someone is at sport is the attrition sport – the pleasure LEINSTER DIVISION 2 (MEN) Trinity ladies dine at suffered among average to poor Pos Team P W D L TB LB Pts competitors during to be found in the the transition from 1. Bruff 2 2 0 0 1 0 9 school to college. lower echelons of a Many people who sport is unique. 2. Malone 2 2 0 0 0 0 8 Ultimate’s top table played casually in their schooldays, 3. Ballynahinch 2 2 0 0 0 0 8 whether because they were forced to or not, will drop that part of their life upon entry to college. This doesn’t matter 4. Lansdowne 2 1 1 0 1 0 7 began in mid-April for the Dublin players much in terms of producing good teams, as the very best Any Irish women’s team faces a formidable bat- and ran weekly right through until we left players will keep up their chosen discipline, but in the opinion 5. U.C.C. 2 1 1 0 1 0 7 for Vancouver. This weeknight training of this column, the more the merrier. Each person lost to a tle to achieve world championship standard, was focused on the national team but game – whether it be soccer, cricket, sailing or table tennis – is 6. Bective Rangers 2 1 0 1 1 1 6 was open to any other female players who a blow to that game, and indeed for that admirable but largely especially in a sport still in its infancy. Former wanted to come along and improve their fi ctional notion of the “college community”. 7. Old Crescent 2 1 0 1 0 1 5 skills. Some players took real advantage On a personal level, though, the loss is more profound. DUUFC captain Linda Barry refl ects on the of this throughout the season and this It doesn’t matter, and should never matter, how atrocious 8. Dublin University 2 1 0 1 0 1 5 allowed them to really step up aspects of someone is at sport – the pleasure to be found in the lower long and winding road to Vancouver. their game as well as to get an insight into echelons of a sport is unique. Mega League soccer, volleyball, 9. Belfast Harlequins 2 1 0 1 0 1 5 the intensity and commitment involved Third XI hockey – the sort of thing that no spectator could WOMEN’S ULTIMATE in Ireland was In mid-April we had our first full in representing Ireland. We also ran value but has a strange, seemingly inexplicable allure to the 10. Greystones 2 1 0 1 0 1 5 transformed by the EUC07 experience, weekend session with our new coach more relaxed sessions approximately intiated. Michael Green’s classic “The Art of Coarse Rugby”, which saw an extraordinary advance – Lucy Barnes of top women’s club once a month, on Sundays when there now decades old, is one of the most hilariously accurate 11. Highfi eld 2 1 0 1 0 0 4 on the previous international outings in Brutesquad, who happened to be a Trinity wasn’t national team training or a major accounts of the tribulations of the mediocre sportsman. It also terms of level of commitment, regularity player for the year as well – and this tournament, aimed at those not on the provides a clue to his motivations. Buried in there somewhere 12. Wanderers 2 1 0 1 0 0 4 of training and standard of play. Our 13th marked a turning point. A new voice and WUGC team. is the explanation place fi nish at the world championships an outside perspective boosted the work We arrived at Windmill Windup in of just why people 13. Clonakilty 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 in Vancouver was a massive achievement ethic at training and Lucy’s attention to Amsterdam with our full team playing Real athletes will nev- drag themselves for a country with such a small player detail, understanding of the game and competitively together for the fi rst time! along of a 14. Thomond 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 base to call upon. time for each individual player couldn’t It was a chance for us to play our separate er know how it feels miserable evening It had been unclear initially whether have come at a better time with our fi rst Offence and Defence lines and to test our or weekend to turn 15. D.L.S.P. 2 0 0 2 0 1 2 Ireland would even fi eld a women’s team. warm-up tournament just around the level against a number of other national to win something out for a really bad A meeting was held in October 2007 to corner. teams. We came out strong on offence team. 16. Instonians 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 plan the upcoming season. It quickly Our competitive season started in right from the start and as the weekend truly pointless and It’s got