How to Shift that Christmas Fat

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011.

So, Christmas is over now, and once you’ve scoffed that last mince pie, finished off the pudding, devoured the Christmas cake, polished off that remaining box of chocolates, and filled yourself to bursting point with various alcoholic beverages, its time to make the usual New Year’s Resolution - to be Healthy.

Yes, I know you made the same decision to be healthy this time last year. You took to the water. You exercised. You did anything you could to shift that Christmas podge! Its hard, but there are ways to improve your health.

image: fugly.com

The old proverb tells us: “Your health is your wealth”, but can this proverb be taken literally? After all, healthy food can cost quite a bit more than the unhealthy alternative - especially for us students? Its cheaper to bulk buy the Tesco instant noodles, and that delicious pasta to which you just add water.

But can we really put a price on our health? I spoke to nutritional therapist, acupuncturist, and bio-resonance practitioner, Laura Thompson, from Healthy Options, Longford, on the subject, and she gave me quite a bit of useful information, which I shall pass on to you presently!

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. “The body is like a network of tiny engines,” Laura tells me, “with some working in unison and some independently. All are on call for 24 hours a day. If these engines are to function correctly, they must have the right fuel. The wrong fuel will cause the engine to sputter and lose power. No fuel at all and the engine will stop. Likewise, if we want to be healthy with an abundance of energy, we must be selective of the type of fuel we feed our bodies.”

Every year, obesity becomes worse and worse. Ill health and weight problems are linked to the amount of junk and toxic-laden foods we consume. To stay healthy, we need to discipline ourselves to eat a varied diet - pizza, beans on toast, fry-ups, none of these foods, no matter how quick, cheap and easy, will do our bodies any favours. Self respect is vital. If you respect your body, you will want to nourish it.

So what about vitamin supplements? When I asked Laura what the best supplements to take would be, she recommended a good multi B complex. “Your B vitamins are very important for your energy levels, but they’re also very important for your mental energy as well, and obviously being a student, you’re going to need to be able to concentrate. They’re also very important for the conversion of fat into energy, so they play a role also in your metabolism, and they also help you to absorb iron. The problem with B vitamins is they tend to be water soluble, so the body doesn‘t store it, so you need to get it into your system on a regular basis.” So, if you want to take a supplement, and only one supplement, go for a multi B complex.

Winter is here in full force, and the immune systems of many have been attacked by the stress of exams, cold weather, and poor health. I asked Laura her advice on getting our immune systems boosted and ready to fight off further colds and flus that are sure to be waiting on the sidelines. “Your vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin,” says Laura. “you can actually buy a mega B complex which also has 1000mg of vitamin C as well.” So, this has not only the B vitamins our bodies crave, but vitamin C too, which will help us fight off bugs in the winter months, and this is also quite affordable for students.

image: datenokuni.com

“Obviously your diet is very important, and its important to eat hot foods,” Laura continues, “try to have lots of soups and casseroles and stews. I know students generally don’t like cooking, but you could always make a really big pot of soup, or casserole, and have it over a period of a few days.”

Exams may be over for many colleges but there are some, unfortunately, who are studying throughout the Christmas, their holidays ruined by the piles of notes that restricts their activity. I asked Laura for her advice on combating stress, and her advice is not only useful for those who are still awaiting the dreaded exams, but also for those of us who would like a boost in concentration. Again, the magical B vitamin is advised, as it helps your mental health, but if you want a little extra coming up to exam time, try some fish oils, such as omega 3. “We’ve all heard of the salmon of knowledge,” Laura tells me, “and there’s a lot of truth to the story. Fish oils are very important for your memory and concentration, and they also help your recall. People have a lot of knowledge in their heads, but trying to recall it when you’re under pressure can often be difficult. So taking your fish oils is very important. Omega 3 is also a feel good fish oil. They make you feel happier in yourself, and help prevent depression. That would be my favourite one for students.”

There are some vitamin supplements designed specifically for exams, and one of these is called Balance for Nerves. But what is it? “Balance for Nerves,” Laura informs me, “is made up of amino acids and B vitamins, and its really to help your concentration levels when you’re stressed. You can have great concentration and great recall, but add a bit of stress to that and it becomes difficult to get that information from your head and onto the paper.” And some extremely important advice when taking these: “Don’t wait until the day before your exam to take it. Now is the time to really start looking for these things and get a build up of them in your system.”

So, what I gathered from this interview is basically the following: take vitamin B!! It converts fat to energy, it helps concentration, it gives you energy for exercise, it helps your metabolism, and in turn your weight, it prevents depression, there’s one kind that has vitamin C which helps the immune system, its affordable, it combats stress, and the best part? Its not even a drug so its perfectly safe to take!

So let’s get cracking on the diets, guys, God knows we’ll need our health to get us through the coming semester!

Laura’s top tips for a healthier lifestyle:

image: healthyfoodsite.com

• Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is essential for a healthy body. Try to add fruit to your daily diet - even if its just a glass of fruit juice or a topping for your cereal.
• Try to cut out all highly processed foods, which contain a high amount of hidden salt and sugar.
• Look for foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds and some grains. These are vital for healthy brain function, good metabolism and great skin.
• When looking for a good source of energy, turn to the wholegrain variety of carbohydrates, instead of energy drinks, chocolate or sugar.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try to have a wholegrain cereal such as oats or wheat. Avoid the over-processed sugary cereal such as the frosted or chocolate varieties.
• Stay away from the frying pan and stick to grilling and steaming. This will help prevent obesity or disease.
• Cut down on salt as it causes fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Protein is vital for proper muscle and growth development, and should be consumed daily. Good quality sources of protein are met, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds.
• Another vital element to a healthy body is exercise. Try to be as active as you can and exercise daily. Try walking or cycling to college if you live nearby, rather than driving. Join a sports club, or go for a 30 minute walk in the evenings. Not only will exercise keep you in shape, it will also increase well-being, elevate moods and reduce anxiety and depression.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Christmas in the East End

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011

With higher ratings than Downton Abbey's Christmas Special, Eastenders has succeeded in being the most watched show on Christmas day. Clearly, people enjoy the mayhem and misery of Walford, as 9.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the episode.

The marriage of Zainab and Yusef proved to be more interesting then the long- and anxiously-awaited engagement of Lady Mary and Matthew. This marriage was a long time coming, but we all knew something was wrong the day Yusef knocked Zainab to the floor when she was having second thoughts about marrying him. Later, she had second thoughts about moving to Pakistan and taking everything from Masood.

And it turns out she feels more than pity towards her ex-husband. On Saturday, the two were caught kissing at the front door of Zainab's house, by Masood's girlfriend, Jane. Eastenders wouldn't be right without a bit of drama, however, and Jane provides this by getting drunk and spilling the beans to Yusef.

Yusef's anger at this information has the audience on the edge of their seats, expecting him to run inside and beat Zainab, leaving her body more bruised and battered than before, while she weeps in fear.

image: google

There is a very interesting turn of events, however, when Zainab hears that Masood has rescued Kamil. Knowing her baby is safe gives Zainab a new lease of life and she hits Yusef before he can hit her, and continues to do so until he is curled up against his car, crying like a baby.

