Happy Your Union Your Voice - INSIDE THIS ISSUE: CIT Students Union
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CIT Students’ Union Magazine
Volume Nineteen, Issue 4
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Game Of Entreprenuers
Bobby Kerr Interview
NStEP Launch at CIT
WIN! Restaurant Vouchers
Happy
Christmas
Your Union
Your Voice
CIT SU
EXAM DE-S T RES S
- 7 Dec 5 th th
TIMETABLE
TH EC
TUE S D AY 5 D
11am-1pm M A S S A G E
IN THE MAIN CORRIDOR
WEDNESDAY 6TH DEC
12pm-2pm
PU PP Y R O O M (Room TBC)
THURSDAY 7TH DEC
11am-3pm
CH RI ST M AS M O VI ES
Meeting Room 1,
1st Floor Student Centre
EACH DAY
11am-3pm MINDFULNESS COLOURING &
DE-STRESS PACK GIVEAWAYS in main corridor
11am-3pm QUIET ZONE in the Curve Gallery,
1st Floor Student Centre
4
CONTENTS
SUOFFICERS’ADDRESS 15 RAGWEEKIS
COMINGSOON!
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5 USIUPDATE
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Our chosen charity is
6 #MYSTORYMATTERS Down Syndrome Centre Cork
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Real stories, real people 16 FLYNNERSFLYING
8 GAMEOFENTREPRENEURS COLUMN
Money is coming!
18 CROSSWORD
9 BOBBYKERRINTERVIEW Hard cash on offer!
10 CITSPORTSROUNDUP 19 SPOTTHEBALL
Semester One WIN! meal vouchers for Captain
America’s and Cork’s newest
12 NStEP-NATIONAL restaurant, WOWBURGER!
STUDENTENGAGEMENT Last issues winners: Sorcha Twomey,
PROGRAMME Bus Admin and Shannon O’Donovan,
Launch hosted by CIT Bus Admin. Sean Freeman, CEng1
#SHOWMEYOURMENTALHEALTH
SEND YOUR SNAPS TO CIT SU USING OUR HASHTAG
URED IN
YOUR SNAPS COULD BE FEATIAL MEDIA
EXPLICIT AND ON CIT SU SOC
GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON!
Your Union
citsu.ie CIT_SU Your Voice
CIT Students’ Union, VP Education Stephanie Kelly Advertising Opportunities
Bishopstown, Cork. E: sueducation@cit.ie CIT has 17,000+ full and part-time students with
VP Welfare Stephanie Fogarty over 1,500 staff. Why not use expliCIT to promote
Tel: 021 433 5274 your business to this large audience?
Web: www.explicit.ie E: suwelfare@cit.ie
Our copy deadlines, advertising rates and techni-
Email: supublications@cit.ie Projects Officer Sam Power cal specifications are available from our website
E: suprojects@cit.ie www.citsu.ie and upon request from the Publica-
Communications Officer Rob Shaw tions Office in hardcopy or via email.
CITSU @cit_su E: sucommunications@cit.ie
expliCIT Production, Design & Advertising Entertainments Officer Shauna Hickey
expliCIT magazine is published monthly by CIT Students’
Union. The views expressed in the magazine are those of
Keith Brown, E: supublications@cit.ie E: suentertainments@cit.ie their authors and are not necessarily those of CIT Students’
Union. All articles and pictures are the property of their
CIT SU President Sam Dawson Entertainments Manager Mick O’Mahony respective owners and should not be reproduced without
E: supresident@cit.ie E: Event@cit.ie their permission.
3
WHERE
ENSURE YOU KNOW
EX AM IS BE IN G HELD MAKE SURE
TH E E
IT STARTS YOU READ TH N
AND WHAT TIME NS O
IF YOU GET STUCK (TRY TO BE EA RL Y TO GIVE INSTRUCTIO ORE FIND RELAXATIO
BEF N
ON A QUESTION YOURSE LF TIM E TO SETTLE) THE PAPER TECHNIQUES THAT
THE
YO U GO TO THE YOU START FOR YOU FOR EX
WORK
MOVE ON AND MAKE SURE EXAM! AMPLE;
COME BACK TO IT. TH RO OM BE FO RE THE DEEP BREATHING,
BA
EXAM BEGINS. MEDITATION OR
LISTEN-
ING TO MUSIC.
LEAVE TIME AT
THE
END OF THE EX
AM
TO READ OVER
YOUR ANSWER
S.
EAT NUTRIENT RICH
FOODS AS THEY WILL MAKE SURE YOU
HELP YOUR BRAIN TO HAVE EVERYTHING YOU
REMAIN SHARP AND NEED FOR THE EXAM AVOID PEOPLE WHO
WILL ALSO HELP YOU (PENS, STUDENT ID, ARE STRESSING AND
TO FOCUS MORE. AND CALCULATOR ETC.) YOU YOURSELF FEEL
STRESSED, REMEMBER
TO BREATHE SLOWLY.
STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICERS ADDRESS
ment/awareness around mental health.
Hey guys, will be very much appreciated. Over 30 students and staff were trained
in suicide awareness through a Safe Talk course.
As the first semester nears and exams are com- Garda Clinics There was also various safe spaces that had
ing close we have a host of activities and givea- CIT Campus Liaison Garda, Brian White, will
ways to help briefly divert you from that all impor- been created throughout the week including a
regular clinics on the main corridor offering ad- movie room. The movie room had everything
tant study. There’ll be puppies (queue the awhs vice and support on matters including; passport
here), massages, Tayto sandwiches, fruit, water from bean bags to popcorn and many students
applications and signing of forms, driving license mentioned how nice it was to have a quiet space
and of course advice on offer. While a certain applications, certified true copies and any con-
amount of stress leading up to exams can be a to go to relax and even have a quick power nap.
cerns student or staff may have. This is a new In the main hallway we had a station where we
positive, it is essential to manage this so that you and welcome initiative this year and the clinic
do not become overwhelmed (see page 6). asked students to swap their negative thoughts
was very busy on its first run in November. for a positive one. Many students stated they felt
Please make yourself aware of your exam time- relief by actually writing their negative thoughts
tables, exam locations and of the exam regula- Sparq at CIT Events
down and throwing them away in exchange for
tions No phones in exams, the consequences are Over the last number of weeks CIT SU have been
something positive. As part of our Body & Soul
simply not worth it. Drop your phone into the bag working with AnSEO (The Student Engagement
Campaign we also launched a new initiative
drop centres with the rest of your belongings. Office) and with the heads of Faculties, Schools
which we are super excited about. The #show-
and Departments to host a number of Sparq at
MTU CIT events. These events help to ensure learning
meyourmentalhealth has officially been initiated.