nothing became clear that there was eagerness May at Tom’s Tourney in Bruges, with wore on our defence became much more to do with keeping to play women’s ultimate, to improve a match against YAKA (the French confident, aggressive and intelligent. be ecstatically happy in shape or getting SCORES & FIXTURES as individual players and not to let the women’s team – our closest rivals from On day one we won three out of four any better. Rather, once-every-four-year opportunity of EUC07). It was a whitewash in YAKA’s games, leaving us in a strong position about it afterwards. it is a reflection participating in a global event pass us by. and really geared up going into day two. of the mutable 04/10/08: Dublin University 13 Clonakilty 3 A squad of 18 was selected over the After beating the Spanish National Team nature of sport. The amazing thing about it is the way in course of two trial days in January. An “Yes, it is expensive without conceding a score in the morning, which even the most casual game, played with a thumping 11/10/08: Old Crescent 19 Dublin University 13 incredible 35 women tried out over we had an epic game against Primavera hangover, in a ground miles from anywhere, on a pitch more the course of these dates, coming from and involves a big Olandese which ended in sudden death. suited to grazing camels than anything else, is transformed 18/10/08: Greystones v Dublin University around Ireland and the UK to bid for Our offensive line did what offensive into something that matters, for a time. a place on the Irish team. The line-up, commitment in the lines do best – scored the point and put There are certain moments that are part of the rich 25/10/08: Dublin University v Bective Rangers announced at the beginning of February, us into the quarters! Two convincing tapestry of life, when the muscles ache and lungs are bursting included four players who have played months leading up to wins against Leeds and YAKA gave us a and the contest is tight, and winning all of a sudden takes on in every international event since the spot in the fi nal where we unfortunately a new importance. The snapshot image of the most laid-back Tennis – Floodlight League: Irish women’s team’s debut at EUC03, the tournament but weren’t on top form against a small but teammate, never known to care about anything in his life, all 14/10/08 Trinity 1 v Donnybrook 1 (ladies) including Trinity’s Sparky Booker. strong Italian Women’s Team. We were fi red up and dripping sweat, cursing his way through the last 20/10/08 Donnybrook 1 v Trinity 1 (men) Among the fi ve new caps, three of whom this is the single big- delighted with our performance and our fi ve minutes. The sight of people around you giving it their all, were current or past Trinity players results overall and still had six weeks to for no other reason than the pure joy of competition, which Squash – Leinster League: (Heather Barry, Finola Shannon and gest thing that can de- fi ne-tune our game before WUGC. If 13th can transcend even the mundane and unlikely of occasions. 22/10/08: Trinity A v Westwood B (ladies) Katie Twidwell). didn’t quite refl ect the potential of the That sudden fl utter of pride in belonging to a team, the other 22/10/08: Westwood A v Trinity A (men) Leaving little time to sit back and velop the level of play” side, it defi nitely gave the national team a members of which were mere acquaintances at the start of the revel in being selected for the national lot to build upon in the years ahead. collective ordeal. The sheer joy of a victory born not of skill, Gaelic football – Intervarsity League Round 3: team, the fi tness plan kicked in from Many European countries opted not strength or a rigorous fi tness regime - devoid of everything, 23/10/08: Trinity v The Law School the second week of February. There was to send women’s teams to Vancouver in fact, but sheer bloody-minded determination. something in there to turn everyone’s favour, but one which ended up having because of the cost, the prospect of This special sort of of adrenaline-fuelled camaraderie is Hurling – Intervarsity League Round 2: stomach – distance running, shuttles, positive consequences as we resolved getting beaten and the decision to focus impossible to hold on to but forms a bond that never really 22/10/08: Tallaght IT v Trinity pushups, fartleks – with the far off never to go down that easily again. Our on developing women’s ultimate