The story is far from concluded however, as despite everything, Zainab still accepts tea from Yusef when they get back inside - Yusef who has been drugging her since long before they were married. Yusef who kidnapped her baby and brought him far away so she couldn't find him. Yusef who beat her and humiliated her, scared her and manipulated her.

Passed out from drugs, it looks like Zainab is going to be dragged to Pakistan - concsious or not. Afia, however, has reluctantly told Tamwar the whole story, so the rest of the family - Syed and Amira included - burst through the door to catch Yusef. Afia, with conflicting loyalties, lets her father out the back door rather than see him arrested.

This brings us to Monday's episode. After a long conversation with Masood in Kim's B&B, Yusef knocks Masood out, and sets fire to the room. I find the fact that Masood had such a long conversation with the man who should have been arrested hours earlier quite bizarre to say the least, but anything goes in Eastenders! Soon, however, disaster strikes - the type of disaster that can only be expected in a soap such as Eastenders - a fire!

After knocking Masood out, Yusef sets the room alight, resulting in a major panic. When the fire is put out, however, one cannot help but laugh at the reaction. There are people still in the house - Masood, Denise, Phil - yet everyone heads over to the Queen Vic, including Zainab, who was screaming with panic only minutes before, and can't even wait for the love of her life to get out of the house.

There's some divilment going on throughout the night, however, as Patrick and Anthony are dealing with fireworks, conveniently left in the house, and ready to explode at any moment. As it is Eastenders, that's exactly what happens, trapping Masood, Denise and Phil inside. Well, they should have gotten out, and waited for the firemen to declare the house safe to go into!

pic: google images

Funnily enough, after Yusef gloats to Zainab, and she so cruelly tells him Afia is in there, both he and Tamwar are able to get inside the house, even though nobody is able to get out. There is a touching moment where Masood does his best to rescue Yusef from the fire, despite him screaming like a madman and puting his own life in danger for his daughter.

Here's where the drama gets even thicker. Masood, Phil and Denise get out safely, though Phil takes a heart attack once he saves himself and Denise from the flames. Tamwar, eventually gets out, though not so safely as it seems he is very badly burnt. Yusef, after hearing Afia screaming to him from outside, realises that she is safe. The floor colapses beneath him, and it looks as though he's done for.

So the time draws near. We'll soon find out whether he lives or dies. Will he die and free Zainab from their marriage so she can be reunited witht he man she truly loves? Will he live and torture her again, ruining her life and manipulating her? Perhaps his body won't be found. Maybe he'll have freed himself and disappeared for a while, only to return in a month's time and cause more trouble. This would certainly provide some interesting drama in Walford.

Then there's the fact that whatever happens to him, and Tamwar, is on Zainab's conscience. She's the one who lied and said Afia was in the fire. If Tamwar dies, how will she live with herself? How will her family forgive her? How will Afia react? And if Yusef does come back, will his daughter's loyalties lie with him, or her husband's family, whether Tam is alive or not? I personally can't wait to see what happens.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

It'll Be Lonely This Christmas Without Galway

First published in Studenty Galway on 21 Dec 2011


President Michael D. Higgins has admitted that he feels a bit homesick in the Aras, saying that he found it "a bit tough" to leave his native county, Galway.

After the election, Higgins had to leave his home quite quickly and move into Aras an Uachtaran, as there was a very short period between election result and inaugration.

"I left Galway quite suddenly," Michael D. told Vincent Browne this morning, "because the election had been pushed out a week because of the referendums and that meant you had a shorter period between the result of the election and the inauguration than you’d normally have. So I just really hadn’t a chance to pack very quickly."

Image: Journal.ie

His wife Sabina, however, has settled into her new life in her new home quite quickly, saying she was eased into it by the staff: "We were eased into it by all the staff. The house has a life of its own, an activity and a rhythm all of its own, and it’s all geared towards the Presidency….Michael was missing Galway a lot because I had a bit more time. I didn’t realise it at first that there was a part of the house that was our house, private, you know. And that would be our home and Michael must think of coming home to there."

Michael D. Higgins has returned home since, to attend two matches. He found these occasions to be very valuable to him: "I was down in Galway since for a Galway United match, about which we won’t say much...and for the Connacht Toulouse Heineken cup match, and they were very valuable."

So Christmas at the Aras, with its large rooms, and impressive demeanor, may be slightly sad for our new President. He may be on the other side of the country, but that can feel like the other side of the world if its not home.

Lets hope he settles in soon, and enjoys his Christmas. But then again, who wouldn't miss Galway?

21 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Pickpockets Travel From Dublin to Target Galway Shoppers

First published on Studenty Galway on 20 Dec 2011.

TWO PICKPOCKETS were jailed for seven months yesterday, following a number of thefts on Galway Shoppers.

Stanka Deneva (21) and Mariyana Petrova (33), from Bulgaria, claimed to be staying in a hostel in Dublin city.

The two were caught on CCTV stealing women’s purses in discount stores in Galway city.

The first incident was on December 13 in the €2 shop, Englington Street. One of the women distracted a shopper, while the other stole her purse, which was worth €10 and contained €200.

The two women returned to Dublin that evening, travelling back to Galway the next day, where they reversed roles, and stole another purse worth €50 and containing €240. This incident occurred in the €2 at Mainguard Street.

The two women are professional pickpockets, and are part of a wider pick-pocketing organisation. Both women claim to have children in Bulgaria, and said that they came to Galway to find work.

Judge Mary Fahy sentenced the two women to a total of seven months in prison.

Shoppers should be aware of their belongings at all times. Do not keep purses in pockets or bags that you can’t see, and be cautious in large crowds of people.

There are a number of professional pickpockets on the prowl, especially at this time of year, when people are doing their Christmas shopping. They mainly target busy shops, and prey on unsuspecting people.

Similar incidents occurred in the first week of October, on the University Road. The targets were NUIG students, and predominantly female. A large number of purses were stolen, and on one day alone, the number of stolen purses came up to 14.

Earlier in the month, Gardai advised Galway shoppers to be extra vigilant with their belongings, and alerted the public that opportunistic thieves are on the move.

The public would do well to heed this warning while doing their last-minute Christmas shopping.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Image: Google Images

Baby Jesus Found in People's Park

First published on Studenty Waterford on 20 Dec 2011

THE STATUE of the Baby Jesus which was stolen from an outdoor crib in Waterford City was recovered earlier today.

The statue was stolen in the early hours of yesterday morning from the crib outside the Cathedral on Barronstrand Street.

A similar statue to the one in question.
Image: Journal.ie

Local clergy appealed for its return earlier this afternoon, and a big search was carried out in the city.

The statue was found at the People’s Park, about 1km away from the crib from which is was stolen. It is said to have been badly damaged.

The Baby Jesus, which was found by a passer-by, was handed in to the police and was broken in a number of places.

Local priest, Fr. Gerry Langford  said that somebody may have stolen the statue in “a moment of madness”, and earlier appealed for its safe return, promising that “no questions would be asked”.