A number of MTU Information sharing and dia- We started this with students writing one word
at CIT is supported to the highest standards, and
logue sessions have been held over the past that represents mental health for them. The hope
give staff and students an opportunity to share
while. These events represent the first phase of of this mini campaign is to encourage students to
their experiences; discussing what’s good about
staff engagement and discussion. We intend to use their social media platforms to send us “self-
learning & teaching, what could be improved and
make arrangements for similar information ses- ies” or pictures that show them doing something
how that might happen.
sions to be organised for students – watch out for positive to balance the stresses of the day and
more in Semester 2. NStEP we hope to display these photos in our monthly
The National Student Engagement Program net- ExpliCIT and on our own social media platforms.
Rag Week work launch took place in CIT recently. CIT are
Down Syndrome Centre Cork has been selected proud to be one of the five pilot colleges of the Best of luck with your exams and of course we
as the main beneficiary of Rag Week this year. programme which has now grown into 23 mem- want to wish you all a very happy Christmas and
A very worthy cause (see page 15) and one we ber colleges across Ireland. Read more about the peaceful New Year,
hope to raise as much funds for as possible, launch and NStEP in this edition of ExpliCIT.
all while offering you a fantastic programme of Sam Dawson, Steph Fogarty, Steph Kelly,
events. Rag Week will take place in March 2018 Body & Soul Campaign Sam Power, Shauna Hickey & Rob Shaw
but we will run a series of fundraising events prior Our Body & Soul Campaign delivered in Novem-
to this. Everyone’s support is encouraged and ber highlighted an increase in student engage- YOUR SU Executive
Is your Student Leap Card due to expire in December 2017 (Orange Card)?
If so beat the queues and be ready – get your new card from the SU now.
To speed up the process even more you are invited to make an application for the SLC online via mobile at
www.studentleapcard.ie/applybymobile Input your own details, take your own photo, make the declaration,
and agree to the privacy statement and terms & conditions. Once an application is made, you will receive
a short code via email. Then call to the SU with the code to have your cards instantly processed. Alterna-
tively, you are also most welcome to fill the form out at the SU and let the SU staff enter your details and take the photo for you.
4
USI update
TU Bill - The Joint Oireachtas Com-
mittee is still deliberating on amendments
to the Technological Universities Bill.
Amendments on the definition of a student
and how student representatives are se-
lected have been accepted. Amendments
on the definition of a Students’ Union, and
on the number of student representatives
on Governing Body and Academic Coun-
cil, have not been accepted. These will be
rewritten and put through the Seanad. An
amendment to include a nominee of USI
on Advisory Panels considering applica-
tions to merge was accepted.
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Postgrads
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largest event of it’s kind in Europe for
LGBTI+ and questioning students
- setting up Postgradu-
ate Representation Network. Organising
a large Postgraduate Symposium in late
January, with sessions on postgrad cam-
paigning, creating SUs that can better
represent postgrads, sessions on post-
grad issues like supervision, postgrad
mental health, and the new postgraduate
research survey from ISSE. We’ll also be
hosting a debate on Brexit, Europe, and
the future of student/academic mobility.
every quarter.
Accomodation
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is Healthy Living. SHAG Week Road-
show is12th-16th Feb. Alcohol and drugs
awareness will be 19th-23rd Feb. We are
distributing 30,000 condoms and 30,000
lube this semester. We have recieved
funding from NOSP to run ASIST Training
- USI has given a
comprehensive input to the National Stu-
dent Accommodation Strategy, which
was published in July 2017.
Homes For Study campaign took
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place that included reaching out to home-
SU Autonomy - USI are in consul- Further Education & Training
- proposal to better engage and represent
owners through leafleting in different parts
of the country and the launch of the first
tation with the Department for Education
and Skills with the aim of developing a students FET including apprentices. student-led research report on student
supportive framework for Students’ Un- accommodation.
ion autonomy and accountability, based Education policy - working on a - USI offered over 1,500 homes through
on the Scottish model. USI will be host- number of policy areas including develop- homes.usi.ie;
ing a workshop on SU autonomy at the ing a National Student Charter or Partner- - USI sent in a submission to Minister for
upcoming Board Meeting of the European ship Agreement, looking at Student Com- Employment and Social Protection, Re-
Students’ Union, which brings together plaints Procedures, and on institutional gina Doherty on rent-a-room scheme
45 national Students’ Unions from across policies for assessment and feedback. and social welfare payments;
Europe. - survey to SUs getting feedback on
National Student Engagement homes for study campaign, the find-
Higher Education Funding - Network launch in CIT, alongside the ings of which will feed into campaign’s
The Joint Oireachtas Committee for Edu- QQI, HEA, and NStEP. The network will report (to be published in the upcoming
cation and Skills are currently drafting bring together staff and students bi-annu- weeks).
recommendations on the Cassells Report, ally to help shape the future direction of
with a report for the Minister expected building student partnership. Campaigns
by Christmas. USI and Students’ Unions - Student Teachers Report - just under
have met with members of the Committee The ‘EducationIs’ Campaign 3,000 responses - campaigning to get
over the past 18 months, organised Lob- - Launched the new national education students financial support while on
by Days, submitted evidence, presented campaign with a Facebook Live event on placement
to the Committee, and held two national drop-out and retention in early October. - No Hate speech training & campaign
demonstrations outside Dáil Éireann. We The next step is the roll out of resources - Education Is RoadShow
hope to see these efforts and the views of and a roadshow for exam success in De- - Preparing for Chats for Change
students reflected in the final report. cember. - Housing & Homelessness Coalition -
planning a national day of action for
Mature Students Seminar - Mental Health Research Sur- 2018
USI held it’s Annual Mature Students’ vey - first draft sent to steering commit- - Union Development - conducting a SU
Seminar in DIT, and a number of students tee. This research will ensure we get data wide report on SU workings & structures
participated, with modules covering time that can really go forward to try and tackle around the country
management, career guidance, key study issues facing students. - Working with the INMO on getting an al-
skills and mature student supports dis- lowance of placement
cussed SHAG packs being redesigned. USI - Working with the VP for E&C regarding
have secured €15,000 in funding from the the repeal campaign
LGBTI+ strategy moving to the HSE for it. - Working with the Saves 2 coordinator for
the Student Swtich off project
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Department Negotiation stage. Over
4000 students and young people have USI Well-Being Month - starting
responded in consultations, including a January 29th with the Chats for Change
Waterford consultation of students and Roadshow. The following week (5th-9th)
young people!
Disability rights protest
USI called on students around the coun-
try to support the Disability rights protest
was run by the Irish Wheelchair Associa-
tion, as Ireland has still yet to ratify the
UNCRPD
GALA - USI received national recog-
nition for it’s advocacy work on LGBTI+
issues and for Pink Training (held on 17-
19th November this year in NUIG), the
5
f #MYSTORYMATTERS
Real stories from real people f
It’s coming up to exam time and we all know what that means… STRESS!