at home. goes away. Everyone should experience those moments. Real promise of washboard abs and a Zaytoon only other losses of the weekend were in a Yes, it is expensive and involves a big athletes will never know how it feels to win something truely Ultimate Frisbee – Indoor Tournaments kebab to get us through the 24 weeks. close match against Tequila Boom Boom commitment in the months leading up to pointless and be ecstatically happy about it afterwards. If you 18/20/08: Whacking Day Training began at the end of February (10-7) and to Wonderful Copenhagen, the tournament, but the Irish women’s can’t relate to all this in some way, you need to get out and 25-26/10/08: Edinburgh Beginners with a session on deep cutting from which we avenged when we beat them in experience over the past two years has play. men’s coach Cian Ó Móráin and a team the fi nal placing game for 5th spot at the shown that, win or lose, preparing for A lot of the time, admittedly, the other team turn out to be night out, both of which gave rise to tournament. and competing in a World Championship a lot bigger, stronger, faster and more skilful than you, win Captains: To have your club’s results and fi xtures catch-phrases that would last the whole Throughout the preparations for event is the single biggest thing that can by some unreasonable margin, someone sprains an ankle, included in this section, just send the information to season. March turned out to be a rough WUGC08 we implemented a training develop the level of play. and everyone goes home in a worse mood than when they [email protected], or by text to 085 785 month with disagreements about the schedule based on less frequent team Insofar as Trinity Ultimate goes, it’s went out. It’s a bit like panning for gold – the good days are 9980. training schedule, sessions cancelled due sessions but with maximum turnout and worth noting that a DUUFC player has generally lurking in there somewhere, on a windy pitch in the to fl ooded pitches and exasperation over high intensity. This amounted to one won Irish Beginner of the Year for the last pouring rain, or in some backwater competition that nobody paying so much money, putting ourselves team session/weekend per month from three years running. If you see yourself wants to be at. The point is, you’ll never fi nd them unless you through the gruelling fi tness plan and February to April and two per month from playing for Ireland someday, it’s a great look. never actually getting to play together! May to July. Thursday evening sessions place to start. DUBC’S HISTORIC DULTC TRIUMPH AT SPECIAL VICTORIES ROLAND GARROS 23 REPORT “You could be excused for not knowing what netball is, let alone that it’s played in Trinity, given its spectacular unpopularity in this country.” 21

TRINITY NEWS SPORTTuesday, October 14, 2008 MATCH STATS

SCORE DUFC 13 CLONAKILTY 3

DATE 4 OCTOBER

VENUE COLLEGE PARK

REFEREE JONATHAN PEAKE

TEAM 15 PAUL GILLESPIE 14 CHRIS JEBB 13 CONOR COLCLOUGH 12 RICHARD BRADY 11 CILLIAN STAFFORD 10 MICHAEL BOLAND 9 BRYAN JOHNSON Clonakilty didn’t seem able to put their advantage to good use. Photo: Martin McKenna 1 TRISTAN GOODBODY 2 MARK MURDOCH 3 JAMES GETHINGS 4 COLIN MCDONNELL Rugby team clinches AIL opener 5 SCOTT LAVALLA 6 JOHN BYRNE

Sound defence seals victory as Trinity edge tackle and some good rucking later, the home side were up for the challenge, try in the right-hand corner. Boland put 7 SHANE YOUNG (C) arm went up; Boland redeemed himself though – with captain Shane Young to the seal on a great spell by squeezing over 8 BRIAN COYLE past “bogey team” at College Park by addressing the ball sweetly and putting the fore, the big hits started coming in. a diffi cult conversion. DUFC in the lead. The replacement Clonakilty scrum-half Clonakilty huffed and puffed, but SUBSTITUTES By James O’Donnell wrecked throws, that DUFC were able to That aside, Trinity didn’t have the looked sharp initially, but his shine wore the house stood fi rm: Young, Murdoch Rugby correspondent establish a solid attacking platform. required muscle to force their way through off after being hit hard behind the ruck by and Byrne all put bodies on the line, 16 ALAN MATHEWS Platform or not, scores were thin on the red shirts, despite game attempts by LaValla in a typical spot of spoiling by the and move after plodding move faltered LAST SATURDAY’S contest between the ground in the fi rst half, with