The open-air crib had been built by local FAS workers, and was opened two weeks ago. This was the city’s first time to display an outdoor crib.

Gardaí were earlier checking CCTV footage in an attempt to find out who had stolen the statue.

Attempts will be made tomorrow to but the statue back together and return it to it’s crib.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Baby Jesus Missing in Waterford

First Published on Studenty Waterford on 20 Dec 2011

Gardaí have launched an investigation into the theft of a life-sized statue of the Baby Jesus from a public crib in Waterford City.

The Baby Jesus was stolen from his crib between Sunday night, and early Monday morning, in what the local priest calls a “moment of madness”.

Fr. Gerry Langford is appealing to the thief for the safe return of the statue, which was blessed on December 8 before being placed in it’s crib, following a ceremony.

Image: RTE

The crib, along with the figures in it, were made by local FAS workers.

It was decided that the Baby Jesus be put in the crib before 25 December, as there was such a great reception from the public.

This is the first time the city has ever had an outdoor crib. It was officially opened on 8 December, and was left unprotected.

It is possible that the theft was merely a prank, and that the statue was taken in good fun, and the church have a “plan B” if the statue is not found.

However, the Cathedral would like to have the original statue back by Christmas Eve.

Gardaí are examining CCTV footage from the area, in the hope of finding out who is behind the theft.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Album Review: It’s Time by Oddsocks Revival

First published in Sin Newspaper on 14 Nov 2011

“Album reviewer urgently required! Due this evening,” said our editor. Soon enough, I found myself leaving her office with the album in my hand. And man, was I blown away when I plugged in my headphones and had a listen!

The album in question is none other than It’s Time by a band called Oddsocks Revival, based in Sligo. The band has been going since 2003, and combines a variety of music genres, making a deliciously original blend of humbucking blues, dirty funk grooves, and classic rock. The line up is Anthony Mannion (lead guitar/vocals), Luke Mercer (lead guitar/vocals), Michael Conefrey (bass/vocals) and Eoghan O’Kelly (drums/vocals). Oddsocks Revival have a unique sound that sets them apart from the rest of the music world – and in the best way possible. With twin lead guitars that emit the most amazing and complex riffs, powerful four part harmonies, funky bass lines, damn good drum beats and, of course, a truly amazing lead singer, this band is bound to keep you entertained.

Image: Google Images

It’s Time blew me away with its catchy melodies, funky bass lines, and epic choruses. What is really impressive about this album, and the band in general, are the huge four part harmonies that remind me of classic rock bands of the 70’s and 80’s – decades which were nothing short of spectacular in terms of rock. That spectacular element has been brought into the current decade with Oddsocks Revival. The song, ‘East of Jackson’ has an intro to rival the likes of Status Quo, vocal harmonies that recall Kansas in ‘Carry On My Wayward Son.’ This isn’t the only song on the album that made me thing of some of the world’s most loved rock bands and performers! ‘Stiletto Heels’ is quite redolent of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, with its cool, laid-back, blues rhythm and the excellent rock voice of the lead singer. Though there is a feel for numerous amazing bands of the past, and a blend of fantastic music styles, this album shows Oddsocks Revival’s unique style and originality. Oddsocks Revival are definitely a band worth listening to, and will be playing here in NUIG on 29 November in the College Bar, all thanks to the lovely people at Rock Soc. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are only €5 and are available from the Socsbox, or at the door on the night.

If this review hasn’t convinced you, check out their official website:
http://www.oddsocksrevival.com/

14 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Christmas Movie Review: Home Alone

First published in Sin Newspaper on 14 Nov 2011


Home Alone is a film we all remember from our childhood. Watching Macaulay Culkin play the role of Kevin, and outsmart a couple of nasty burglars made us all, at some stage in our childhood, feel like we could beat up adults.

The film tells the far-fetched story of Kevin, an eight-year-old kid, who is left behind when his very large family go on a Christmas holiday to France. Once she realises she’s left her baby behind, Kevin’s mother tries desperately to get back to him as soon as possible.

Image: Google Images

Meanwhile, Kevin has adventures of his own. He eats whatever he wants, watches whatever he wants on television, and just generally has a ball. As well as all of this, he has two burglars to contend with. The “wet bandits,” Harry and Marv are breaking into as many houses as possible in this rich neighbourhood, but when they reach Kevin’s house, they’re in for a surprise. Still, they don’t give up, and go through quite a lot just to rob that one house.

Any ordinary kid would call the police, but there’s no fun in that, and Kevin certainly comes up with better ideas. He outwit’s the burglars in numerous ways, which is the real draw for children - an eight-year-old who can conquer the adults.

Fun as the film is, it contains quite a lot of violence, and to be quite honest, I’m surprised the two burglars were alive at the end of it. They trip down stairs, get burnt, hit with very heavy objects, step on sharp things (strategically placed by Kevin), and go through many other forms of pain while navigating a large obstacle course of traps.

Naturally, Kevin is reunited with his family, but don’t worry, there are two sequels of Kevin’s adventures. This is definitely a “don’t-try-this-at-home” kind of film, but I’m sure we can all see the appeal for children.

“Keep the change… You filthy animal!”

14 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

The Saw Doctors Go 'Downtown' For a Christmas Number One

Published on Campus.ie on 6 Dec 2011.

After filming the video for their new single, Downtown, the Saw Doctors had a new destination to aim for - the Christmas number one.

The campaign to make The Saw Doctors ft. Petula Clark’s ‘Downtown’ a Christmas Number One was started by Ray Foley who championed the single on his lunchtime show on Today FM.

Last year, we almost had an Irish song for the Christmas number one, when the Rubberbandits had the whole country insulting each other’s cars, and bragging about the ‘horse outside’.

This year Ireland is back with a bang, now that the popular Irish group have teamed up with renowned artist, Petula Clark, to do a take on her 1965 hit, Downtown.

Pic: Google Images

The video for this song was filmed in our very own Galway city. If anyone was around on the 9 and 10 November, you may have seen the Saw Doctors running around Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street.

The video is produced and directed by Eugene O’ Connor, who also directed Irish classics, Father Ted, and Kilnascully. The video can currently be seen on The Saw Doctors’ Youtube channel, and after a week on the internet, it has already clocked up over 35,000 views.

The song has been a favourite of the band’s for a long time now, and has received such a great response from their audiences that they decided to record it.

On approaching Petula Clark, they found that she would be more than delighted to record a duet with them, and she has also recently filmed her own part of the video in the city of Paris.

The Saw Doctors’ will have a difficult journey to the top, with contenders such as Nirvana’s ‘Teen Spirit’ to compete with, not to mention the X-Factor winner, but if more people join the campaign, Ireland may stand a chance of getting the most coveted number one spot of the year.

The X-Factor winners have been ruling the Christmas charts in Ireland and Britain since 2005 - with the exception of 2009 when Rage Against the Machine beat Joe McEldery to the top with ‘Killing in the Name’. Perhaps its time for a change.