Stress isn’t always bad but it depends on how you manage it. Sometimes a little bit of stress is what you need to hit
those looming deadlines and to study for the upcoming exams. There is a fine line between just enough stress and
stress overload.
Reflecting on my own final year I had several assignments due in at the same time. Staying in control of my mind and
study pattern was the most important thing otherwise I would have gotten to an unproductive point (staring at a com-
puter screen for hours… that happened a few times). To counteract this, I used what was available to me. For example
study spaces provided in CIT allowed me to stay focused as I was in a college setting. I also found the ways I am most
productive regarding my study. I found a few playlists which I could study too so I had those playing in the back-
ground.
Flash cards also became a constant for a few weeks. Different coloured ones can help as you can use different colours
for different subjects. It is important to vary what you’re looking at so you do not get bored and it keeps your mind ac-
tive. I also would “treat” myself after doing 40 minutes of work, I would give myself a 10-15 minute break to get myself
a cuppa or a drink of water (hydration is important as it improves your concentration), snacks were also an important
thing, rice cakes and fruit became a constant on the late evenings.
It was also horrible that I would wake up when it was dark and be studying until it was dark again. It was draining and
going out in the daylight was a huge benefit to me even if it was just for a few minutes every now and then. I suppose
to deal with the overall stress, I figured out what worked for me and what didn’t, but I also accepted that doing several
hours of study made me less productive and even though I was terrified to take a break in case I fell behind, I had to
make sure I took that break, to ensure what I was writing was relevant and that I wasn’t “waffling”.
Be sure to look at what is available to you, do not isolate yourself and, stay in touch with your friends, especially those
who might not be in an exam mind-set as they can help you switch off for a little bit. The next few weeks are going to
be tough but don’t be afraid to ask for help, ask your lecturers if you are unclear about something, trust me they would
prefer you ask as it shows you are making the effort to study. Ask others in your class if you do not understand part of a
module. Also, the Students Union can provide study tips or offer support.
You Got This!
Steph, VP Welfare xx
f EXAM DE-STRESS
Self-Care at Exam Time
It’s that most wonderful time of the year, when the evenings are
darker, the weather is wilder and the deadlines are looming ever
closer. Whether you have assignments or exams or a mix of the two
Fuelling your study sessions
While it can seem appealing to fuel your study sessions with en-
ergy drinks, coffee and sugary snacks the downside to these energy
boosts is the crash that follows them. It may be more time consum-
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there are many simple ways you can look after yourself this exam ing but it is definitely worth your while to walk a little further than
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season. Not all the ideas will appeal to everyone, you are the expert the vending machine or spend a little longer packing a more bal-
on yourself, so take what you need from this and share your own anced meal or snack which will ensure you feel fewer hunger pangs
ideas with your classmates/ roommates/ chap looking a bit stressed and are less distracted from your work. Splitting the cost of fresh
in the library. fruit and veg with housemates or friends can help make this more
achievable on a budget.
The Basics
When the work piles high and we become preoccupied with fulfill- Beyond The Basics
ing criteria for various classes it can be very easy to lose track of So your basic needs are taken care of, you’ve eaten, slept and
our own basic needs. Setting reminders on your phone can seem a stretched. Exam and assignment season can stretch on for several
bit silly when it’s for the basics like drinking water or stretching but weeks depending on your course and simply looking after your basic
they do work. While you may plan to take a break when you reach a needs during this time is often not enough. While you may need to
certain word count or read so many pages it can be helpful to take scale back on social activities it is still important to get out and have
30 seconds to stretch out your arms and legs, flex your fingers if some fun. Consider going to a party or event for an hour if you can’t
you’ve been typing or gently roll your head from side to side to avoid take the full night off. Get outside and go for a walk or a run. Spend
neck pain. It can be tempting to stay up to finish an assignment or some time meditating or simply being still and listening. Watch an
cram before an exam but all nighters can leave you less prepared in episode of a show or take a few hours and watch a movie. Colour
the long run. If you find yourself still awake at 3am consider using 90 a picture or play some music. Scream or shout at the top of your
minute sleep cycles to ensure you get the most from some shut eye. lungs for a minute (preferably away from the library unless you want
Sleep cycles are the stages our bodies go through when sleeping an angry mob chasing you). Feed the ducks or pet an animal. Go for
and waking up in the middle of one can leave you groggy and disori- a drive and sing along to the radio. It’s only when we look after our
entated all day. Sleeping for 90 minutes, 3 hours, 4 and a half hours needs and practice self-care that we can succeed and progress in
or 6 hours gives your brain a chance to rest as well as your body. college so take the time, treat yo self and give yourself your best shot.
Article by Gillian McInerney
Gillian hails from the Northside of Dublin and has attended a vast number of educational institutions in the 10 years since she left secondary school. She has been giving
workshops for over 8 years on a variety of topics but has a passion for self care, mental health and LGBTQ Issues. Gillian can usually be found drinking mint tea and
playing Pokémon and has a knack for finding good places to nap. Twitter: @gillmac
6
Pink Training
It was amazing to be able to attend USI’s Pink Training Weekend in Galway this year.
There were so many different LGBT* workshops and talks going on that it was sad not to
be able to attend them all. But the ones I chose where fantastic, informative and inspiring
in a lot of cases. One that stood out to me was the HIV/PreP session with Adam Shanley
from the Know Now Rapid HIV Testing Project. Though I volunteer and have been part of
the Know Now Project, there’s still a lot of stuff about PreP that I didn’t know and to see
someone (Adam) speak about sexual health in such a passionate way was very interest-
ing. And it made me want to know more.
As well as the workshops being so good, it was great to get to meet other LGBT* stu-
dents and allies from around the country and build connections. But also, to get to spend
a bit more time with my fellow CIT students and get to know them better was great.
It’s funny how you can see people around college every day, even work with them in a
society but not get a chance to really know them. So this really made us all a bit closer.
Overall, it was an amazing experience and I really want to thank USI for organising
such an open and safe event. And thank you to CIT Socs and CITSU for supporting
the trip and making it possible for us to attend. – Konrad Im (CIT LGBT* First Year
Rep) #CITSU!
What is Pink Training?
So this was my fourth time attending Pink
Training. Pink Training is the most amaz-
ing experience but it also one of the most
difficult experiences to explain so that the
event is given justice. It is an event where
you are 100% supposed to be there and
100% supposed to be yourself and be
celebrated for who you are. Regardless of
who that is. Everyone is welcome as long
as you support equality and inclusion.
I can honestly say that Pink Training is one
of the main things I look forward too every
year. It is the one event where I was in a
majority rather than a minority member of
society. The planning that goes into PT
every year to ensure that every person is
comfortable, safe and included cannot be
compared to any other experience I have
ever had.