out-half John Byrne and Brian Coyle. Their one Trinity pack. as Trinity refused to allow them clean 17 PADDY MCCABE DUFC and Clonakilty was, by virtue of Michael Boland squandering a relatively clear-cut chance came when Boland Ironically, given Trinity’s continued possession – Tristan Goodbody typifying 18 PAT DANAHY the early kick-off, the fi rst game of the simple penalty opportunity in the second ignored the posts to go for touch after diffi culties at scrum time, it was a penalty the opportunistic spirit with his dive onto new AIL season, and if the standard of minute. He was nearly made to rue it soon Clonakilty infringed at the breakdown. conceded by the opposition front row a loose ball at the base of the ruck to 19 EDDIE HAMILTON play wasn’t exactly vintage, the weather afterwards, when DUFC were penalised A series of forward drives were halted that gave them the lead. Boland pocketed break up another Clonakilty attack. The conditions were classic Irish rugby. The for holding on and Clonakilty sought to just short of the line, and when the ball a routine three points, having put in an attacking effort never got going, however, 20 ANDY WALLACE Trinity boys weathered a blustery, drizzly make use of the wind from beyond the ten went wide a basic move broke down in almighty relieving kick to get into the with ineffectual variations on a crash ball afternoon by pouncing upon the few metre line. They missed too. crossing. The backs weren’t threatening Clonakilty half in the fi rst place. The to 12 the only move in town. It didn’t scoring opportunities that came their For the next half an hour, both sides at all, in fact, and even made a rare Corkmen weren’t making life easy for matter much, as the match petered out in MAN OF THE MATCH way, and shutting the door fi rmly on any engaged in a knocking-on contest, with defensive blunder when fullback Paul themselves – Mr. Peake let them away a pattern of repeated turnovers between chances for their opponents. Trinity just about shading it. Clonakilty Gillespie dropped an aimless Garryowen with nothing – and their tendency to the 22s. As one away supporter put it SCOTT LAVALLA Coach Tony Smeeth had described didn’t seem able to put their advantage in just before halftime. A retreating pack infringe at the breakdown was getting “you’d get old watching this carry-on”, Clonakilty as Trinity’s “bogey team” the resulting scrums to good use – poor cracked at the resulting scrum, No. 8 increasingly hazardous to their health but Trinity had the cushion and can be HONOURABLE MENTIONS before the game, and in a neat twist of service from the base and slow ball from Coyle saw yellow, and Clonakilty knocked with Boland getting his kicking in order. happy with how their defence held up. go to Young and Boland for fate it was their hefty tight-head Tony subsequent breakdowns hampered their over a morale-denting equaliser to make On around the 55 minute mark, the out- Fittingly, the fi nal whistle came after some crucial kicks, but it was Bogue – affectionately referred to as attacking efforts. They resorted to the it 3-3 at the interval. half hauled his side into the Clonakilty 22 DUFC had wrested possession from their LaValla who looked the part “Bogey” by the travelling supporters – boot, and it was when a series of poor Pat Danahy was put in on the left wing for the fi rst time in the half with a penalty opponents at the breakdown yet again. for the entire 80. Outstanding who led the way in the demolition of kicks – the fi rst of many such exchanges in an effort to sharpen the backline’s to the right touchline. The lineout proved It wasn’t quite a good start to the in the lineout, along with Colin the DUFC scrum. It was only from the – was finally ended by Scott LaValla, claws, but with Coyle in the bin Clonakilty its worth again – a good take and neat season, but with three points in the McDonnell, and got through a lineout, which functioned like a dream whose determined chasing netted him an stepped up a gear and began to make manoeuvre allowed Coyle to celebrate his bag, nobody around College Park was mountain of work in the loose. with the exception of one or two wind- indecisive Clonakilty back. One crunching inroads into the Trinity defence. The return from the infamy of the bin with a complaining. HOCKEY Sun shines at Santry as First XI cruise to victory