The song will be available for download on 9 December, so get behind The Saw Doctors and let’s get Ireland a Christmas number one.

6 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

NUI Galway Home to Exclusive Northern Ireland Archive

Published in Sin newspaper on 21 November 2011.



NUI Galway are to launch the Brendan Duddy Archive on Tuesday 22 November, following a half-day symposium ‘Negotiating Peace’.

The papers of Brendan Duddy, which were deposited at NUI Galway in 2009, provide a unique insight into the resolution of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The Duddy archive includes coded diaries of contact and messages exchanged between the British Government and the leaders of the IRA, who were secretly in contact through Duddy at various points between 1973 and 1993.

The Duddy papers are directly related to the papers of Ruairí Brádaigh, former president of Sinn Féin, which are also held in the James Hardiman Library. Together, these archives constitute one of the most important sources for understanding the attempts to resolve conflict in Ireland that culminated in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

Dr. Niall Ó Dochartaigh said of the papers “They show the remarkable persistence and consistency of Brendan Duddy’s conviction that the conflict could only be ended through a negotiated settlement that included the Provisionals. From the early 1970s Brendan Duddy worked determinedly and in complete secrecy to try to draw the two sides closer together, a lifetime’s work that eventually came to fruition in the negotiated settlement of the late 1990s.”

Also included in the archives are several hours of filmed interviews with Brendan Duddy by Dr. Niall Ó Dochartaigh. These interviews cover key historical events in which Brendan Duddy was involved.

NUI Galway’s School of Political Science and Sociology and the University of Ulster’s International Conflict Research Centre (INCORE) have collaborated to make a selection of primary documents available freely online through CAIN (University of Ulster’s Conflict Archive) and NUI Galway’s library website.

University Librarian at NUI Galway, John Cox commented “The deposit of the papers at NUI Galway is thanks to the generosity and kindness of Brendan Duddy and his family who placed a great deal of trust in the University and its archive services to take care of the papers. This is a very significant addition to our archival collection.”

The Negotiating Peace symposium is to include speakers such as BBC investigative reporter Peter Taylor; former senior Irish diplomat Seán Ó hUiginn; former senior British government official Mechael Oatley; and Professor Paul Arthur, Honorary Associate at INCORE.

The symposium will be held on Tuesday 22 November at 2.30pm in The View, Bailey Allen Hall, followed by the launch of the Brendan Duddy Archive at 4.30pm in Aula Maxima, with a reception at 6.00pm. Numbers at the symposium are limited, so register at www.conference.ie to ensure a place.

21 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Galway in line for Public Bike Scheme

Published in Sin newspaper on 21 November 2011. I also wrote a separate article for The Galway City Tribune which can be found here.


A public bike symposium was held in NUI Galway on Tuesday 15 November last, to gauge the appetite locally for a public bike scheme.


The event was opened by Minister for Public Transport, Alan Kelly TD, and attended by a number of business interests, elected representatives, members of the public and civic society, and some of Galway’s key stakeholders.

This was the last of four symposiums that have taken place following the announcement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Alan Kelly of the Government’s commitment to exploring the rollout of a public bike scheme to regional cities.

Speaking at the symposium on Tuesday morning, Minister Kelly said, “The government believe public bike schemes in Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Cork will enhance the city centres.”

The Dublin Bike Scheme has been a resounding success since its launch in September 2009, with over 63,000 members, and more than 2.5 million journeys taken, so the government hope to make it a success in regional cities too.

A recently published report carried out by the NTA revealed that a similar bike scheme in Galway would require between 200 and 250 bikes over 23 docking stations within a four kilometre square area around the city. 

“Such a scheme has been tentatively costed at €1.7m in capital,” said Anne Graham of the National Transport Authority (NTA), “and almost €4m in operating costs over 15 years plus the apportioned cost of a national control centre.”

There are a number of reasons why a bike scheme would benefit Galway city. This is a sustainable transport that is efficient and easy to use. It would allow users to avoid the heavy traffic congestion and high parking costs of Galway city.

The scheme, if introduced would benefit Galway’s large student population greatly, giving them a means of travel that is faster than walking, more eco-friendly than driving, and an excellent way to keep fit and healthy. It will also help to combat the rising obesity levels in Ireland’s young people.

Membership to the bike scheme is extremely cheap, with a three-day cost of €2 and an annual membership of €10. Rental without membership is also extremely cheap, with the first half hour of travel costing nothing.

Galway is a very cycle-friendly city, as it is so compact and is well suited to a bike-sharing scheme. This is an affordable, efficient means of travel, aiming to get as many cars as possible off the road, and people back on bikes and public transport.

21 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

'Mammy, I'm afraid of my Daddy.'

RESEARCH has shown that there is a link between child abuse and domestic violence. The Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline received 1,658 calls relating to incidents of child abuse in 2010.

Children “are the silent, unseen and unheard victims of domestic violence in modern day Ireland”, said a Women’s Aid spokesperson today (Thursday 24 November).

“The Government needs to apply the best practice principle of protecting the child through the protection and support of the non-abusive parent,” said Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid, at the launch of the 16 Days of Action campaign. “The principle needs to be acknowledged and reflected in any new child protection structures and any review of Family Law and domestic violence legislation.

“For many women who call Women’s Aid, protecting their children is a constant worry,” Ms Martin continued, “It is heartbreaking to listen to women who, with their children are living in a state of fear.”

The current recession has made it more difficult for women to help themselves. Their options have been greatly reduced and they find themselves trapped in relationships built on fear and violence.

Women's Aid. Pic: Google Images

“I wanted to leave, but he told me time and time again, ‘If you ever leave me, I’ll make sure you never see your daughter again’. At times I thought of killing myself. I felt totally trapped. It’s only for my children that I kept myself going.

“The turning point came when my son said to me one day ‘Mammy, I’m afraid of my Daddy’. I knew I had to leave.”  - Alison

“He would slap the children, he said that children needed to be slapped or they would never learn discipline, but it didn’t seem to be about discipline, it was about humiliating them. I will never forget the first time he took Ann into the hall, held her arm so tight and started slapping her on the bottom. I told him to stop, but now I’m at my wits end trying to find ways to protect the children and I got the look, the one that told me, don’t you start.” – Elizabeth.

These are the words of only two of the women who called Women’s Aid. Domestic violence is the most common context in which child abuse takes place, and exposure to domestic violence is recognised as a form of emotional abuse, affecting the child’s well-being.

In 2010 there were 1,658 incidents of child abuse reported to Women’s Aid. The main tactics of abuse were abusers smacking and hitting children with household items; abusers physically or sexually abusing children; abusers constantly shouting in children’s faces.

In addition to these, another 3,014 disclosed that children were living with domestic violence against their mother.

At the launch, Ms Martin said that she was deeply worried about the effect that the 2012 budget would have on women living in such conditions.

Women’s Aid is the only free service available to these women and has already been affected by a number of cuts. Refuges are finding it increasingly difficult to accommodate the women and children that need them, and further cuts will mean putting women and children who are being abused at risk.