To find out more about Pink Training and
how you could attend next year please
contact the LGBT* society here in CIT
(lgbtcit@gmail.com) and just to remind
you… You do not have to Identify as LG-
BTQI+ to be a member of this society. Al-
lies are a huge part of the wider LGBTQI+
community and this should not be any dif-
ferent here in CIT. You can join regardless
of who you are or what you identify as.
Just come as you are and with an open
mind.
Much Love, Steph, VP Welfare xxx
“My experience at pink training was
that of an LGBT+ ally. When I was on
the way and when I had first arrived I
thought that I would be the only ally
and worried that I would be invading a
safe space there. I couldn’t have been
more wrong, it became very clear pink
training is for everyone. As the week-
end went my insecurities faded, my
enthusiasm grew, unfortunately so too
did the sleep deprivation. I got to meet
many different people, hear their sto-
ries and experiences and make life-long
friends from across Ireland. I learned
such a variety of things from the impor-
tance of pronouns in one of the many
workshops, to getting tips on lasting a
whole night in five inch heels and still
be able to walk like a drag queen. There
aren’t many events that I know of that
you’ll learn that range of information in
one weekend and pairing that with the
immense fun and memories, I cannot
recommend it enough.” Cork’s Low Fares Taxi Company
7
MONEY IS COMING
A three part series which in-
cludes interviews
well-known entrepreneurs, a
from
Theres a total of €10,000 up for
grabs... the overall prize is €4,000
but you can win lots of other priz-
‘How To’ guide on becoming a es aswell such as: Best Business
Student Entrepreneur and lots Opportunity - €1,500, Best Con-
more tips and tricks to becom- cept - €1,500, Best Pitch - €500,
ing your own boss. Best Stand - €500, Social Innova-
tion and Enactus Award - €1,000
Keep a close eye out for details
Adjudicators Prize - €1,000.
in the next issue of how you can
WIN one of the prizes in Innova-
tion Week from the 5th to the
9th March 2018.
8
Q&A Bobby
Kerr
How did you come up with the idea for Insomnia?
I was working in Bewleys for years and saw an opportu-
nity. Coffee shops were big in the US and in the UK. So I
left the corporate job and opened my first coffee shop at
Nimbus Centre Summer the age of 38 in 1998 on Grafton Street. I saw a change
in the way people were drinking coffee. Before it was just
Internship Programme black or white and there was no ‘takeout’ culture in Ire-
land. There was in the US and to a lesser extent in the UK.
I wanted to be the first player in Dublin.
The Nimbus Centre Summer Internship Pro- What is your most embarrassing story?
gramme allows students to experience what it
(Personal or business)
is like to work on exciting research projects that
I was working in the coffee shop in UCD in the early 2000’s and I was at the counter and
could one day change the world!
slipped on a teabag (or something) and took a high dive in front of about 3000 students in the
Interns get to work with highly experienced school of business.
researchers in a large research centre, and are
treated as a valued member of a research team. What is the worst customer experience you have had to date?
Interns also have the opportunity to work on I had a bad experience in a restaurant recently where the servers were oblivious to the fact
projects for industry clients. We want our in- that four tables had come in after myself and were served before my table. It was a significant
terns to gain valuable, real world skills under the wait and no one seemed to know what was going on and didn’t see a problem with such bad
support of an experienced supervisor. customer service. They were all completely oblivious.
Our interns come from a wide range of CIT de-
Where did you come up with the name?
partments including multiple engineering dis-
It was developed by our building contractor at the time. The thinking was that it was a good
ciplines, computer science, multimedia, and
association with coffee and coffee being strong and also that it was quirky.
business.
Opportunities for CIT students are advertised How did you learn from failure?
through departmental co-op coordinators and I was involved in the early 2000’s with a food franchise that began in Manchester called Red
applications will only be accepted through the Café. We opened in Ireland. It only lasted about 6 months. We failed fast and failed quickly
co-op coordinators in response to specific ad- and paid everyone. We failed respectfully. We made sure everyone was paid. We opened in
vertisements. For more... August and closed on Christmas Eve.
What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
www.nimbus.cit.ie/education/ Don’t be afraid to step forward and take the responsibility that is offered.
Thinking of creating
a start-up?
Then kick start your creative ideas
in Workbench, our city centre startup
space that connects Entrepreneurs,
Branch and Community by offering
free dedicated space for co-working,
workshops and events to encourage
innovation and new ideas.
To learn more about Workbench or for support
on getting your idea off the ground contact
Laura Mellett our Innovation Community Manager
laura.mellett@boi.com
9
CIT Sports Roundup
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For more info on any of our Sports
Clubs please call to the Sports
Office, 1st Floor Student Centre.
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tervarsities (Hosted in Dublin this year) are in
mid February followed by Galway Fest in late
March, both are opportunities for a great week-
end of learning and fun. Our Friday sessions
will continue, and as we get more daylight we
will hope to paddle on more days of the week.
Darts
The darts club participates in a Cork Darts
League against other dart teams, mainly pubs,
as well as colleges to date. Some members
also have participated in other small dart tour-
naments which have been run by the Cork
Darts Players Association. We will be looking
to the league again when it restarts in January
and other smaller events that are advertised in
the near future. We train on Wednesdays from
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7-9pm in the Common Room and we play
league matches on the Monday night.
Equestrian
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We had a very successful tetrathlon this year
with competitors beating their personal bests.
Sports Scholarships Presented also. There were also a number of other result Everyone had an absolute wonderful time. Polo
For the 2017/2018 academic year, 91 Sports in singles and other categories. Training will is starting up for the winter months if people
Scholarships were presented on the 27th of continue every Monday and Tuesday in the CIT would like to come along and give it a try. Last-
November 2017 by Guest Speaker and Ker- hall from 7pm to closing time for another few ly, training for intervarsities will be starting up
d
ry legendary footballer, Colm “The Gooch” weeks. Every student attending CIT is welcome in February for Show jumping, Dressage and
Cooper. Both male and female athletes from to come and join the CIT Badminton Club at Prox Carrilli. If interested contact the Sports
15 different sports were recipients. These any time. Any information on the CIT Badmin- Office for an email/number for a committee
scholarships are awarded to students who ton we may be contacted on Facebook. member.
display high achievement levels, commitment
and dedication to their chosen sport and very Canoe Karate
importantly, loyalty to that sport within the In- The canoe club has been very active this We hold training in the sports hall every Tues-
stitute. semester, being on the water almost every day at 6pm at the moment. This is on-going
It is hoped that the recognition will encourage Wednesday and Friday. Competing in the Inter- and will give you a good insight into the basics
recipients to continue to train at the levels re- national Liffey Descent in September, with one and advancements of traditional karate while
quired, to continually strive for excellence in of our members placing 1st in his category, also allowing you to have a bit of fun, exercise
their chosen sport and ensure further sporting along with two other top 10 finishes. We also and relaxation in your training. Recently we
success, whilst also hoping that it will act as had a member take part in the world paddle- have had a new Black Belt received by one of
a further encouragement for students to con- surf championships in October. our members Dylan. He has shown great dedi-
tinue their academic studies and realise their Next semester we hit the ground running, In- cation under the guidance of his Sensei and
full potential. has continued his efforts at improving his
Date for your Diary!
karate with CIT Karate Club.
