University of Galway students prepared for their busiest week which commenced on Monday February 12.
Students’ calendars were fully booked out due to a three-in-one celebratory bundle; Pancake Tuesday, Valentine’s Day, and RAG Week with the added traditional bonus of Donegal Tuesday. RAG Week is a favourite week amongst new and returning students, but the seven-day streak is not dedicated solely to alcohol consumption.
SIN spoke with Dean Kenny, Student Union President in the University of Galway about this year’s chosen charities that were being supported, “The two charities this year are the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West.”
All the proceeds raised from RAG Week events went directly to the charities. Dean stated, “At the beginning of each new year, when the new Student Union Executive Committee takes office, applications are invited from any charities that wish to be considered to be one of the chosen.”
The committee consists of fourteen part-time officers and four full-time officers conduct a meeting to consider all applicants and make a choice on which two to choose.
There were numerous events being held all throughout the week. On Monday February 12, Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway teamed up for a pop-up clothes sale from 11am-3pm.
6pm-10pm was dedicated to a Fire Walk, “Students light a fire all together followed by a series of activities and techniques to prepare them for walking over the hot coals.” It was bound to be a fiery experience students would not forget. Tuesday February 13 held a Shave-off event and a Galentine’s brunch with Wednesday giving way to a Taylor Swift night.
Following the end of Valentine’s Day, Thursday February 15 held a five-a-side soccer tournament on the college green. It was a week full of unrest and bustling, but to the relief of students, Dean shared, “the week was rounded out with the RAG Recharge in which we organised a refreshing dip down in Blackrock and meditation and yoga activities that followed.”
Every RAG Week comes with the need to keep students safe. The Student Union advised students to “take it easy.” The continuous events and nights out meant students were wanting to try to go to every single event, but the Student Union urged against the pressure.
College brings new experiences, but in new experiences students are urged to keep safe. Dean urged, “Stay with friends, try to have a plan for your night out and know how you’re getting home.” The new Safezone App was encouraged if students needed to contact security on campus.
Lastly, Dean reminded that, “the sole purpose of RAG Week is exactly what those three letters stands for – Raise and Give. It’s about students coming together, getting involved in various events and raising loads of money for a great cause. People focus on the drinking culture, but neglect to acknowledge all the other positive things that go on.
“RAG Week is officially back for the first time in ten years and it’s a time when the Student Union, societies and more come together to make it a great week for the charities.”
Rachel Garvey is a Co-Editor for Features for Student Independent News for the year 2023/24. She works full-time, but dedicates her free time to writing and being involved in SIN. Rachel has been a contributor to SIN since 2017.