Women’s Aid National Freephone service relies very much on public donations. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so at www.womensaid.ie or by sending donations to Women’s Aid, Everton House, 47 Old Cabra Road, Dublin 7.

The Women’s Aid Helpline is open from 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week: 1800 341 900.

24 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Lost Dog Turns up on NUI Galway Campus

This article was published on pets.ie on 28 November 2011.

On Tuesday 18 October, a dog, which had run from it's home in Salthill, was found on the NUI Galway campus.

The dog in question had been spotted by numerous students, but none of these attempted to find out where she had come from.

Fortunately, the phone number of her owner was engraved into the tag on her collar, and she was soon brought home.

"This isn't the first time she's run away, and it certainly won't be the last," said a very relieved owner, after being reunited with his pet, "she can run for miles."

Lost dogs - or indeed lost pets in general - are common around Galway.

Pic from Pets.ie

Margaret O' Sullivan, a spokesperson for the Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) said that there are, on average, ten lost pets reported every day, or 60 per week. It is very uncommon for these pets to be reunited with their owners.

According to the GSPCA, the number of lost pets has gone up in the past two or three years, and not all of them are genuine cases. These days, because of the recession, many people cannot afford to keep their pets.

"A lot of pets are discarded, not lost," says Margaret, "People often come to us with a dog and say its lost, but we can tell by the dog's reaction to the person that the animal belongs to them."

However, the GSPCA cannot turn away an animal in need. Lost or discarded pets are kept in the sanctuary, put into foster care, or re-homed. If they aren't re-homed, the animals live in the sanctuary for the rest of their lives.

So what can you do to avoid losing your pet?

"The biggest problem with dogs," Margaret continues, "is that they have no ID. They're not micro-chipped, so its very hard to find the owner.

"Even if you write your phone number on the inside of the dog's collar in felt tipped pen, it makes it easier for us to find their owners.

"We would recommend - with the amount of dogs being stolen and sold - to micro-chip them. There's a fair good chance it will end up in a vet."

The dog that was found wandering around the NUI Galway campus was lucky, as her owner had identification on her collar, but not all lost dogs have ID. So what should you do if you see a pet wandering around campus?

"If you see a dog wandering around, watch it," Margaret advises, "It may not be lost. If its there 24 hours later, its probably a lost dog.

"People often let their dogs wander, so look at the dogs condition. If its in good condition, its probably just out for a stroll. If its in bad condition, contact us with the details."

There was also a marked increase in the number of lost dogs over Halloween because of fireworks, which proves that putting identification on your dog's collar can be very beneficial, not only to you, but to the dog, and to the GSPCA who have to raise €20,000 a month to run the sanctuary.

The GSPCA are looking for volunteers for their Church Gate Collection this December. The collection will take place on 11 and 12 December. So if you're staying in Galway this Christmas, and would like to help raise money for a good cause, contact the GSPCA on 091563631.

24 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Campus Hit by Spate of Pick-Pocket Type Thefts

Published in the Galway City Tribune on 18 November 2011


NUI Galway has been hit by a spate of personal thefts, with 15 wallets and purses reported stolen from the environs of the campus on a single day.

The pickpocket-style thefts are understood to have occurred in daylight hours in the vicinity of University Road and Gardaí have warned students to stop "making themselves targets" by not closing their backpacks properly.

The victims of the crimes have been students of NUI Galway and have been pre-dominantly female, according to the Garda and security at the University which have both received complaints in relation to the thefts.

Head of security at NUI Galway Gerry Nolan has issued advice to students following the spate of thefts. "Most incidents involved money secured in the pockets of backpacks worn over the shoulder and out of sight," he said.

"Students should remains vigilant, refrain from storing items of value in bags that are not completely out of sight and report any incidents of theft to the Garda directly."

A spokesperson for the Garda advised students to be "more careful about the manner in which they secure their belongings". Students should prevent "making themselves targets by no closing their backpacks properly", he added.

There have been no arrests in connection with to date, however gardaí are carrying out ongoing patrols of the area.

Mr. Nolan said that the University had only ever experienced incidents of theft on this scale in the form of bicycle thefts.

18 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson and Louise France

Bike Scheme Aims to Reduce Cars on City Roads

Published in the Galway City Tribune on 18 November 2011.

Cost for cyclists in Galway may be as little as €10 a year.

CYCLISTS may be able to avail of a bike rental scheme in Galway city for as little as €10 per year next summer, according to a public bike symposium at NUI Galway earlier this week.

The symposium was one of four held in cities across Ireland this month by Minister of State at the Department of Transport Alan Kelly in order to gauge the level of interest in such schemes from local stakeholders.

A feasibility report commissioned by the Department of Transport to explore the potential for rolling out bike rental schemes in regional cities this year found that Galway was the city most suitable for such a scheme.

Speaking at the symposium, Minister Kelly said: "The Government believes public bike schemes in Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Cork will enhance the city centres."

The Dublin bikes scheme in the capital had proven to be a resounding success since its launch in 2009, he said, and it now boasted more than 63,000 members with over 2.5 million journeys having been made by users.

Bicycles parked outside the Arts Millennium Building 

at NUI Galway during the Public Bike Schemes Symposium. 

Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy. 

A recently-published report carried out by National Transport Authority (NTA) revealed that a similar bike scheme in Galway would require between 200 and 250 bikes over 23 docking stations within a four square kilometre area around the city.

"Such a scheme has been tentatively costed at €1.7m in capital," and Anne Graham of the NTA, "and almost €4m in operating costs over 15 years plus the apportioned cost of a national control centre.

"There are a number of reasons why a bike scheme would benefit Galway city. This is a sustainable transport that is efficient and easy to use. It would allow users to avoid the heavy traffic congestion and high parking costs of Galway city," she explained.

The symposium was told that membership of the bike scheme could be expected to be extremely economical, with a 3-day cost of €2 and annual membership of €10. Rental without membership would also be likely to be cheap, with the first hald hour of travel costing nothing.

Ms. Graham said that Galway is a very cycle-friendly city, as it is so compact and well suited to a bike-sharing scheme.

She described the scheme as an affordable, efficient means of travel, which aimed to get as many cars as possible off the road and people back on bikes and public transport.

The Galway Cycling Campaign has warmly welcomed the Government's interest in extending the bike share schemes to Galway and other cities, but has warned that a hard-nosed and holistic approach is needed to maximise the benefits.

"It has to operate as 'national' membership," said Oisin O'Nidh, campaign PRO, "a Dublin bike user should be able to get off the train and use a Galway bike and vice versa - membership of one bikeshare scheme should entitle the user to use all schemes."

The cyclists also stress that new design guidance will be needed to deliver the necessary infrastructural changed recommended by the consultants.

Campaign chair Shane Foran pointed out: "This is a bigger issue than bikeshare, in Ireland we also need guidance on suitable road widths in towns, advice on making traffic calming cyclist-friendly and safer layouts at traffic signals. These are all matters that are not well treated in current NTA guidance. Adopting outside design guidance in support of bikeshare will provide other vital tools to promote cycling."