AFL (Australian Football League)
Training is held once a week on Wednes- Kickboxing
days out in The Farm, Curraheen at 6.15pm. Two members competed in the World
Numbers for sessions tend to range from Championships in November, with one
10-15 players with NEW player always achieving a remarkable 3rd place. We train
welcome to join. Our major competition is every Monday 7-8:30pm in the Sportshall.
the Fitzpatrick Cup coming up in February. For semester 2 we plan to try and get as
many people sparring and going to com-
CIT STUDENTS & STAFF,
There will be also be a range of matches
petitions as possible. All levels are wel-
FUN WALK
before and after this event. Any further
information can be found at CIT AFL on come and you don’t have to spar if you
Facebook. don’t feel comfortable with it people can
& RUN
join for the fitness and enjoyment of the
Badminton sport.
We have trained hard and competed in
many events including the IT league where Powerlifting
the resulting are showing that the CIT A During summer ’17, 8 members took part
in the European Powerlifting Champion-
Team is lying second overall. We had great
results from the ISBT’s Competition on for students & staff on ships. All members placed in the top 3 of
the October Bank Holiday weekend, Chi-
Thang-Phan-Tan won the doubles in cat-
Wednesday 7th of March at 1pm. their categories and qualified for the World
Championships. In September, 3 lifters
egory C, Dan Barry came runner up in the Keep the training going or start training! competed and placed in the National Full
Power event. With one more competition
mixed competition in category B and Da-
vid Mulcahy won the doubles in category Great fun guaranteed! in the 2017 calendar, we are sending 22
B and joint 3rd in the singles category B lifters to the Push Pull in Dublin at the end
10d
d
of November. In Semester 2 we are sending outright. We also had another student and his Intervarsities which are being held in NUIG
30 lifters to the National Single Lifts in Dublin, merry crew racing his J24, all of whom are stu- next March. This event sees students from
where we hope for qualification for the Euro- dents in the NMCI and CIT. We have plenty of the majority of the Irish third level institutions
pean Championships. As well as this we hope events ahead of us in the New Year, check out competing for the most number of medals for
to organise and compete in an intervarsities our Facebook page. their respective colleges. We are also looking
event. Training is in Tyco Gym on Monday and forward to the Open Martial Arts Intervarsities
Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Sailing-NMCI which are being held in UCC in January. This
NMCI Sailing Club has been racing out of the competition will see the collaboration of com-
Racquetball Royal Cork Yacht Club every Sunday since late petitors in the disciplines of Taekwondo, Ka-
The committee has been pleased with the par- September on our two 1720’s and J24. The rate and Kickboxing come together to examine
ticipation in training this year. With new people J24 team came 1st in Class 3 and was 3rd the strengths and weaknesses of their chosen
to the sport we are happy with their progress overall in the 20 boat fleet. One of the 1720 art, and compete in the fundamental principals
and we are all looking forward to competing teams also won the 1720 class. underpinning all martial arts.
in the intervarsities in the New Year. Training is The J24 team were 4th in a very tight Class 3
on Thursdays at 7.30pm in St Finbarrs GAA in in the October League, 1 point off 2nd place. Tennis
Togher-contact Sports Office for details. Currently half way through the Winter Series, Beginners training takes place on Mondays
the J24 team are in a very strong position with in Eden hall from 7-9pm with a relatively large
Sailing-CIT two 1st’s in the three races, despite missing a group of enthusiastic beginners. Wednesday
CIT Sailing team and the NMCI Sailing team race while away with CIT Sailing Club in En- night we have advanced training from 7-9pm
merge and sail together at a number of events. niskillen team racing. The link between NMCI also in Eden hall with coach Declan Bray with
We’ve competed well at the first two major and CIT Sailing Clubs in racing together in an emphasis on match play. New players are
events in the IUSA calendar this year. This se- both team racing and fleet racing is working welcome. In semester two we will be compet-
mester the IUSA Westerns were held by UCD well. Our plans for next semester are to carry ing in the intervarsities competition which is on
in Wexford. It was a brilliant first event. We on with our keelboat racing, and also to con- in Belfast in February and the beginner’s will
caused quite an upset when we beat Trinitys tinue our now traditional trip to France for the be playing in an internal league and possibly
1st team in the round-robin, we were the only Hydro’s Cup, where NMCI SC have come 3rd, against some other college teams.
team they failed to overcome on their path to 1 point off 2nd in a competitive 15 boat fleet,
victory. The Northerns were held by Queens both times we’ve competed. Volleyball
University Belfast in Enniskillen. Despite tricky We are a motivated group of players from all
weather we carded a 4th in gold fleet which we Tae Kwon Do levels, supervised by an amazing coach. We
are happy with but are looking to improve on We train every Wednesday night in the sports train every Wednesday night from 8-10pm and
for the events in 2018. In addition to college hall from 7-8pm under the instruction of world sometimes host and play competitions on Sat-
sailing, our students have been busy yacht gold medallist and numerous international urdays. Feel free to join in!
racing in the RCYC Autumn League. We had medallist, Paul Manning. At the moment we
three sailors on board “Jump Juice”, who won are preparing for the annual Irish Taekwondo
CASH FARES, LEAP FARES, PRODUCTS
(24 HOUR, 7 DAY & MONTHLY)
ADULT ADULT CHILD CHILD SCHOOL
SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE CHILD
INNER ZONE OUTER ZONE INNER ZONE OUTER ZONE SINGLE
(School Hours only)
CASH FARE Cash Fare Cash Fare Cash Fare Cash Fare
€2.30 €2.70 €1.30 €1.60 €1.10
(Valid up to 16th Birthday) (Valid up to 16th Birthday) (Valid up to 16th Birthday)
LEAP FARE LEAP FARE LEAP FARE LEAP FARE LEAP FARE
€1.61 €1.89 €0.91 €1.12 €0.77
(Valid up to 19th Birthday) (Valid up to 19th Birthday) (Valid up to 19th Birthday)
IF YOU’RE A FREQUENT BUS TRAVELLER, YOU CAN LOAD THE FOLLOWING
PRODUCTS ONTO YOUR LEAP CARD AND SAVE FURTHER €€€€’S GIVING
UNLIMITED TRAVEL ON ALL CORK CITY ROUTES IN THE RED ZONE
Red Zone Adult Student Child
(Valid up to 19th Birthday)
24 Hour €5.60 €4.40 €3.20
7 Day €23.00 €18.00 €12.00
Month* €84.00 €67.00 €41.00
Red Zone plus Cobh &
€143.00 €109.00
Midleton Rail – Month*
*Month refers to calendar month eg: January Valid from 1st December 2017
11Sam Dawson (CIT SU), Alan McGrath (HEA), Oisin Hassan (USI), Eve Lewis (sparqs), Niamh Linehan (QQI), Karena Maguire (QQI),
Vivienne Patterson (HEA), Michael Kerrigan (USI), Marese Bermingham (CIT) and Dr Barry O'Connor (CIT).