SCORE unfair suggestion, as the result had as Ben Hewitt in particular showing some temerity Trinity went on the rampage above a few niggling fouls themselves. It In the light of an 8-0 win, Pelow’s much to do with Trinity determination fabulously deft touches. Gray was coming once again; good work from Gray and took them a while to put the fi nal gloss post-match observation that Trinity DUHC 8 and skill as Navan incompetence. Chris more and more into the game, and Hewitt won another short corner, and on the scoreline – O’Reilly miscued what hadn’t been up against the strongest NAVAN BADGERS 0 Pillow showed the way scarcely two showed why he had been catapulted into although the direct route was blocked, should have been goal number six – but opposition was probably redundant, minutes in, when he picked up the ball the team. After defl ecting in a powerful substitute Cian O’Reilly knocked in the when they did break the second-half even for someone as untutored in in the circle to the left of the Navan goal. Glavey shot for goal number three, the rebound. ice, it was with considerable style. Daire hockey as this reporter. The test now is By Conor James McKinney The two defenders in between him and midfi elder then turned provider; a neat It’s a rare team that wouldn’t slack Coady trotted up from the defence to surely consistency; another home game Sport Editor goal didn’t prove much of a problem, and inside pass by Stuart Cinnamond enabled off a little with a fi ve-goal cushion, and take another short corner. His low, hard against Skerries this Saturday will show an emphatic fi nish got Trinity off to a a fast cross from Gray to find Pillow Navan were able to conjure up their fi rst and above all accurate shot signalled the whether or not DUHC have the makings “THE TEAM did what we asked them to perfect start. unmarked. His fi rst fi nish was saved, but shot on goal from open play near the end resumption of normal service. of promotion challengers. do”, said coach Ronan Pelow after the The Badgers never really got into their the big forward tucked away the rebound of the half. Pelow, obviously conscious of The Badgers did their best to stem fi nal whistle, and if what the DUHC First stride. Their focus was on the right fl ank, to effectively end the game as a contest. the need to sharpen up his charges’ play the flow, applying a new goalkeeper XI had been asked to do was to give their but they reckoned without the speed of The precautionary substitution of for days when it might really matter, was as a makeshift tourniquet. The new THE TEAM opponents a painful lesson in how to play the home side’s counter-attack, which captain Orr didn’t do much to break the bemoaning several wayward passes when arrival made several saves, but his hockey, it was mission accomplished by yielded a short corner after a Navan fl ow, with Trinity continuing to string the half time whistle blew. most memorable contribution was to A. Jolley, B. Cleere, A. Stanley, half time. Trinity’s fi rst game in Division 2 raid on the Trinity half broke down. A passes together like pearls on a necklace. There was no revolution in the second strike Gray in the face following an D. Coady, I. Gorman, B. Hewitt, saw the league debut of Junior Freshman confi dent Glavey sent the ball into the Aaron Jolley didn’t get his fi rst touch until period, though, with Navan rarely entanglement. The umpires failed to B. Glavey, J. Orr (c), A. Gray, S. Andy Gray. It was his more experienced roof of the net to make it 2-0. around fi fteen minutes into the game, offering anything constructive – indeed, act, but Trinity had their revenge with Cinnamond, C. Pillow. colleagues who did the real damage, It was becoming apparent that the and wasn’t forced into a save until a rare they decided to up the aggression rather two more goals. Cinnamond and Hewitt Subs: C. Moore, N. Odlum, C. however – Barry Glavey in particular beleaguered Badgers had no answer to Navan attack was rewarded with a short than the tempo, with several instances pounced in quick succession to ensure O’Reilly, J. Hegarty, S. McKechnie ran proceedings from midfi eld without the DUHC attack; the technical skills on corner. The shot was straight at him, and of unnecessarily dirty play sidling into a democratic spread of laurels and a appearing to break a sweat. Probably an display were all in green jerseys, with as if to punish the Meath men for their their game. Trinity, in truth, weren’t comprehensive victory.