18 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

"We had Simple Christmases, but Good Christmases"

Christmas. It seems the festival comes earlier and earlier each year. Halloween was barely a fortnight ago, yet it seems that the spooky Halloween paraphernalia have been taken down, only to be immediately replaced with the Christmas decorations.

Christmas is upon us already, even though December 25 is still almost two months away. The joyful anticipation has been stolen from us, and Christmas has been commercialised to the extent that many of us are bored of it by December.

Pic: Google images

Remember the old days? Those magical Christmas moments: flicking through toy catalogues; writing Santy letters; hanging stockings on Christmas Eve; queuing for ages to visit strange, bearded frauds dressed in red; trying to stay awake all night, hoping to hear the tinkling of bells, the prancing of hooves on the roof, or even a distant “ho, ho, ho!”; leaving carrots and mince pies by the fireplace; sneaking to the Christmas tree to check on the presents.

Those were the days - for my generation at least. Christmas, when the Celtic Tiger was still alive, was magical. We’ve reached the stage of depression, where stores start trying to push the expenses of Christmas on us from the first of November, or in some cases, some time in mid-October.

Is this how it was before the Celtic Tiger? Was this how it was before we were even born? To get an idea of Christmas in the 60’s and 70’s - before the recession, before the Celtic Tiger, and even before the big recession of the 80’s - I asked my father what Christmas meant to his family when they were children. Born into a family of seven kids, Christmases for him were far from the expensive affairs that define Christmases of today.

“Christmas came once a year,” I was told, “and you never heard about it until three or four weeks beforehand. It was a much simpler affair - nothing like today. Today is really commercialised.”

Christmas wasn’t such a big event back then - not like today where Christmas goes on for two months. Today if you turn on the television in November, you’re guaranteed to see a number of Christmas ads. This wasn’t the case back in the 60’s and 70’s until December, which was when the shop windows would have a display of toys.

Pic: Google images

“We used to look in the shop windows at the toys, dreaming that maybe Santy would bring us that,” my father reminisced. “Little did we know, our mother would go down to the shop and ask for toys to be put aside for us, if she could afford them.”

The shops displayed a variety of traditional toys - “stuff you’d see in antique shops today” - including dinky toys, corgi rockets, clockwork trains, and a variety of other toys.

“We used to get small presents,” my father continued, “cowboy hats, toy guns, books, jigsaws. We always got a Christmas annual - the Dandy, the Beano, Batman, or Superman. I got a spinning top one time - all very basic toys.

“The presents were wrapped in brown paper and hidden under our beds. We had stockings too with something small - money sometimes, or fruit. I got a rubber monkey in mine one year.”

These were toys that the children of today - so used to video games and electronic toys - would find boring. This wasn’t so back in the day. Toys were appreciated and loved, and never taken for granted, and my father can remember many of the toys that brought him hours of enjoyment as a child.”

“We played with our presents all year long,” he informed me, “even though they were very basic toys. I always seemed to get a gun at Christmas. I loved playing cowboys.

Pic: Google images

“Another year I got a Santa Fe Train, which was battery operated, but on Christmas day I had no batteries for it so I couldn’t use it until the next day. Denis [his older brother] got a black train like a Cannonball Express - a slightly better train than mine. It must have been a prosperous year that year. These toys would cost about five pounds, which was a lot of money back then.”

The conversation soon moved on to Christmas decorations and how elaborate they are in the present time. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, shops were decorated, but this certainly wasn’t on the first day of November, as was the case this year. Homes were decorated simply, rather than covered from roof to floor with decorations - everybody knows that house that is the tourist attraction of the neighbourhood at Christmas!

“We had paper decorations hung from the ceiling,” my father said, “and a paper, fold-out star that fitted over the light in the hall. We had a real Christmas tree every year up until the 1970s when my mother bought an artificial tree because the real ones left needles all over the floor. The fire in the sitting room was lit at Christmas too.”

One thing that my dad said that sticks in my mind is: “We had simple Christmases, but good Christmases. We always looked forward to it.” I can’t help but feel that the chance to ‘look forward’ to Christmas has been robbed from us.

Gone are the days where families could hardly wait to get the dusty old tree down from the attic on the eight of December. Dead are the days of ‘looking forward’ to Christmas. Unfortunately, we’ve reached an era where Christmas sneaks up on us unexpectedly, whilst out for a morning stroll. It has almost become a chore. There’s no way of escaping it. We can only embrace it, and try to enjoy the two months for which it will last.

14 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Your Health is Your Wealth

A shorter version of this article was published in Sin Newspaper under the title How to 'B' Healthy. This was published on 1 November 2011.

So, Healthy Living Week was last week, but how many of us managed to live healthily? They say “Your health is your wealth”, but can this proverb be taken literally? After all, healthy food can cost quite a bit more than the unhealthy alternative.

But can we really put a price on our health? I spoke to nutritional therapist, acupuncturist, and bio-resonance practitioner, Laura Thompson, from Healthy Options, 3 Main Street Longford, on the subject, and she gave me quite a bit of useful information, which I shall pass on to you presently!

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. “The body is like a network of tiny engines,” Laura tells me, “with some working in unison and some independently. All are on call for 24 hours a day. If these engines are to function correctly, they must have the right fuel. The wrong fuel will cause the engine to sputter and lose power. No fuel at all and the engine will stop. Likewise, if we want to be healthy with an abundance of energy, we must be selective of the type of fuel we feed our bodies.”

Every year, obesity becomes worse and worse. Ill health and weight problems are linked to the amount of junk and toxic-laden foods we consume. To stay healthy, we need to discipline ourselves to eat a varied diet - pizza, beans on toast, fry-ups, none of these foods, no matter how quick, cheap and easy, will do our bodies any favours. Self respect is vital. If you respect your body, you will want to nourish it.

So what about vitamin supplements? When I asked Laura what the best supplements to take would be, she recommended a good multi B complex. “Your B vitamins are very important for your energy levels, but they’re also very important for your mental energy as well, and obviously being a student, you’re going to need to be able to concentrate. They’re also very important for the conversion of fat into energy, so they play a role also in your metabolism, and they also help you to absorb iron. The problem with B vitamins is they tend to be water soluble, so the body doesn‘t store it, so you need to get it into your system on a regular basis.” So, if you want to take a supplement, and only one supplement, go for a multi B complex.

Winter is coming, and I asked Laura her advice on getting our immune systems boosted and ready to fight off the colds and flus that this season always brings with it. “Your vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin,” says Laura. “you can actually buy a mega B complex which also has 1000mg of vitamin C as well.” So, this has not only the B vitamins our bodies crave, but vitamin C too, which will help us fight off bugs in the winter months, and this is also quite affordable for students.

“Obviously your diet is very important, and its important to eat hot foods,” Laura continues, “try to have lots of soups and casseroles and stews. I know students generally don’t like cooking, but you could always make a really big pot of soup, or casserole, and have it over a period of a few days.”