National Student Engagement Programme
Networking Launch proudly hosted by CIT
O
n Monday November 13th the outlining the ongoing project work This launch represents a key step in
Higher Education Authority currently being led by the five Institu- the establishment of NStEP as a piv-
(HEA), Quality and Qualifica- tions which took part in the pilot pro- otal structure in facilitating and ena-
tions Ireland (QQI) and the Union of gramme in 2016/2017.” bling the central focus on the learner
Students in Ireland (USI) launched perspective as co-educators within
the National Student Engagement Dr. Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills the education and training system.
Network in Cork Institute of Technol- and Engagement, HEA added, “The QQI acknowledges the strategic vi-
ogy as part of the National Student engagement of students is a key el- sion and ongoing commitment of USI
Engagement Programme (NStEP). ement in the further development of in engaging both QQI and HEA as
The network aims to bring college our higher education system and the partners in this important initiative.”
staff and Students’ Unions from in- HEA therefore welcomes the launch
stitutions across Ireland together to of the National Student Engagement Special thanks to Lisa Moran, from
discuss partnership, exchange ideas Network. This network, which forms AnSEO, for managing the logistics of
and develop initiatives. Delegates part of the wider National Student the event, to Tourism and Hospitality
were warmly welcomed by CIT Presi- Engagement Programme (NStEP), for the use of their fantastic facilities,
dent, Dr Barry O’Connor and CIT SU will facilitate students to be actively to Campus Catering for the excellent
President, Sam Dawson. engaged in institutional decision catering on the day and to the care-
making in keys areas such as gov- takers for their support.
Speaking at the launch, USI Presi- ernance, teaching and learning, and
dent Michael Kerrigan said, “Student quality assurance to the benefit of The launch was followed by a se-
and staff partnerships are paving both students and higher education ries of workshops showcasing best
the way forward for improved high- institutions.” practice and examining challenges. A
er education teaching and learning, presentation was delivered by Marese
with students at the very centre. USI Karena Maguire, Head of Stakehold- Bermingham, Head of AnSEO, The
is proud to be supporting the work er Engagement from the QQI, stated, Student Engagement Office & Head of
of NStEP working with institutions “Learner-centredness is one of the Teaching and Learning Unit, entitled
to assess current student engage- core values of QQI and, indeed, the ‘Student Engagement is Everyone’s
ment activities, and to identify areas mission of the organisation in sup- Business’. This was followed directly
for enhancement towards improved porting and promoting a qualifica- by a discussion panel – on the panel
practice. This was just the first step. tions system that benefits both learn- was Stephanie Kelly, Students’ Union
Now, with events like the network ers and other stakeholders. QQI very VP Education, Michael Loftus, Head
we can reflect on the work of NStEP much applauds the launch of the Na- of Faculty of Science & Engineering,
over the past 18 months, while also tional Student Engagement Network. Gerard O’Donovan, Head of Faculty
12of Business & Humanities and Vicky tive and participants were awarded Union (Sam Dawson, Stephanie
O’Sullivan, Students’ Union General Certificates. Kelly, Stephanie Fogarty and Vicky
Manager. O’Sullivan), and representatives from
The programme also has assigned AnSEO (Marese Bermingham, Cliona
Under the Irish National Student En- five national projects to five lead in- Hatano and Roisin O’Grady). CIT has
gagement Programme (NStEP), train- stitutions, of which CIT is one. These been assigned as Project Lead for
ing is provided for Class Reps to equip national projects aim to improve stu- the Staff Roles and Capacity Building
them with the skills and confidence to dent engagement and partnership ac- Project and will also have one or two
engage effectively with issues relating tivities across the country and range CIT/CITSU representative on each of
to the quality of their learning. Forty from examining the role of Class Reps the other projects.
CIT Students’ Union Class Reps par- to feedback opportunities for stu-
ticipated in the training programme dents to looking at staff roles in stu- For more information on NStEP see:
earlier this semester and feedback dent partnership. The NStEP team in http://usi.ie/nstep/
following the training was very posi- CIT includes member of the Students’
13The ONE Campaign
By Megan O’Sullivan,
YA for ONE (3rd year, Early Years Education)
“WE’RE NOT ASKING FOR YOUR MONEY;
WE’RE ASKING FOR YOUR VOICE”
On September 21st, 2017, we set up a ONE stand in the main corridor to raise awareness
about extreme poverty and preventable diseases in the poorest areas, particularly in Africa.
We talked about ONE and discussed Girls Education as of right now 130 million girls are out
of school. We had a variety of facts and games in which people could play and learn more
about the campaign and gained over 50 new members for ONE that day. One of the games
we asked people to participate in was a game in which we showed a picture of Africa with
9 countries highlighted in red. They had to guess the names of these countries which are
the 9 toughest countries for girls to live in right now. The countries that were highlighted in red were: South Sudan, Central African Republic, Niger,
Chad, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Ethiopia. Statistics show that in these countries girls receive little or no education, are more likely to
become child brides and are more likely to contract diseases such as HIV/Aids. For example, in Nigeria 1 out of 5 girls are married before the age of
15 and in Burkina Faso just only 1% of girls complete secondary level education.
As well as that in October, I travelled to Brussels with my fellow Youth Ambassadors to attend a 3-day Youth Summit which consisted of workshops,
guest speakers and lobbying with MEP’s on the final day in the European Parliament. This Summit was attended by over 200 Youth Ambassadors
for ONE, who came from across Europe and as well as America, Canada, and Nigeria. On our final day we headed to the European Parliament where
we would attend another workshop and have over 100 meetings with MEP’s throughout the day. We had speeches by many MEP’s such as Heidi
Hautala and Siegfried Muresan who is the repertoire for the 2018 EU Budget. This day coincided with the International Day for the Eradication of
Poverty, in which we urged the MEP’s to keep their promise to not cut back on International Aid that is vitally needed for the poorest countries in the
2018 EU Budget.
If you would like to find out more about the ONE Campaign and how you can get involved and use your voice, you can go to their website at www.
one.org or visit their social media sites on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using @ONE.