Obviously the exams are coming up before Christmas, so now is the time to get your brain ready. I asked Laura for her advice on combating stress. Again, the magical B vitamin is advised, as it helps your mental health, but if you want a little extra coming up to exam time, try some fish oils, such as omega 3. “We’ve all heard of the salmon of knowledge,” Laura tells me, “and there’s a lot of truth to the story. Fish oils are very important for your memory and concentration, and they also help your recall. People have a lot of knowledge in their heads, but trying to recall it when you’re under pressure can often be difficult. So taking your fish oils is very important. Omega 3 is also a feel good fish oil. They make you feel happier in yourself, and help prevent depression. That would be my favourite one for students.”

There are some vitamin supplements designed specifically for exams, and one of these is called Balance for Nerves. But what is it? “Balance for Nerves,” Laura informs me, “is made up of amino acids and B vitamins, and its really to help your concentration levels when you’re stressed. You can have great concentration and great recall, but add a bit of stress to that and it becomes difficult to get that information from your head and onto the paper.” And some extremely important advice when taking these: “Don’t wait until the day before your exam to take it. Now is the time to really start looking for these things and get a build up of them in your system.”

So, what I gathered from this interview is basically the following: take vitamin B!! It converts fat to energy, it helps concentration, it gives you energy, it helps your metabolism, and in turn your weight, it prevents depression, there’s one kind that has vitamin C which helps the immune system, its affordable, it combats stress, and the best part? Its not even a drug so its perfectly safe to take!

Laura’s top tips for a healthier lifestyle:

• Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is essential for a healthy body. Try to add fruit to your daily diet - even if its just a glass of fruit juice or a topping for your cereal.
• Try to cut out all highly processed foods, which contain a high amount of hidden salt and sugar.
• Look for foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds and some grains. These are vital for healthy brain function, good metabolism and great skin.
• When looking for a good source of energy, turn to the wholegrain variety of carbohydrates, instead of energy drinks, chocolate or sugar.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try to have a wholegrain cereal such as oats or wheat. Avoid the over-processed sugary cereal such as the frosted or chocolate varieties.
• Stay away from the frying pan and stick to grilling and steaming. This will help prevent obesity or disease.
• Cut down on salt as it causes fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Protein is vital for proper muscle and growth development, and should be consumed daily. Good quality sources of protein are met, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds.
• Another vital element to a healthy body is exercise. Try to be as active as you can and exercise daily. Try walking or cycling to college if you live nearby, rather than driving. Join a sports club, or go for a 30 minute walk in the evenings. Not only will exercise keep you in shape, it will also increase well-being, elevate moods and reduce anxiety and depression.

12 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

And He Will Always Be A Rock 'n' Roll Nerd

Tim Minchin at the Bulmers Comedy Festival

Published in Sin Newspaper on 1 Nov 2011.

Tim Minchin Showing a bit of passion while he plays.

The dry ice swirls across the stage, twisting its way around the Steinway piano that awaits its master’s touch. I sit in the seat directly in front of the piano stool. I’ve been at the venue since seven o’ clock, specifically to get this seat. Finally, at eight o’ clock, my hero strolls down through the hall and hops effortlessly onto the stage, to cheers and shouts from the audience.

“There’s a special elevator we’re supposed to go down,” he says, jovially, “but I couldn’t, so I walked all the way down here from my hotel room!” He then proceeds to feel his way along the curtain at the back of the stage, searching for an exit from the stage. “Do you know how to get off stage?” he asks an unseen man behind the curtains. “There’s a man off-stage who doesn’t even know how to get off stage!”

Soon he works his magic on the Steinway, playing sweet music for the ears of the hundreds of watching fans. He wears a white shirt, a black tie, black skinny jeans, and a suit jacket, which is soon removed. His hair is backcombed, as usual, and there is dark eye-liner around his eyes. As always, he plays the piano barefooted.

Not only is Tim a hilarious comedian, but he is a genius on the piano. As he breaks into ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Nerd’, I can’t help, as a pianist, wishing I had his skill - and his piano for that matter. The Steinway is considered the best piano in the world, and as he plays it, I can understand why. But enough ramblings about the piano, lets get back to the pianist!

An alarm goes off somewhere in the middle of the lounge, and Tim explains that it goes off when he’s telling a terrible long-winded joke, for which the punch line isn’t worth the time it takes to tell. “Which means,” he adds, “it will be going off a lot.” The audience bursts into laughter as he asks their forgiveness. He turns to the man on my left, “Man in a suit,” he implores, “forgive me?” The man in the suit nods, delighted to be acknowledged by his hero, and Tim returns to the piano, muttering “always so forgiving, the man in a suit”.

Tim leaps into the air, spins around and plays the final
note of 'Dark Side' with his foot!

Tim plays his way through a number of his songs, including ‘Context’, ‘Prejudice’ and ‘Storm’. Though he doesn’t play ‘Canvas Bags’ - one of my favourites - he plays ‘If I Didn’t Have You’ - a song dedicated to his wife, claiming that he’d have someone else if he didn’t have her. The song is made even funnier by the little wiggle he does between verses.

The finale, however, is the most impressive part of the show. He finishes on the same song he has finished on since he started performing solo six years ago. He jokes about trying to write a new song; “until finally, about three months ago… I gave up.” And why wouldn’t he? ‘Dark Side’ is probably his masterpiece. With fantastic solos, hilarious vocals and even a bit at the end where he jumps in the air, spins around, and uses his foot to play the final notes - true story!! Of course, he was called back for an encore, and played a truly beautiful song - ‘Not Perfect’

Apart from the four lads beside me in the front row who tried singing along, but hadn’t a note in their heads, this gig was definitely one of the best I’ve ever been to! Tim, you are my hero!!

1 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

An Audience With Brian Friel

I have written an article on Brian Friel for studentnews.ie. However, I also wrote a separate one for Sin newspaper. This was published on 1 Nov 2011.



“Is he Brian Friel?” my fellow journalist, Ian Colgan, whispered to me, during a speech a young debater was reciting to the audience. I laughed and wrote this in my reporter’s notebook immediately.

Brian Friel, renowned playwright from the north of Ireland was due to visit NUI Galway on Thursday 20 Oct, yet here we were in the middle of a debate about the occupation movement in Wall Street, Dame Street, and even Eyre Square, though I wouldn’t call that small number of tents much of a protest.

But the occupation movement is another story entirely. I walked into this mysterious world of “Lit ‘n’ Deb”, expecting to meet the author of plays many of use have studied, such as Philadelphia Here I Come, Dancing at Lughnasa, and Translations, and what I got was a debate based on a movement that had absolutely nothing to do with literature!

As riveting and interesting as this debate was, with its strange ways - dinging a bell at random moments, banging on tables and calling “hear, hear!” when someone said something they agreed with - I had to wait an hour to review the event I had come to review.

Finally, at eight o clock, Brian Friel arrived. Though I couldn’t question him, as he would not be taking questions, it was nice to sit back and just listen.

The playwright arrived, leaning on a black cane, with a fancy silver handle. He wore a smary grey suit and a checked shirt. He hobbled onto the stage, while the audience applauded him. There was a moment’s silence as he got his bearing, and then he spoke.

The "awfully coy picture" to which Friel referred.
Picture taken from here

He began by commenting on the “embarrassing title” of the talk, and the “awfully coy picture” of him which was projected onto the screen behind him, and had been taken 50 years previous.

Then came the important part - the reason we had all gathered in this hall and sat through a debate. The room went quiet and the playwright began to read. He read two extracts from his play, Making History. It certainly was an experience, sitting there, watching his hand gestures, taking in his change in manner as he swapped between the characters in the play. Here was the play, read aloud by the man who wrote it - the way it was supposed to be read.

The reading lasted 20 minutes or so, and Brian Friel was presented with an award before hobbling off the stage, again leaning on his cane. It is then that I got to meet the man, and I must admit he looked a lot more frail close up. He took my steady hand in his trembling one, and greeted me quietly, asking me to repeat my name a number of times, before signing the back of my reporters notebook. I left the hall feeling like I’d met a celebrity. I may have had to wait a little longer than expected, but I got what I came for.

1 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

NUI Galway Students are Targets for Theft

Published in Sin newspaper 25 Oct 2011. I collaborated with a colleague, Louise France for this one.



In recent weeks a spate or pick-pocketers have taken fifteen wallets and purses in the NUI Galway area. The incidents occurred off campus, on University Road, but those targeted were students of the college. The thefts took place during daylight hours and victims were predominantly female.

Gerry Nolan, head of Security at NUI Galway, says that the only other incidents of thefts on this scale have been bicycle thefts, “We have experienced bicycle theft to a similar degree but no other repeatable offences in such a short time frame so close to University premises.”

Despite the large number of thefts, only two were officially reported to Gardaí. As the incidents took place off campus all aspects of the investigation were handed over to Gardaí. Security services have provided them with all pertinent information and will continue to aid the investigation.

At the time of going to press there had been no further incidents reported. Gardaí are continuing to conduct regular patrols of the University Road area.

Gardaí have confirmed that there are currently no suspects for the thefts. If anyone has any information relating to the incidents contact Mill street Garda Station on 091 538000 or the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111.

This theft blitz brings up issues of personal security and how students can avoid being targeted.
The common habit of leaving purses in the outside pockets of back packs is a huge problem. These are some of the main targets for theft. These pockets can’t be seen by the back pack owner which makes it easy for thieves to take from them. The majority of thieves are masters of their art.

Gerry Nolan, gave the following advice for students: “As indicated in the circular we sent out, most incidents involved money secured in the pockets of back packs worn over the shoulder and out of sight. Please remain vigilant, refrain from storing items of value in bags you do not have complete sight of and report any incidents of theft to the Gardaí directly.”

A Garda source also spoke to Sin and advised students to be “more careful about the manner in which they secure their belongings.” He also warned against “making yourself a target by not closing your back pack properly” and stated that, while on campus last week he saw multiple students walking around with their backpacks open.

Keeping your backpack closed is definitely the best way to avoid losing your belongings. This is an obvious tip, but people have this mistake in the past and quite literally, paid dearly.

25 Oct 2011

by Jessica Thompson and Louise France

"Is he Brian Friel?"

Published on studentnews.ie, 25 Oct 2011

NUIG's Jessica Thompson reviews an event on campus titled 'An Audience with Brian Friel'.

I arrive at the almost packed Kirwan theatre, with my notepad, pen, recording device, and a bad-ass-journalist attitude, ready for two hours of Brian Friel. I find myself a seat beside a socket, where I can plug in my recorder, ready to pick up absolutely everything that Brian Friel will say, and I sit back and wait for him to arrive.

At approximately 19:10, I turn to my colleague, Ian Colgan, and note that the playwright is ’fashionably late’. It is at 19:15 when someone finally enters the hall, and it is now that I realise I’ve walked into a completely different world - the world of Lit and Deb.

When I say ‘fashionably  late’, I mean it literally. At 19:15, two students walk through the doors wearing robes. One has a long chain around his neck, symbolising his importance in this strange world into which my colleague and I have entered. In his hand, he carries a gavel. As he bangs this on the podium and calls for order, I think to myself, I may as well take all this in, it could be important.

I reach for my recently broken glasses, move my recorder away from the guy in front of me who is noisily chewing crisps, and eagerly scribble down everything I can take in. In doing this, I find I have attended a full-blown debate on the Occupation movement - where people all over the world occupy a street in protest, for example Wall Street, Dame Street, and even Eyre Square.

Interesting as all this is, I am still confused at the manner of the people involved. If someone says something that the rest agreed with, a sudden tapping - banging would probably better describe the action - of numerous hands on desks begins, along with cries of “Hear, hear!”. A bell ‘dings’ at what appear to be random moments, though I’m sure this means something to the debaters, and people jump up and down in their seats, hoping to ask a question before slumping back down after being dismissed.

It is halfway through the first speech that my colleague turns to me and whispers jokingly, “Is he Brian Friel?” Indeed, this isn’t what we had expected. The man standing before us discussing the Occupation movement is certainly not Brian Friel!

After about an hour, during which my colleague and I get the hang of the banging-tables-in-agreement thing, the debate ends, with a number of people raising their right hands and crying “aye!”, or their left hands and crying “nay!”. I raise my right hand and cry “Nay!”, and my left hand and call “Aye!” (just for the craic), and am immediately corrected on which hand I was raising!

Finally, at 20:00, Brian Friel arrives, hobbling into the hall, and leaning on a black cane, with a fancy silver handle. He wears a smart grey suit, and a checked shirt, and he stands before the many students who have awaited his arrival with anticipation. After a huge round of applause, there is a moment’s silence, during which Mr. Friel gets his bearings.

He begins his talk by commenting on the “embarrassing title” of the talk - ‘An Audience with Brian Friel’ - and the “awfully coy picture” of him on the screen, which had been taken 50 years pervious.

Then comes the serious part - the part we have all been waiting for. The room goes quiet, and Brian Friel reads to two extracts from his play Making History. It is certainly an experience to sit in the crowd and watch his hand gestures and how his manners change, when he reads out the lines of different characters. Here was the play, read out by the man who wrote it - the way it was supposed to be read.

Every now and then, he looks up at the audience, engaging them, and breaking down that barrier that dramatists would call ‘the fourth wall’ - an invisible wall between actor and audience. As I switch my attention from the man with the trembling hands to the audience, I can’t help but note that everyone is leaning forward, listening intently. Despite the large crowd, this experience has the friendly feel of a grandfather reading to his grandchildren.

The reading lasts a mere 20 minutes, and Brian Friel is presented with an award before hobbling off the stage, again leaning on his cane. It is then that I get to meet the man, and I must admit he looks a lot more frail close up. He takes my steady hand in his trembling one, and greets me quietly, asking me to repeat my name a number of times, before signing the back of my reporters notebook. I leave the hall feeling like I’ve met a celebrity. I may have had to wait a little longer than expected, but I’ve got what I came for.

Brian Friel. Picture taken from studentnews.ie

25 Oct 2011

by Jessica Thompson