“‘Enactus, is using entrepreneurial action to empower people
to improve their livelihoods in an economically, socially and
environmentally sustainable way”
A lot of people have not heard of our society “Enac- recycling crisis by empowering the young people who come from disad-
tus” or do not know what exactly this society does. vantaged backgrounds or suffer from mental health issues. Currently 75%
We are a social enterprise society, where innovative of glass nationwide is being disposed of immediately after use and put
ideas are created and implemented as a business to in landfills. Enactus CIT saw the opportunity as glass is 100% recyclable
tackle current global social issues in accordance with and was not being utilized., the team
the UN sustainability goals such as, poverty, quality decided to come up with the project
education, clean water and sanitation, or equality. Not “Trash 2 Cash”, which uses recycled
only does Enactus make an impact, it aims to em- glass bottle such as, wine, water and
power people from disadvantaged background by beer bottles, and creates beautiful can-
providing them with a sustainable business. dle holders, glasses, vases, and more.
In Ireland, there are some very serious social problems such as The main objective is to provide young
homelessness, inequality in many areas such as those in disad- underprivileged people with the nec-
vantaged background or due to mental health issues and many essary skills to make these products.
more. Enactus is aware that it is extremely hard to permanently A key aspect of the project is these
wipe out these current issues, However, it aims to develop solu- products will be sold at local markets
tions that can be brought forward to help. “Cocoon” and “Trash around Cork. This ensures a transfer of
2 Cash”, are the two projects created by the Enactus team in a practical skill, and provides the youth
CIT to tackle some of the social issues identified above. with income while keeping themselves
active.
“COCOON” is an innovative idea which tackles the issue of
homelessness by empowering young people who come from On 3rd of November 2017, both pro-
disadvantaged backgrounds. In Ireland the number of people jects were selected and presented in
sleeping rough on the streets have been on the rise for the past front of a panel of three extremely quali-
couple of years. “The most recent figures show a record total of fied judges from CITI Bank to develop
8,374 people homeless in Ireland. Nationally there are now 5,250 adults our projects. Enactus CIT was successful and
and 3,124 children homeless meaning that 37% of those living in emer- was awarded a total of €920 to develop the
gency accommodation are children. The total number of people homeless two projects. This is funding very beneficial, as
rose by 25% from September 2016 to September 2017” (Extracted from it allows both projects to continue to grow and
Focus Ireland). Cocoon, is a diverse product which offers three features in develop making the ideas more successful.
one. It is a bag which can be folded out in to a tent, this provides adequate Enactus wants more people to join its thriving
protection from the harsh weather conditions, and puts a roof on top of society, people from all backgrounds are wel-
people’s head. The aim of this project is to be reusable, which is why it come to come and develop these projects. This is an excellent opportunity
can be folded back into a bag and can be carried easily around. This to change current inadequacies for the better, and make an impact for the
reduces waste and is more financially effective for charities to distribute better. Enactus CIT believes in these projects and hopes you will too.
to the homeless. The team are currently finalising the design and will be Enactus meet every Thursday at 6pm in The Student Centre. Follow us on
producing the first prototype of Cocoon. This product will be fully pro- Facebook for more details on our upcoming events and weekly meetings.
duced by young people from disadvantaged background, and gives them Email: enactus@citsocieties.ie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/En-
a sustainable income. actusCIT/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/enactus_cit?lang=en
“TRASH 2 CASH”, is another creative project developed by Enactus CIT, For more information please refer to http://enactusireland.org
which aims to counter act the issue of environmental waste and the current
14COMING SOON!
2 6 F e b - 1 Ma r , 2 0 1 7
Important things to know
The most important thing to note is that
Down syndrome is just a part of someone.
It does not define them. People with Down
syndrome are people first and foremost
and deserve the respect and treatment
that you would give any other person. As
such it is incorrect to say “Down syndrome
person”. The correct term is “person with
Down syndrome” due to the fact that – as
discussed – the person’s Down syndrome
is only a part of what makes them who they
are. Down syndrome is not a sickness or a
disease, it is a genetic disorder or chromo-
somal anomaly that occurs at the time of
conception.
The Down Syndrome Centre Cork was
founded in early 2017 in response to a
recognised need in the Cork region for the
provision of support and facilities for fami-
lies and carers of young children with Down
Syndrome. Founded and run by parents of
children with Down Syndrome, the purpose
of the Centre is to provide three core func-
tions; Diagnosis Support, Early Intervention
Therapies and Long Term Family Support.
These vital services can be provided only
by the money raised for the Centre. De-
mand is huge given the lack of support
W
and services in the Southern Region, these
e are delighted to announce Goals children and families deserve no less. The
that the DOWN SYNDROME • Generate a greater degree of professional Down Syndrome Centre receives no gov-
expertise in the area of early intervention ernment support. As a direct result, all of
CENTRE CORK has been select- their initiatives are dependent on goodwill
services for people with Down syndrome
ed as the main beneficiary of Rag in this country. and gifts from our supporters, corporate
Week 2018. They are a new Char- • Provide a permanent home for the head- bodies and the public at large to continue
quarters of The Down Syndrome Centre our vital work. The Down Syndrome Centre
ity in Cork but are affiliated with Cork. Cork is a registered Charity. All funds re-
the well-established Down Syn- • Create a family-focused service which ceived and raised go directly to the pro-
embraces the needs of the whole family vision of services including: Diagnosis
drome Centre in Dublin. Support, Early Intervention Therapies,
unit, and not just those of the person in
the family with Down syndrome. Long Term Support.
Mission Statement • Establish a ‘homeplace’ of help, sup- The Down Syndrome Centre Cork, Forge Hill Lodge,
‘To create a centre dedicated to providing port and advice for the child and family Forge Hill, Cork. Tel: 087-1603956
support and services to families and carers throughout their lifetime. Email: info@thedownsyndromecentrecork.ie
of people with Down syndrome; helping • To offer a first and last port of call to many Web: http://www.thedownsyndromecentrecork.ie
them to reach their full potential and creat- parents, who are battling with the frustra-
ing a brighter future.’ tion of not having access to an adequate
level of service in Ireland.
Vision
That every individual with Down syndrome What is DOWN SYNDROME?
has the opportunity to live full and inde- In every cell in the human body there is a
pendent lives. nucleus, where genetic material is stored
in genes. Genes carry the codes responsi-
Ethos ble for all of our inherited traits (or, in oth-
The ethos of the centre focuses around er words, genes make you ‘you’) and are
‘Positivity’ providing a warm, friendly and grouped along rod-like structures called
welcoming space where we concentrate on chromosomes. In traditionally-developed
the abilities of a child and not their disabili- individuals, each cell contains 23 pairs of
ties and where each and every milestone chromosomes, half of which are inherited
is celebrated no matter how small by both from each parent. Down syndrome occurs
parents and staff alike. when an individual has a full or partial extra
We try to create a ‘home from home’ envi- copy of chromosome 21. There are three
ronment where we focus on the family unit types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (non-
and not just the child. disjunction), translocation and mosaicism.
15f Covered in the festive column...
Is Ireland’s heritage crumbling? Flynner’s
By James Flynn
f
The Christmas low-down?
Nostalgic 70’s… Flying Column
L
ets talk about the Nore. And this was due It is not too late to put a stop to this. Most
need to preserve our to vested corporate in- of Cork’s businesses, enterprises and insti-
heritage and culture terests wanting to have tutions are joining the Love The Lee/Save
now that a situation with the maximum opportu- Cork City Campaign to stop this folly and
Cork City is coming to the nities via access gained have the tidal barrier built. The student
fore. out of the nearby site of body can help by campaigning to the
the former Smithwicks local representatives, having college
Ireland has many treasures Plant, when the sensi- events to highlight this and joining in any
that we should appreciate, but thanks to ble option would have been to complete campaigns and following any events that
f
the financers, developers and politicians the Ring Road to ease the issue regarding Save Cork City announce on their Face-
that make up what is called Official Ireland, traffic congestion. Despite a loud and de- book page; and do NOT forget to like the
not only are they not given the respect they termined campaign from most of Kilkenny’s page. All the clubs and societies should
ff
deserve, they tend to be cleared away and citizens, who were rightly concerned about not fear to lend support, and the Erasmus
effectively scarred, if not disposed of, all for the damage, the CAS Bridge would do to body, including the International Students
the sake of greed and naked pragmatism the city, Kilkenny City Council, An Bord Society should get active in this; they will
on behalf of these aforementioned bodies. Pleanala and its then-TD (now Ireland’s EU be going home to their respective countries
A lot of all this was caused by the Irish Civil Commissioner), Phil Hogan of Fine Gael, to tell their families and friends about the
War that saw many beautiful and elegant signed the approval forms, and the mon- amazing country Ireland is – do any of those
structures destroyed or severely damaged strosity is for there to “marvel” in awe and who heard want to decide to sample Ireland
in the conflict. However the mood and eth- see no traffic plans managed fast. for themselves only to see how Officialdom
ics that would take hold for the coming dec- has mutated something so-charming into
Now, with Cork City facing serious and something hideous for corporate profit?
ades afterwards would see not too many of regular flooding, what is the answer to this?
these get restored anytime fast. One exam- And do consider joining forces with UCC
Instead of building a tidal barrier on the es- and the Public Colleges to save the Lee; the
ple would be from my home town, Macroom tuary of the River Lee, which would make
Castle. The castle had an elegant mansion, Cork College Of Commerce have seized the
greater sense, the solution that the Office initiative by having a competition to have
but that was burned to a shell in 1922. The of Public Works – a power-to-be that is no
grounds would be opened up to the pub- the Lee Banks transformed and in a man-
longer fit for purpose along with An Bord ner that will support the Tidal Barrier and
lic as the Town Park, GAA and Golf Links Pleanala - is that they should tear out the
amongst other things that would be mas- regenerate the local economy (see the Irish
Georgian walls of the Quays of Cork – which Examiner online). And send on yer snaps
sively beneficial to this day. However the form part of Cork’s heritage - where the
mansion was never restored, and was used to expliCIT; do not fear to be creative! After
Lee flows through, and replace them with all, If the Cork Hurlers could campaign to
for things from target practise by the Fire concrete walls where water pumps would
Brigade to a Handball Practise Court. De- get better conditions off the GAA County
be put in place, despite recent flooding in Board…. www.savecorkcity.org
sire by vested interest to expand the adja- New Orleans demonstrating doubts about
cent McEgan College (built on the Grounds its reliability. Not to mention construction of CHRISTMAS IS COMING, and I am sure
in the 1930’s) would see a repairable decay the Lee Wall going all the way along Carri- that all the carols and Christmas songs, that
act as the casus beilli to have the mansion grohane Banks to Ballincollig, and thus de- will inevitably drive us wild for the next few
shamefully sent under the wrecking ball in stroying the habitiats of the diverse wildlife weeks, will be adored my many a child, and
1967; an act of vandalism that Macroom that exist there. All to satisfy the greed of many a family. One thing does strike me in
has never recovered from. developers so as to ensure the pockets for the kiddies’ carol ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to
In Dublin 11 years later, archaeological dis- the boys are adequately lined, and they will Town’. And that is the lines ‘He’s gonna find
coveries of the last remaining Viking settle- be swift to pressure the City Council to put out who’s Naughty or Nice…. He knows if
ment of the city on Wood Quay were made pen to paper with plenty of sweeteners for you’ve been Bad or Good – so BE GOOD!!
while preparing the construction of the doing so. for Goodness Sake’. Obviously it is a mes-
new Dublin Corporation Offices. A massive sage for the kiddies to be good if they are
But what makes this “project” moronic, going to get anything from Father Christmas.
campaign by the public to preserve the last even for Official Ireland’s standards, is that
cornerstone of where Dublin began its rich this will close the city down economically. But maybe it is the adults who are now long
history would prove unsuccessful that year. This will take many years to ever get com- overdue for a song to ‘Be Good For Good-
In 2008, the construction of the M3 motor- pleted – if the future floods do not wash the ness Sake’, not least for the sake of Santa
way would see a fringe of the UNESCO site project down the Banks first – and this will and his enterprise if he is going to continue
that is the Hill of Tara, the ancient capital lead to enormous traffic disruption. We can to give the kiddies pressies? Because with
of the High Kings of Ireland, badly shaved see the clogged infrastructure that Cork is the pace that the Polar Ice Caps have melt-
off, a cause of many demonstrations. And experiencing during the rush hours, and this ed so rapidly this year (N.B. the Larsen C
in 2014-16, Kilkenny City, Ireland’s premium is going to get worse as Cork constructs Ice Shelf in Antarctica this summer), Santa
Medieval City would have the monstrosity the Brewery Quarter (maybe) and regener- and Co – and the rest of the polar life sys-
that is the Central Access Scheme Bridge, ates the Docklands, and we all remember tems for that matter – may not have a home
whose motorway-esque structure looks the bus strike earlier this year and the night- to go to in the next few years. Yeah, Donald
hideously out of place with the gems of mare that it caused for all of us. Now do any Trump, China et al may have been naughty
St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Cas- of us want to imagine the disaster that this on that front, but surely each and every one
tle, ruthlessly approved and constructed in imbecilic folly will do to the economic well- of us have our own questions to ask if we
the middle of the Peace Park on the River being of the Southern Capital? really care about the future of the planet?
‘LIKE’JAMESFLYNNONFACEBOOKFOR‘THEFLYNNERFILES’ (current affairs)
AND‘DAFLYNNERROUNDS!’(off-the-wall humour.)
16You can also read
